The Northeast Kingdom Section of Vermont’s Green Mountain Club provides and preserves hiking opportunities and supports land and wildlife stewardship in the Northeast Kingdom region of Vermont.
NEK Section Green Mountain Club
Upcoming Events!
Long Trail to Haystack Mountain – Saturday, June 3rd, 9AM
Gordon DuBois and Barb Mackay, both members of the NEK/GMC, will lead an out-and-back hike to the
summit of Haystack Mountain (3223’). We will start in Hazen’s Notch and climb steeply from 1,784’ to
the summit, including the .2 mile spur trail. This is a challenging trail, climbing 1,400 ‘ in 1.9 miles.
Roundtrip 4.2 miles, moderate but steady pace. Hikers should be prepared for a demanding hike.
Parking is very limited at the trailhead in Hazen’s Notch. Therefore, we will meet at the Lowell School
parking lot on Route 100 at 9:00 am and plan to car pool. The hike is limited to eight people. To register
or if you have questions, contact Gordon at duboisgordon7@gmail.com.
Green Mountain Club’s 113th Annual Meeting – Saturday, June 17th, 9AM
Join the Green Mountain Club for its 113th Annual Meeting at the Craftsbury Outdoor Center, hosted by GMC’s Sterling, Laraway, and Northern Frontier sections. We’ll celebrate the successes of last year and share our plans for the upcoming hiking season.
South Pisgah Trail Hike – Sunday, June 18th, 9:00AM
This is a 4.1 mile out and back with 1653 feet of elevation gain. It’s considered a moderately challenging hike with viewpoints along the way to the summit.
GMC NEK Summer Quarterly Meeting – Sunday, July 9th
Join us for at Holland Pond for a pre-meeting hike in Bill Sladyk Wildlife Management Area, then potluck and meeting at Lenny’s Camp on the shore of Holland Pond.
The hike is a 2.8 mile out and back with 173 feet elevation gain. It is considered an easy hike.
Contact NortheastKingdomSection@greenmountainclub.org for details and directions.
North Branch Trail Hike – Saturday, July 15th, 9AM
Meet at the parking area behind the Community National Bank prior to 9AM; Car pool leaves for the trailhead at 9AM. This hike is a 3.9 mile hike with 173 feet elevation gain.
It is considered an easy hike following a beautiful stream for about 2 miles, then a short woods walk, and a final forest service road walk.
RSVP Beth Barnes gotwaveslb@ymail.com to participate.
Bluffside Farm in Newport accompanied by a Vermont Land Trust team member who will give us a guided tour of this beautiful place.
GMC NEK Annual Meeting, Sunday, March 26th
The day started with a CCC Road snowshoe hike to the Herbert Hawkes Trailhead. After, we enjoyed a potluck lunch, then our Annual Meeting where we reelected members of our Executive Committee and added Section Historical Archivist Andrea Kane to the Committee.
Victory Basin to Stone Dam Snowshoe – Sunday, March 5th, 2023
It was a group effort breaking trail on our hike out to the old dam location in Victory, but we made it . Sun came out on the way back making the day even better. A great group to spend the day with. Hike leader – Cathi Brooks
Laraway Lookout Snowshoe Hike – Saturday, February 25th, 2023
The day started out cold at -8 degrees. Six of us were up for the adventure and we were not disappointed. An amazing journey to Laraway Lookout.
Bluff Mountain South Hike, Brighton State Park Hike, Eat & Greet at Hobo’s Cafe, Island Pond, Saturday, February 18th
A dozen hearty souls braved the single digit temperatures to hike Bluff Mountain South and Brighton State Park Shoreline Trail before heading to Hobo’s Cafe for a GMC NEK Eat & Greet.
The views were spectacular and temperature did rise into the 30’s during the hikes.
The ‘American Alps’ in Washington’s Northern Cascades, Thursday, February 16th
Adam and Ruthie LaRoche of Franklin, Vermont, spent ten days in August hiking and backpacking in Washington State’s northernmost wilderness, the North Cascades. Hiking to Lewis Lake from the High Pass below Mount Larrabee, they experienced a dreamscape overnight at Yellow Aster Butte, calving glaciers at ice-rimmed Lake Ann, and the stunning beauty of Mount Baker’s Ptarmigan Ridge. Adam and Ruthie answered questions about backpacking permits, fire cab overnights (yes, if you’re lucky, you can sleep on a summit), and how to navigate those hair-raising forest service roads. If you missed this event you can watch it here!
