Franklin County High Point Trip Report
Big Jay (3,786 ft)
Date: September 7, 2003
Authors: Ken and Karen Jones
We used Denis Hanson's report for this one (and Jay Peak); thanks, Denis!
A couple of notes to add:
On the way up Jay Peak, the Long Trail crosses a ski trail several hundred feet below the summit. There are
signs indicating that you can avoid the summit area in foul weather by turning left on the ski trail and
following the blue-blazed fence until you reach the Long Trail again at a gap in the fence marked by double
white blazes. When climbing Jay Peak and Big Jay together, you will probably want to use the ski trail in
one direction or the other, to avoid a second climb over the summit of Jay Peak.
From the point where the Long Trail leaves the ski trail and heads north, the "use trail" to Big Jay is easy to find.
About twenty yards below the gap in the fence is a large sign warning skiers of the dangers of leaving
the ski area; a bit to its right is a small wooden sign indicating "Long Trail - North."
Thirty yards farther down the Long Trail the obvious, well-improved use path to Big Jay heads off to the left.
(Though well-improved for a use path, expect some muddy spots and some short rocks to scramble up.)