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Photo by Jay Mantri on Unsplash
Easy

The Elbow

Williston, New York · Chittenden County

Gravel single track used to access Balsoms single track and often as part of the weekly race start or finish section.

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44.44917, -73.04807
Open in OpenStreetMap
5-Day Forecast

Weather at The Elbow

Live forecast for the trailhead. Use it to pack and time your hike.

Avg High79°F
Avg Low64°F
Peak Rain Chance51%
Humidity75%
UV (avg)6
Today
☁️
Overcast
77°/61°
💧 13%🌬 9mph
5:37 AM8:19 PM
Fri
☁️
Overcast
79°/62°
💧 6%🌬 7mph
5:38 AM8:18 PM
Sat
☁️
Overcast
84°/63°
💧 11%🌬 7mph
5:39 AM8:17 PM
Sun
🌦
Light Drizzle
84°/69°
💧 51%🌬 13mph
5:40 AM8:16 PM
Mon
🌧
Rain Showers
70°/67°
💧 27%🌬 8mph
5:41 AM8:14 PM

Forecast data © Open-Meteo. Refreshed every 6 hours. Always check the most recent forecast before heading out.

About The Elbow

Gravel single track used to access Balsoms single track and often as part of the weekly race start or finish section.

What “Easy” Means

Gentle terrain, well-marked. Suitable for all ages and fitness levels.

Difficulty is derived from OpenStreetMap’s Swiss Alpine Club (SAC) hiking scale, trail visibility, surface, distance, and elevation gain. Always verify current conditions before heading out.

What to Pack & Wear

Personalised to this trail’s length, elevation, difficulty, and the live forecast.

👔 What to Wear

  • 👕
    Moisture-wicking T-shirt
    Light color, breathable.
  • 🩳
    Lightweight shorts or pants
    Quick-dry preferred — sweat dries fast.
  • 🧢
    Brimmed sun hat
    Better than a cap for back-of-neck protection.
  • 🥾
    Trail runners
    Breathable mesh uppers.
  • Rain jacket / shell
    51% chance of precipitation in the forecast.

🎒 What to Pack

  • 💧
    Water
    Bring at least 1L of water; more in heat.
  • 🍫
    High-energy snacks
    A snack for the trail.
  • 🧴
    Sun protection (UV 6)
    SPF 50+ sunscreen, lip balm w/ SPF, sunglasses, sun hat.
  • 🩹
    First-aid kit
    Blister patches, ibuprofen, tape, antiseptic wipes.
  • 🗺
    Offline map
    Download your route in advance via Gaia, Caltopo, or OSM-based apps.
  • 🛍
    Dry bags for electronics
    Phone, camera, and snacks should stay dry.

Recommendations adapt to the current forecast + trail stats. Use them as a starting point — local conditions, your experience, and the time of day you start all matter.

Trail Safety in New York

Trail conditions in New York change with weather, season, and fire activity. Closures, washouts, and rerouting are common. Before heading out:

  • Check with the land manager for current conditions and closures
  • Tell someone your plan and expected return time
  • Know your turn-around limits — conditions can change fast
  • Carry the 10 essentials: water, food, navigation, first aid, light, fire, shelter, knife, sun protection, extra clothes

Frequently Asked Questions

How hard is The Elbow?

The Elbow is rated Easy. Suitable for most hikers including families.

Can I ride a bike on The Elbow?

Yes — bicycles are allowed on this trail (designated bike route).

Are horses allowed on The Elbow?

No — this trail is closed to horses.

When is the best time to hike The Elbow?

New York has trail conditions that vary by season. Spring and fall usually offer the best mix of temperature and trail conditions. Check the 5-day forecast above for current outlook. Always verify trail status (closures, washouts, fire restrictions) with the local land manager before going.