Camel's Hump Parking Lot for Monroe Trail

[marty]

Hi all,
I am looking to hike Camel's Hump via the Monroe Trail this summer, with an early start of around 6 am. The only time I previously hiked it was in winter and parked in the winter lot. There are two summer parking lots, but I am not sure if they are gated overnight and therefore inaccessible early in the morning.

Does anyone know if the road to the summer lots are gated overnight in the state park?

Thanks!
Marty

 

[Kevin Rooney]

They're not gated. No worries.

 

[marty]

Thanks Kevin!

Much appreciated.

Marty

 

[snoshoovt]

Agree with Kevin, no gating problem, you're good to go. Having said that, last weekend I noticed that there was a new gate in the open position across the road to the summer access (near the top of the Couching Lion summer trailhead access road) and have been meaning to email the Green Mountain Club about this. I'm sure it won't be in the closed position for your hike.
Enjoy!
John

 

[snoshoovt]

Monroe trailhead update

Following up on my previous comment: Today the new gate had a sign "Closed from dusk to dawn, if you need to have gate unlocked to get out, go to ranger cabin". The summit ranger said the gate is a response to vandalism in the upper parking lot. The new gate is between the two upper lots, so parking in the first one is an option if you arrive way late or want to leave at O-Dark-Thirty, but in light of the vandalism, I'd be reluctant to leave a car in the first lot outside the gate. Much better, I'd think, to change your schedule so you can leave car at the last lot beyond the gate if possible, if you want to avoid problems. If you really need to leave car in the lot outside the gate, I'd suggest calling the Green Mt Club to learn if there's been car vandalism vs. just a parking lot party.
Hope this helps.
John

 

[marty]

Thanks John. Went there today at 6:15 am. Gate was open and we got to the upper lot without a problem.

Best regards,
Marty