Unknown Pond Snowshoe Hike, Wednesday, February 15th, 9AM
Wednesday, Bob, Joanne and John snowshoed the Unknown Pond Trail to the junction with the Kingdom Heritage Trail. Along the way we saw two moose, then follow KHT, then continue to Pond. We stopped for lunch near the pond, then returned to the trailhead. This snowshoe hike is 4 miles roundtrip, with 1000 feet of elevation gain.
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Check out the latest Newsletter and Meeting Minutes!
GMC NEK Winter Meeting Minutes 2023 – Click our Minutes tab or click Minutes
S.L.L.O.T.H. Willoughby State Forest CCC Road, Wednesday, February 8th
A group of 8 S.L.L.O.T.H.’s – (Sauntering Lassies AND Lads On Therapeutic Hikes) did a bit of a cardio snowshoe and a wonderful saunter through the Willoughby State Forest, snowshoeing along the side of a groomed Nordic ski trail. We met at 10:00 and hiked to the view of Mt. Pisgah and Lake Willoughby along side the CCC road, then continued on to the Middle Loop, hiked back to the Small Loop. Some continued on the Small Loop, while others hiked back to the trailhead.
S.L.O.T.H. Adventure at Brighton State Park, Sunday, February 5th
A group of 10 S.L.O.T.H. (Sauntering Ladies on Therapeutic Hikes) met at the entrance of the campground and explored numerous trails, including the Main Trail and Shore Line Trail. They visited Indian Point, Eagle Point and Loon Point at the edge of Spectacle Pond.
Lassie’s and Lad’s S.L.O.T.H. Holbrook State Park Adventure, Sunday, January 29th, 10:30AM
Yes, you read that right. The S.L.O.T.H. (Sauntering Ladies On Therapeutic Hikes) invited anyone to join them. Three sauntered, taking time to rest, take photos, and talk. Snowshoes were required. Hiking just to the three ponds it was a 1.8 miles out and back hike.
Mount Norris Winter Hike – Saturday, January 28th, 2023, 9AM
Gordon Dubois and Barb Mackay led a winter ascent of Norris Mountain (2,588′) in Eden, VT. Participants were required to have prior winter hiking experience and be equipped with micro spikes and snowshoes with crampons and headlamp. This difficult peak has great views and open ledges. They took turns breaking trail to the summit.
Haystack Mountain Loop Hike – Friday, January 27th
Friday Susan Winsor and I met at the Long Pond Trailhead to snowshoe to the Haystack Mountain Trailhead and up and over. Nobody had snowshoed this since the most recent snowfall so we took turns breaking trail. Total hiking distance 4.3 miles, 1258 feet elevation gain. This is a challenging snowshoe with a very steep uphill and a steep and slippery descent.
Winter GMC NEK Meeting – Sunday, January 22nd, 2023
We had a great ski / snowshoe, potluck, and meeting hosted by Maria at Northwood Stewardship Center. We started the day at 10AM with a brief explanation on trail conditions which can be found on Trailhub: Northwood Stewardship Center . Ski or snowshoe on the Northwoods Nordic & Ski Trails(a donation of $5 is requested for use of the trails). At 1PM, we enjoyed a potluck lunch and began our meeting shortly after. We reviewed Green Mountain Club statewide and local happenings. Guest Speakers Maria Young, Executive Director of Northwoods Stewardship Center and Luke O’Brien, Vermont FPR.
South Shore Trail Impromptu S.L.O.T.H. Hike, January 21st
Sue led an impromptu S.L.O.T.H. (Sauntering Ladies on Therapeutic Hikes) hike on the South Shore Trail. Lake Willoughby is beautiful any time of year but if we are lucky, we will see what they call “ballycater” in Newfoundland. It is the ice formed by the action in winter of spray and waves along the shoreline, making a fringe or band.The 2-mile loop is considered easy to moderate.
Jay Community Trails Impromptu S.L.O.T.H. Hike
Calling all Sauntering Ladies On Therapeutic Hikes. Under the guidance of a faithful SLOTH, Jill Lillis, we checked out this 1.5 mile loop trail near Jay, Vermont. Generally considered an easy route, there are options for side trails as well. The plan to make a loop, crossing over a bridge over a brook and then returning to the parking lot was completed.
Who can resist sauntering on a trail called Inner Peace, River Run and Beaver Pond!
Bluff Mountain Community Trail to Lookout, January 11th
This hike is 3.5 miles roundtrip, 1216 feet of elevation gain. It’s a steady uphill climb with one short steep section near the summit. Considered a moderately difficult hike.
