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By BETH DUGGER
Some of the best hiking I know is around the Champion Lands.
No, not on the Champion Lands; around them. The mountains
that circle the former timberlands have great trails and terrific
views, not just of the new public lands but also of two states
and another country. The Day Hiker's Guide to Vermont gives
details, but here are some of the highlights and trailheads.
Burke Mountain's trails are some of the best-kept secrets
in the Kingdom. Burke is topped by a firetower for spectacular
all-around vistas, or you can just sit at the top of the ski
slope and admire the western peaks of Camel's Hump, Mansfield,
and Jay. Start from the parking area at the Mid-Burke Lodge,
walk up the old grassy CCC road, and meet the trails.
Summer in the Kingdom seems to demand hiking some of the
paths around Lake Willoughby. If you're bored with Pisgah
(I still love the overlook ... and the chance of seeing peregrine
falcons), try Wheeler Mountain. The trailhead is off Route
5; take the Wheeler Mountain Road, 8.3 miles north of Route
5A in West Burke, or 5 miles south of route 16 in Barton.
There are two versions of the trail, so check the guide and
choose the one that best suits your stamina. It’s 1.3
miles via the main (and rocky) trail to a gorgeous view over
the lake. (Caution: this is not a good rainy day hike; the
rocks get slippery.)
Bald Mountain, with its new public land at the summit, is
a treat. The best trail up starts on the Long Pond Road in
Westmore; head for Long Pond, pass its parking area, and make
the next left to the trailhead parking. As you start along
an old roadway, watch for where the trail bears right, and
from then on, It’s a straight trip up, ending at another
grand firetower. Make sure to bring water and lunch, you'll
work hard for this one.
The new trail on Gore Mountain, far to the north, is a strenuous
day hike with a steep rocky finale. The trailhead is just
north of Norton Pond; park on the left, and climb on the right.
For the most international vistas of all, I recommend Monadnock
in Lemington, a good hike for a blazing sunny day because
you're in shade (although climbing steadily) almost all the
way from the trailhead, which is at the gravel pit just north
of the turn for Colebrook; stay on Route 102 and It’s
on your left, well marked for parking. There are no views
along the climb, and the firetower at the top is missing some
steps, but It’s worth the effort as you inspect Vermont,
New Hampshire, and Canada from the top. Oh yes: And those
are the Champion Lands to the southwest. Don't they look great
from here?
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