The Long Trail (Division 8)

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Features Birding · Cave · Commonly Backpacked · Views · Wildlife

This section starts at Cooley Glen Shelter, then travels over the ridgeline to Lincoln Gap. It climbs from Lincoln Gap up to Battell Shelter.

The trail climbs up to Mount Abraham, another one of Vermont's 4,000 footers. It continues over Little Abe Mountain, Lincoln Peak and Nancy Hanks Peak. At Holt Hollow, there's a small spur trail to a water source. The trail continues over Cutts Peak and Mount Ellen. Mount Ellen Is another 4,000 footer, for those that are peak bagging. Skirting the ski slopes, here, will eventually lead you out of the Green Mountain National Forest. This is the northernmost boundary of the National Forest. Continue past Orvis Lookout and Barton Trail; Barton Trail will take you to Glen Ellen Lodge. Glen Ellen Lodge is a 4-sided cabin with a small waterfall and excellent view.

The trail continues on to Stark Mountain, which is named after Brigadier General John Stark. General Stark led his troops in the Battle of Bennington, and shaped New Hampshire's motto. The monument in Bennington signifies this battle and a statue in Stark, NH recognizes General Stark. The trail continues on to Starks Nest, a warming lodge that can be used as an emergency shelter. The trail descends over ladders and rock ledge to Theron Dean Shelter. A little further north on the LT, there's an option to run the Dean Cave Loop. This short trail travels through a cave, then climbs out of a rock crevice up to the view (in front of the shelter). The trail gets a little technical, so it's probably best to drop the pack.

Continue along the ridge, then descend down to Appalachian Gap. Follow Route 17 to the right, before turning left (uphill). The trail continues over Baby Stark Mountain and Molly Stark Mountain. Molly Stark Mountain is named after General Stark's wife. Molly Stark also has a state park and statue, dedicated to her memory. The trail continues past Beane Mountain, before arriving at Birch Glen Camp.