Weather was looking iffy all week, but we were determined to get our VT trek done Labor Day weekend.  Figured if we get there by 9 am, we could get it done before the rain hits and before the upper parking lot was FULL.  Mission accomplished!

Quick advice. Get there early to get up top, otherwise you have a little bit of a hike on top of a hike to get to the trailhead.  And, if you need to use the porta bathrooms, make sure you hit those on the way up to the upper parking lot.  Nothing up there but nature to use for pre-hike relief.

If you are hitting this hike, just know that you start off on Monroe which leads you to Long Trail Loop.  You hit Long Trail at the split, where you decide counter or clock-wise.  From a few reviews, it looked like the challenge up to the Humps was a good one clock-wise.  After completing the climb, I think clock-wise is the harder route up.  It was wet in some spots from all the recent rains, but a lot of good grip holds to aid in the ascent.  And, the ascent is a bit of a tease with some short climbs, then some flat trails.  This repeated for a good portion of the ascent.  As you get closer to the peak, you should get your rock climbing skills on.  Climbing thru rocks, over rocks.  The last 1-mile or so must be 1000 ft elevation change getting to the peak, which a lot taller thru the trees.  Didn't think seeing the peak thru the trees was real.  Quite magnificent!  🙂

Peak spiral up to the top was windy and cool.  Hang on tight!  But, what a phenomenal view of surrounding peaks and the green regions below.  Even with the clouds circling the Hump …. it was breath-taking.  Worth the heavy breathing on the way up … this is why we hike!  Highly recommend this one, but be prepared for a rigorous workout.