Jay VermontHIKING TRAILS & PLACES TO HIKE
Listed below are the best hiking trails and places to hike near Jay, Vermont.
1. Jay Peak Long Trail
STUNNING 360-DEGREE VIEWS
Jay Peak Long Trail climbs steeply from VT-242 to the summit of Jay Peak, the highest point in northern Vermont. The 1.7-mile trail is quite rigorous but rewards hikers with extensive views of the northern Champlain Valley, the Northeast Kingdom, and Quebec. The summit is rocky and open with panoramic views in all directions.
2. Jay Peak Resort Hiking Trails
FAMILY-FRIENDLY MOUNTAIN PATHS
Jay Peak Resort offers a variety of designated hiking routes ranging from easy to challenging, all marked with a color-coded system similar to ski trails. Hikers can take the aerial tram to the summit area during summer months and hike down the entire mountain if desired. The trails provide stunning views of the surrounding landscape with paths suitable for all skill levels.
3. Sunset Ridge Trail
MODERATE MOUNTAIN ADVENTURE
Sunset Ridge Trail offers a moderate 2.6-mile hiking experience near Jay, Vermont. The trail provides hikers with beautiful views of the surrounding Vermont landscape as they make their way through varied terrain. It's a popular choice for those seeking a moderately challenging hike without the extreme difficulty of some neighboring trails.
4. Mont Chauve Trail
CROSS-BORDER MOUNTAIN EXPERIENCE
Mont Chauve Trail is accessible from the Jay, Vermont area and extends toward the Canadian border. The trail offers hikers a unique cross-border mountain hiking experience with varying elevations and terrain. Hikers can enjoy diverse forest landscapes and potential wildlife sightings throughout their journey.
5. Northway Trail
SCENIC DOWNHILL PATH
The Northway Trail at Jay Peak follows a ski trail route that transforms into a hiking path during summer months. This downhill route offers moderate hiking with stunning views, wildflowers, and a chance to experience the mountain from a different perspective. Many hikers choose to take the tram up and then enjoy this scenic descent back to the base area.
6. Base-to-Base Hiking Trail
VALLEY VIEWS CONNECTION
The Base-to-Base Hiking Trail connects different areas of Jay Peak Resort through a moderate hiking experience. Hikers can enjoy fantastic valley views, seasonal wildflowers, and a less steep alternative to summit trails. This trail allows visitors to experience the lower elevations of the mountain with equally rewarding scenery.
7. Green Mountain Long Trail
HISTORIC VERMONT PATHWAY
The Green Mountain Long Trail is Vermont's historic long-distance hiking trail that passes near Jay and through Montgomery. Established as the first long-distance hiking trail in the United States, it runs 272 miles through Vermont from the Massachusetts state line to the Canadian border. Hikers can access segments of varying difficulty, enjoying Vermont's pristine forests and mountain ridges.
8. Hazen's Notch Trail
SECLUDED WILDERNESS EXPERIENCE
Hazen's Notch Trail is located just south of Jay in Montgomery, offering a secluded wilderness hiking experience. The trail winds through a protected natural area with old-growth forests and unique ecological features. Hikers of moderate ability will appreciate the relatively uncrowded paths and opportunities for wildlife observation.
9. Big Jay Basin Trail
CHALLENGING BACKCOUNTRY ADVENTURE
Big Jay Basin Trail offers a challenging backcountry experience for advanced hikers near Jay Peak. The trail is less maintained than resort paths, providing a more rugged and authentic mountain hiking adventure. Experienced hikers are rewarded with pristine wilderness views and a sense of solitude not found on more popular routes.
10. Catamount Trail
CROSS-COUNTRY MOUNTAIN PATH
The Catamount Trail section near Westfield and Jay offers hikers a unique cross-country experience through Vermont's northern forests. While primarily known as a winter ski trail, the summer months transform it into a spectacular hiking path through varied terrain. Hikers can enjoy moderate difficulty levels with rewarding views of the surrounding Green Mountains.