Unfortunately, I was the only one to participate on this beautiful blue sky day with recent snow.
S.L.O.T.H. Lang Brook Snowshoe Hike – Saturday, January 7th
The Sauntering Ladies On Therapeutic Hikes did a hike at NorthWoods Stewardship Center. The Lang Brook Trail begins at the outbuildings and travels through beautiful, forested areas, following a brook up to its source. We had the option of hikng further up on the ski trails to the glacial erratic and also explored more of the trails that surround the area.
Cow Mountain Pond Trail Loop – Friday, January 6th
An impromptu gathering of friends led to a 5 mile hike on the Cow Mountain Pond Loop. We met at the East Burke Clubhouse and carpooled to the trailhead. It was a beautiful snowy day with little visibility. We skipped Little Cow Pond and the Summit, but had a great day!
First Day Hike, Sentinel Rock State Park – Sunday, January 1st
First Day Hike at Sentinel Rock. Five adults, one two year old and a pup. Despite the cool temperature, rain, fog and wind (plus a bit of snow) it was a memorable hike.
Hike Description: This moderately challenging trail loops through the fields and forests for 1.5 miles. Add on a half a mile to visit the glacial erratic with a view overlooking Lake Willoughby and beyond.
This is a 3.9-mile moderate loop, (106′ elevation gain) especially beautiful in winter. Full disclosure: This is the leader, Beth Barnes, favorite hike in all seasons.
Jean Haigh Cabin Material Move – Monday, December 19th
On Monday 6 volunteers showed up at Wheeler Pond to move materials to the build site for the Jean Haigh Cabin. It took several hours to move lots of material!
Sentinel Rock S.L.O.T.H. (Sauntering Ladies On Therapeutic Hikes) Hike – Saturday, December 10th
The Sauntering Ladies on Therapeutic Hikes (S.L.O.T.H) group of the Northeast Kingdom Green Mountain Club are once again enjoying hikes. On Saturday, hike leader Susan Winsor guided hikers on the trails throughout Sentinel Rock State Park.
On Friday evening I canceled the scheduled Gore Mountain Hike due to lack of participation. I was in luck to know that Gordon Dubois was leading a bushwhack hike to the summit of Goodwin Mountain, a place I was unaware of. I contacted Gordon to ask if I could join his hike and was happily welcomed. We met at the Long Pond Trailhead and mapped a course to the summit using map & compass. The hike up was straight forward. After reaching the summit we took an alternate route down, through a thick emerald green forest with lots of huge moss covered rocks and steep drops.
Kingdom Heritage Land Annual Partners Hike – December 2nd
On Friday, some of our executive committee were invited to attend the annual partners. Luke O’Brien, Forest, Parks, & Recreation Specialist organized the event and introduced everyone to the history of the Kingdom Heritage Land and the creation of the Kingdom Heritage Trail. Groups that attended the hike included Green Mountain Club, Green Mountain Club, Northeast Kingdom Section, Vermont Forest Parks & Recreation, Vermont Fish & Wildlife, Northwoods Stewardship Center, US Fish & Wildlife Service, Vermont Land Trust, and Vermont Climbing Resource Access Group. We hiked to the vista on Middle Mountain and enjoyed lunch and interesting conversations.
Green Mountain Club, Northeast Kingdom Section met for lunch at Parker Pie Co. in Glover VT. and shared our experiences and the benefits of joining the club. We had a good turnout of 14 people, some new faces and many familiar. Time was spent with introductions and stories ; a very interesting afternoon with great food!
Outings Coordinator – Position Filled!
Welcome Susan Winsor to the Executive Committee as our new Outings Coordinator! Looking forward to her fresh energy and ideas to get people outside and volunteering.
From Section Leaders Handbook: “The outings or activities coordinator is key to the success of a section. This person is responsible for soliciting volunteer leaders and putting together an outings schedule which provides activitiesfor various interests and ability levels. Often the first experience a member has with a section iswhen they attend a scheduled outing. Outings create interest in a section. They introduce newmembers to the GMC. They allow members to get to know each other and build friendships.They lead people to places they have never before explored. They give volunteers a chance todevelop and sharpen their leadership skills. They are a source for recruiting new section leaders.They teach an appreciation for the outdoors. They showcase the beauty of Vermont. Best of all,outings are fun.”
