Ellen in Vermont

[erugs]

We are thinking of hiking Ellen this weekend, our first time there. Any suggestions on what not to miss (aside from the summit)?

 

[Chip]

Any suggestions on what not to miss (aside from the summit)?

How about Abraham ?

 

[peakbagger]

Ellen is a relatively short but steep hike from Mad River Gap. There are lots of ways of getting there from NH that are a lot quicker than what a GPS will calculate. If you have a delorme guide and dont mind driving up and over a few well maintained roads partially dirt roads you can save a lot of driving.

Adding on Abraham makes for a long day unless you car spot at Lincoln Gap. There is no water on the ridge except for the shleters on either end and wouldnt depend on the one between Ellen and Mad River Gap. The best view for Ellen is at the Ski Gondola, the summit is nothing special, just a high spot in the woods.

 

[Kevin Rooney]

I like to hike north from Lincoln Gap. That means you'll encounter Abraham first, and about 20 minutes north is a fine observation deck on the right for lunch. Ellen is not far off - if the weather's bad, you can take some shelter in the lift tower building. It's tiny, but dry.

If you have a car spot, continue north to the next gap - Appalachian. The ridge is the closest Vermont gets to a ridge walk. But -without a car spot, it's tough to hitchhike between the two gaps. (What NH calls "notches" VT calls "gaps".)

Another variation is hiking up the Jerusalem Trail from Lincoln. This means you'll encounter Ellen first, then do an over and back to Abraham, assuming you "need" it.

 

[erugs]

Thanks for the suggestions so far. We won't have two cars, so can't spot, unfortunately. We don't "need" Abraham, but are always looking for enjoyable hikes and hate to miss anything. I'm not sure I want the length an out-and-back to both peaks would bring as I'm having some heal pain and would be really hobbling after that distance, I'm afraid.

 

[Kevin Rooney]

Thanks for the suggestions so far. We won't have two cars, so can't spot, unfortunately. We don't "need" Abraham, but are always looking for enjoyable hikes and hate to miss anything. I'm not sure I want the length an out-and-back to both peaks would bring as I'm having some heal pain and would be really hobbling after that distance, I'm afraid.

Ellen -

Which way are you planning to go? I've walked up the access road from the main lodge a few times with my Newfs, and it always struck me as long and hot. I much prefer Ellen from the Jerusalem Trail in Lincoln if that's the only peak you're interested in. The only trick there is - watch where you exit from the trees onto the ski slope for your return. Some years it's obvious, but not always.

 

[Mike P.]

Even without "needing" Abraham, I'd make it a full day & do both from Lincoln Gap, You have the bare summit of Abe, the view mentioned by Kevin & Cutt's Peak, a bare little spot not too far from Ellen. The best view from Ellen is the ski area, just to the north. Coming from the North, not sure Cutt's would be worthe the trip. (It's not like Hight on Carter Dome, more like a mini version of one of the ledges near Middle Carter)

Now heel pain isn't my issue, well not until I'm done, I do like the idea of a much higher start though....

 

[blacknblue]

The hike north from Lincoln Gap and the hike south from App Gap are both really enjoyable, IMHO. Going from Lincoln Gap, you do get more views, namely Abe and the obs deck for Sugarbush, but from App Gap feels more wilderness-y and rough, and you do get the little lodge at Mad River Glen with its accompanying views.

 

[Early Bird]

I've enjoyed the Jerusalem Trail up to that ridge. My favorite way would be from Lincoln Gap over Mt. Abraham because I love that peak.
The warming hut at Mad River Glen now has a rain barrel that one can treat or filter from if you go that way from or towards App Gap. The spring west of the Glen Ellen Lodge spur is said to be unreliable, but it was running when a backpacked through in the hot days of mid-June when other source were dry or a trickle.
Also, if you go up from App Gap, there is a little cave to go through. I wouldn't call it a not to miss feature, but if you are going that way...
Have fun. I hope your heel feels good.

 

[Tom Rankin]

Ellen, did we bump into you? We did the hike from Abe to Ellen and back yesterday. Great day for views!

 

[erugs]

We didn't anyone on the summit, but would have liked to bump into you. We hiked RT via Jerusalem and took the Long Trail South from there to Ellen. A late start put us on the summit around 2:15. You didn't go north of Ellen on the Long Trail, did you?

I would have liked to do the ridge line from Lincoln Gap but didn't think I had it in me. Learned today that Xrays last Friday show I have a heel spur.

 

[erugs]

I've enjoyed the Jerusalem Trail up to that ridge. My favorite way would be from Lincoln Gap over Mt. Abraham because I love that peak.
The warming hut at Mad River Glen now has a rain barrel that one can treat or filter from if you go that way from or towards App Gap. The spring west of the Glen Ellen Lodge spur is said to be unreliable, but it was running when a backpacked through in the hot days of mid-June when other source were dry or a trickle.
Also, if you go up from App Gap, there is a little cave to go through. I wouldn't call it a not to miss feature, but if you are going that way...
Have fun. I hope your heel feels good.

Another time, Early Bird, I hope to do a car spot. I love caves and would like to go through that one, but also really like the summit of Abe, from what I remember. It was quite a few years back. As you will see from my response above, I have a heel spur. If I didn't love hiking so much, and had a different attitude towards pain, it would really keep me at home or at least off my feet.


I appreciated all the tips from my VFTT friends. Thanks!

 

[MichaelJ]

If you do decide to do the full Monroe Skyline traverse, or even the out-and-back over Abraham, there is a small plane wreck a short ways north of Abraham that is quite neat to visit.

 

[erugs]

If you do decide to do the full Monroe Skyline traverse, or even the out-and-back over Abraham, there is a small plane wreck a short ways north of Abraham that is quite neat to visit.

I'll let Brian know. He is interested in aviation history and we've been to a few crash sites.

 

[MichaelJ]

Previous VFTT discussion on this plane crash, including basic directions, year, tail #, and photo.