OverviewVermont's county highpoints are among the most consistently elevated of perhaps any mountainous state in the nation; with the exception of Grand Isle County, every highpoint falls within the range of 3100-4400 feet in height. Many of these peaks offer challenging hikes and stunning scenery, though several are more sublime in nature. For those so inclined, however, eight counties can be more easily summited by the aid of summit roads, ski lifts, and gondolas. Virtually all of the peaks are trailed. In fact, only the bushwhacks up Butterfield and Signal Mtns, the unofficial path to Big Jay from Jay Peak, and possibly the two candidate areas on Grand Isle require any traveling off the beaten path.
For those interested in the Vermont 4000'ers, all five of them will contribute toward your amassing of counties: Mt. Ellen and Camels Hump are the candidates for Washington County's highpoint, and the remaining three are each highpoints of their respective counties. The famed Long Trail passes over--or very near to--nine of the fourteen counties' highpoints. Almost unique among the states, there are no true "liners", though Big Jay and Adam's Apple come close. One thing, however, is certain: Vermont's county highpoints cannot be completed in just a long weekend, nor should they be. Perhaps more so than any other state in the region, Vermont's mountains are meant to be savored, and enjoyed over a period of years.
External LinksThanks once again to cohp.org for information pertaining to the highpoints. Access IssuesVermont has among the fewest access issues regarding its highpoints as any state.
Permission should, if possible, be obtained to access the two Grand Isle County spots, as both are on private land.
East Mountain's summit is rumored to be closed on account of asbestos in the summit buildings. I don't know anything further: proceed at your own risk to your health and the law.
The neighboring Butterfield and Signal Mountains, when approached from the west, involve crossing private land. The standard eastern approach up the Groton State Forest road does not. Images
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