Section 30: Hazen’s Notch to Jay Pass – Catamount Trail Association

On the Montgomery Side of Route 58, park before the end of the plowing to avoid a long walk on the road. Park near the last house on the north side of the road before the plowing ends. The trail runs on the uphill side of the house and should be visible from the road.

Another portion of the trail about 1 mile to 2 miles south of Jay Peak pass has been heavily disturbed by a recent logging operation. Extreme caution is advised along this portion of the trail as it may be very wet/muddy/strewn with logging debris except when completely frozen and under deep snow. An alternative route has been marked that parallels the logging trail on its upper bank through the woods. With enough snow both routes should be passable.

Snapshot

This section offers a variety of conditions and terrain from nearly level groomed snowmobile trail and logging roads to steep, narrow, twisting trail. Snow is usually reliably deep due to a northwest exposure. The ridge below Buchanan Mountain offers fine views of Jay Peak to the north and Burnt Mountain to the south. Possible bailout point at Rte. 242 to the west.

Length

6.5 miles

Difficulty

With its combination of a dead-flat middle portion and steep, twisting, ascents/descents at the north end and about two miles in from the south end, this section requires an intermediate to advanced level of skill. Metal-edged backcountry skis are essential. Bring skins in case conditions are icy.

Staying Found

Out in the woods keeping track of where you are can be a challenge. A map and compass is always a reliable option, but there are some great technological solutions that can make knowing where you are super simple. Please visit out Staying Found Webpage for more info about some of our favorite navigational tools, and note that all of our PDF maps are geo-referenced. This means they can be opened directly in apps like Avenza and used for navigation even in areas where there is no cell service.

Catamount Trail Skiers Facebook Group

This group is for anyone planning any type of adventure (skiing and snowshoeing) on the Catamount Trail (thru-skis\end-to-end section skis\day tours), or other similar XCD/Nordic backcountry trails in Vermont. It’s a place to ask questions, share knowledge, and connect with others.

Click Here & Say Hello!

Downloads

Catamount Trail Section 30 – GeoPDF Map
Catamount Trail Section 30 – Written Description (.pdf ~16k)
Shuttle Directions Section 30

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Looking for more information, volunteer opportunities, or to get in touch with the Section Trail Chief? Please contact us!