Big Jay facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Big Jay |
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Big Jay, seen from Jay Peak
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| Highest point | |
| Elevation | 3,786 ft (1,154 m) NGVD 29 |
| Prominence | 380 ft (120 m) |
| Listing | New England 100 Highest |
| Geography | |
 Big Jay
Location in Vermont
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| Parent range | Green Mountains |
| Topo map | USGS Jay Peak |
| Climbing | |
| Easiest route | unmaintained hiking trail |
Big Jay is a 3,786-foot (1,154 m) mountain in the northern Green Mountains of Vermont. It sits on the border of Franklin and Orleans counties.
The top of Big Jay is the highest spot in Franklin County. Near Big Jay, you'll find Little Jay to the south. To the northeast is Jay Peak, which is even taller. Jay Peak got its name from John Jay, one of the important founding fathers of the United States.
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Discovering Big Jay Mountain
Big Jay is a mountain in Vermont that stands tall at 3,786 feet (1,154 meters). It's part of the beautiful Green Mountains range. This mountain is special because its summit marks the highest point in Franklin County.
Where is Big Jay?
Big Jay is located right on the border between Franklin and Orleans counties in Vermont. It's surrounded by other interesting peaks. To its south, you'll find Little Jay, a smaller mountain. To the northeast is Jay Peak, which is the highest point in the whole Jay Peak area.
Water Flowing from Big Jay
Mountains like Big Jay are important sources of water. The rain and snow that fall on Big Jay flow into many streams. These streams eventually join the Trout River. The Trout River then flows into the Missisquoi River.
The Missisquoi River is a tributary that empties into Lake Champlain. From Lake Champlain, the water travels north into Canada's Richelieu River. Finally, it reaches the Saint Lawrence River and flows out to the Gulf of Saint Lawrence. This whole system of connected waterways is called a watershed.
Protecting Big Jay's Nature
Big Jay does not have official hiking trails. However, there is a path that hikers sometimes use to reach the top from Jay Peak. At the summit, you might find a special book where visitors can write their names.
It's very important to protect the natural beauty of Big Jay. In the past, some people illegally cut a ski trail on the mountain. This damaged the protected natural areas. To help the mountain heal, visitors are asked to stay away from these damaged spots. This allows the plants and wildlife to recover.
