Copy/Repost Hike

On Saturday, November 26th, we met up at Jamaica State Park for the hike up over Little Ball Mountain and out to the spectacular Hamilton Falls.  We waited until about 10:15PM for the last guy to show and he did just as were were leaving the parking lot.  We were 6 guys...Rick, Woody, Larry, Howie, Paul and myself.  It was another nice, fairly warm day out.  Southern Vermont still had about 2-3 inches of snow on the ground, but it was heavy and slushy.  We set out for the trail.  We passed it slightly, since the start of it was hidden among the lean-tos here (it starts out by the Hackberry Lean-to).  Backtracking alittle we found it and headed up the old two-track road which makes up the lower portion of the trail.  This was fairly easy going until we reached the junction with the Overlook Trail, which became a just a little steeper as it made its way up to the ridge...scrambling up some minor rocky areas.  The first of these outlooks was the more open and provided great views down to the town of Jamaica and the surrounding hills.  We took our first major break here relaxing on the open ledge.  It was a little after 11AM.  From here we continued along the ridge up to the barely noticeable summit of Little Ball Mountain.  There were a few more views across the West River Valley before the trail descended back down to the West River Trail, which is the old railbed for the short-lived West River Railroad.  This was flat and easy going.  After another mile or so we reached the mile-long spur trail, which led to Hamilton Falls.  It was now around 12:30PM and we decided to proceed to the falls for lunch.  This trail became moderately more agressive as it climbed in elevation to the base of the falls...paralleling high above the Cobb Brook.  We reached the stairs which led down to the falls and enjoyed a well-deserved break and lunch here.  With all the snow-melt the falls were spectacular and well worth the effort.  The ravine was sheltered from any sun and it was a little chilly here.  We hung out here for about 20 minutes before deciding to head back.  We returned back down the spur trail and headed back all the way back to the parking lot via the West River Trail.  It was about 2:45PM when we got back to our cars.

After the hike Howie and Paul had to head back.  The rest of us stopped by Jamaica Coffee in town for a quick warm drink before calling it a day.

Thanks to Rick, Howie, Paul, Larry and Woody for joining me on this wonderful post-Thanksgiving Day hike.  It was a great social day out hiking with some splendid views and topped off by the grand Hamilton Falls.

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