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Ski
Hiking Trail Conditions Report
Peaks
Peaks Mt. Abraham, Lincoln Peak, Nancy Hanks Peak, Cutts Peak, Mt. Ellen, VT
Trails
Trails: Long Trail
Date of Hike
Date of Hike: Friday, July 26, 2019
Parking/Access Road Notes
Parking/Access Road Notes: Lincoln Gap Road is legit (came in from Warren) ... steep winding climb up to the Gap at 2,424'. Roadway in very good condition and appears recently paved. Bridge prior to climb was under construction and had a short detour. Ample parking in upper lot and lower lot was empty at arrival at 10am and return at 5pm. 
Surface Conditions
Surface Conditions: Dry Trail, Mud - Minor/Avoidable 
Recommended Equipment
Recommended Equipment:  
Water Crossing Notes
Water Crossing Notes: N/A 
Trail Maintenance Notes
Trail Maintenance Notes: Long Trail in very good condition from Lincoln Gap to Mt. Ellen. Short stretches of significant mud, especially along traverse from Abe to Ellen, with well-placed rock-hops interspersed in those sections to avoid going off trail. Grassy sections behind ski lifts also well-marked and easy to follow (with evident herd path). 
Dog-Related Notes
Dog-Related Notes: Didn't see any dogs today, but climb from Lincoln Gap to Abe should be fine for most experienced hiking dogs. Water available at Battell Lodge. Rock slabs south of Abe could be tricky if wet. Traverse from Abe to Ellen fairly flat with minor ups / downs. One water source available around the Nancy Hanks Peak area. 
Bugs
Bugs: Not bad today even with minimal breeze. Minor occasional nuisance from mosquitos and horse flies. 
Lost and Found
Lost and Found: There was a long-sleeve blue collar button shirt hanging from a tree about a 1/2 mile from the trailhead. 
 
Comments
Comments: We did an out-and-back from Lincoln Gap to Mt. Ellen and back. Great blue-sky day, warm temps, and minimal wind. Long Trail in great shape and well-maintained entire way. Unlike many trails of NH and Maine, much of the trail is fairly "smooth" with a near gravel pathway and minimal rock-hopping (especially after Abe). Climb to Mt. Abraham mostly gentle and gradual until right below summit (only had to climb just under 1,600' from Lincoln Gap). Rock slabs south of Abe were dry today and easily crossed. Summit offers terrific 360 views.

Stopped to visit site of plane crash just after Abe (spur trail marked by small cairn on left) and was amazed how preserved the remnants of the plane were considering it occurred in 1973. Lincoln Peak offers a nice observation platform for a rest / break. Long Trail between 4k peaks is nice but a bit monotonous as it's in the trees with exception of a couple look-out ledges shortly after Lincoln Peak (heading toward Ellen). Very minimal elevation gains / losses during traverse as you hover around 3,700' - 3,900' entire way with gradual ups and downs. Ellen currently has a 4-stone cairn marking the summit with better views just beyond at the ski lift platform.

Fairly quiet day on the trails today - only saw a few people up to Mt. Abraham and hardly anyone thereafter. This marked #64 and #65 on our NE67!  
Name
Name: Charlie 
E-Mail
E-Mail: skcharles at comcast dot net 
Date Submitted
Date Submitted: 2019-07-27 
Link
Link: https:// 
Bookmark and Share Disclaimer: Reports are not verified - conditions may vary. Use at own risk. Always be prepared when hiking. Observe all signs. Trail conditions reports are not substitutes for weather reports or common sense.

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