AntlerPeak
New member
Yesterday we, my hiking buddy Bob and I, found ourselves in the parking area at the end of Big Basin Road in North Fayston VT. This was not what we planned but the heat and humidity made our expected hike of Mts Wilson, Roosevelt and Cleveland seem like a fools errand. With nearly 4K of ascent and 12.5 miles of ups and downs a lesser humid day would be a better option. As no alternative day could be found in the short term we choose another option, Burnt Rock Mt at 3165 a scant six miles from Camels Hump. We already did the latter.
At the outset we were greeted with a relo from the parking area. Instead of an easy stroll along a dirt road the new route drops forty feet or so and crosses Hedgehog Brook without benefit of a bridge. It then traverses a silde hill above the steam for perhaps a half mile then recrosses the brook joining the original route. Let it be said this trail and parking lot is provided by a private landowner and we appreciate their generosity for allowing the trail.
There are several easy but usable stream crossings in the lower third of the trail where you can pump water and another high up near the Long Trail. So water should not be a problem though we had brought enough and did not need to use the resources. The trail is moderate in grade until reaching the final third of a mile in its approach to the Long Trail. A ladder is built into the slope to assist and there are several boards stacked along the side of the trail. It appears more ladders may be planned. You can negotiate the ascent without the ladders. They may be there for a dual purpose to assist hikers and stablize the trail.
The last .6 miles, according to the sign, follows the Long Trail over a narrow ridge and it presents the look and feel of a high peak. If you did not know where you were the terrain would lead you to believe this is a Great Range traverse. We went through a cut not a lemon squeezer by definition as the opening was at least ten feet wide but the high rock wall on one side and the forested slope on the other presented that look. Beyond that we faced a high domed rock peeking above the trees on this narrow ridge revealing what we thought was the summit. The scramble led along the base of this dome and climbed it through a cut or crevace in the rock.
Once on top there were several higher rock outcrops stretched in a row with white blazes painted on the quartz and marble ground. Of course each outcrop had its own hole to descend into before reaching the next. After several mini scrambles we reached the summit with an awesome view. Camels Hump was impressive as a single rocky spire pointing above the ridge. To the west many of the ADK high peaks were revealed as was Lake Champlain. The other four Vermont four thousand foot peaks could be seen southward. All in all this fine summit though small by the standard gave one the impression it was equal to any of them. It was a good hike with that high peak feel and far more than I expected.
At the outset we were greeted with a relo from the parking area. Instead of an easy stroll along a dirt road the new route drops forty feet or so and crosses Hedgehog Brook without benefit of a bridge. It then traverses a silde hill above the steam for perhaps a half mile then recrosses the brook joining the original route. Let it be said this trail and parking lot is provided by a private landowner and we appreciate their generosity for allowing the trail.
There are several easy but usable stream crossings in the lower third of the trail where you can pump water and another high up near the Long Trail. So water should not be a problem though we had brought enough and did not need to use the resources. The trail is moderate in grade until reaching the final third of a mile in its approach to the Long Trail. A ladder is built into the slope to assist and there are several boards stacked along the side of the trail. It appears more ladders may be planned. You can negotiate the ascent without the ladders. They may be there for a dual purpose to assist hikers and stablize the trail.
The last .6 miles, according to the sign, follows the Long Trail over a narrow ridge and it presents the look and feel of a high peak. If you did not know where you were the terrain would lead you to believe this is a Great Range traverse. We went through a cut not a lemon squeezer by definition as the opening was at least ten feet wide but the high rock wall on one side and the forested slope on the other presented that look. Beyond that we faced a high domed rock peeking above the trees on this narrow ridge revealing what we thought was the summit. The scramble led along the base of this dome and climbed it through a cut or crevace in the rock.
Once on top there were several higher rock outcrops stretched in a row with white blazes painted on the quartz and marble ground. Of course each outcrop had its own hole to descend into before reaching the next. After several mini scrambles we reached the summit with an awesome view. Camels Hump was impressive as a single rocky spire pointing above the ridge. To the west many of the ADK high peaks were revealed as was Lake Champlain. The other four Vermont four thousand foot peaks could be seen southward. All in all this fine summit though small by the standard gave one the impression it was equal to any of them. It was a good hike with that high peak feel and far more than I expected.
