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Reporter |
Summary: This hike takes a gradual climb through mostly hardwood forest. Along the way the air was filled with the scents of wildflowers. I heard woodpeckers tapping and partridge drumming. There was evidence that moose had been in the area recently. The last 2/10 of the trail is steep just before connecting to the Long Trail. From here I turned north towards Mt. Stark. A short distance is Orvis Outlook and Glen Ellen Lodge, which is an enclosed shelter for overnight camping. Heading north to the summit of Mt. Stark the elevation changes very little and there are views to the east and west. Heading to the ski lifts near the summit there are views north and to the east. This is a great hike if you like trails that are less traveled. Trailhead: In South Starksboro turn south off Vt. 17 onto the Jerusalem Road, 3.2 miles east of Vt. 116 and 6.6 miles west of the Long Trail crossing at Appalachain Gap. After 1.2 miles on Jersualem Rd. bear left on Jim Dwire Rd. and follow it 0.5 miles to the trailhead. There is no specified parking area and space is limited on the roadside. (Lat:44.1763 Lon:-72.96817) Trail Guides for The Jerusalem Trail to Mt. Stark Summit: Long Trail Guide by The Green Mountain Club (Northlight Studio Press) Best Seasons: Fall, Summer, Winter, User Groups: Hikers, Dogs, Ranger Contact: U.S. Forest Service Middlebury Ranger District (802) 388-4362 Localhikes Reporter: This hike was submitted by John Predom, who has posted 8 other hikes on this site. To visit this reporters web site, click here. Trail Reviews Submit your own review A buddy and I just did this hike for the first time...we went to the top of Mt Ellen and back in just over 4 hours with ice and light snow on the ground (we used microspikes). This is a very nice hike and a good alternative to avoid the hordes hiking Camels Hump we only saw 2 other hikers). Drive time from Hinesburg to trailhead is almost the same as going to Camels Hump. The first 2/3 of the Jerusalem trail would also be suitable for backcountry XC touring with decent snow cover. 6/04/11 - Great hike. Got lost going through the section where the property owners are logging/sugaring. Just go straight and follow the blue paint marks on the trees/blue ribbon around the trees. Pretty muddy in parts b/c of the past weeks rain. Other than that, nice and shady the whole way with good views up top! I hiked the Jerusalem trail with my girlfriend and Scottish Terrier and I would definitely hike it again. It begins with a very slow incline through hardwood forest that gradually becomes more difficult. About halfway up the mountain the forest changes from sugar maples to primarily birch trees and the difficulty of the trail changes with it. At this point it is a moderate hike that gradually changes over to mostly evergreens and a final steep climb to the ridgeline. The last push is an arduous 1/8th of a mile with some minor climbing involved but we had no issues with it nor did our terrier. Once on the ridge you can follow the Long Trail to the Orvis Overlook for a beautiful view of the Champlain valley or head south to Mt Ellen. Notice: Traveling in the backcountry can be hazardous. You are responsible for informing yourself about these hazards and taking necessary precautions. Information on this web site comes from volunteer reporters and may contain errors or omissions. A current guidebook and proper equipment are essential for safe enjoyment of the hikes posted on this site. Keys: Vermont Hiking, Vermont Trails, Vermont Hikes, Addison County Hiking, Addison County Trails, Addison County Hikes | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||