Short Notice Wood Stacking at Hadsel Mares Camp – November 2nd
We had one more cord of wood to stack at Wheeler Pond. A short notice mailchimp email was sent out and volunteers responded! It only took us 1.5 hours to get that cord moved to the lower shed and stacked. Great work volunteers! After, Andrea and John hiked the Gnome Stairs Trail
Map & Compass Workshop – October 29th
This workshop helped us to understand the information provided on a topographical map, the proper use of a compass, and how to put the two together. We learned about magnetic north, true north, and magnetic declination, and pairing a compass to a map. After covering these fundamentals, we had an opportunity to practice orienteering skills in the woods by summiting Dolloff Mountain. This interactive workshop was a great introduction to navigation and map reading which are essential skills for anyone hiking trails or heading into the woods off-trail (bushwhacking). The workshop was led by Gordon DuBois, who is a member of the Green Mountain Club, Northeast Kingdom Chapter.
Getting bearings at the summit of Dolloff Mountain
Woodstacking at Wheeler Pond – Saturday & Sunday October 15th and 16th
The day started with coffee & donuts, then woodstacking until 1PM. From there we hiked the Wheeler Pond Trail to the Wheeler Mountain Trail. After hiking we all cooked our dinners, started a campfire and sat around telling stories. The night ended fairly early. Sunday we woke to 38 degrees and started the day with breakfast around the campfire. Woodstacking began at 9AM and the final piece was stacked at noon. Thank you to all volunteers that participated in the events.
GMC NEK Fall Hike & Meeting with Special Guest – Saturday October 1st
Saturday we hiked the Golden Trail and paused to remember Jean along the way. After we had our Quarterly Meeting and Potluck to catch up on club events, at 6PM Martin Podskoch gave a presentation on the history of the CCC in Vermont.
Ed Guest was honored at the 112th GMC Annual Meeting as one of three outstanding volunteers of the year. Following is a little bit about Ed that was shared at the meeting, and I’d personally like to say that his shoes were big ones to fill and I offer him my heartfelt congratulations for all his tireless work on behalf of the NEK! ~ Beth BarnesEd Guest, a long time member of the NEK Section, has been a name we all know because we saw it on the masthead of every issue of “Ramblings,” the NEK Section’s newsletter. Through the newsletter, his editorial endeavors kept us informed and entertained. In the run up to 2019, there had been rumblings on introducing a new newsletter, to succeed the previously closed “Northeast Passages.” But, no one excitedly raised a hand to assume this task. We’ve all been there, right? Ed volunteered to design a prototype issue, and as they say, the rest is history. In the Summer of 2019, Ed launched the debut issue of the NEK’s second newsletter entitled “Ramblings.”
He worked tirelessly to keep everyone informed, until stepping down from this post in 2021. Previously in his NEK tenure, Ed served as our dedicated Membership Coordinator, maintaining continuing communications with the Main Club and regularly updating the section on membership data. During the early years of the NEK Section’s history, Ed served as an energetic and effective lead liaison for the first GMC Annual Meeting the section hosted in 2004 at the Burke Mountain Ski Resort. Aside from these official roles, he enthusiastically participated in numerous wood stacking sessions at the Wheeler Pond Camps, always offered sage advice at the NEK Section’s Executive Committee meetings, and was a friendly and welcomed presence on NEK Section outings. Ed’s service to the section was invaluable. His fellow NEK’ers thank Ed for his many contributions to our section’s growth and vitality and wish him all the best.*Ed was unable to make the meeting in Waterbury Center so Mike Debonis made the presentation at the NEK summer meeting.
Hike Moose Mountain to Herbert Hawkes Trailhead, Pisgah East Trailhead – Wednesday September 21st, Saturday September 24th
Cathi and I hiked from the Moose Mountain Trail to the Herbert Hawkes Trailhead on Wednesday in support of the Westmore Challenge hosted by Northwoods Stewardship Center . We flagged the trail and inspected for obstacles. This hike is 6.5 miles long with 2058 feet of elevation gain. Then on Saturday Geoff Commons and I hiked the same route extending it to the Pisgah East Trailhead, 11.3 miles with 3622 feet elevation gain.
We celebrated Long Trail Day by hiking from Rte 105 north to the Canadian Border, then out the Journey’s End Trail. It was a beautiful day with a fun group of happy hikers. The hike started with a 1.2 mile climb to the summit of Mt. Carleton, an elevation gain of 520 feet. From there we descended 1.4 miles (about the same elevation drop) to the Canadian Border. After some photos at the border we hiked 1.3 miles out the Journey’s End Trail.
Eat and Greet, and Hike – Saturday August 27
The NEK Section of the Green Mountain Club hosted an Eat and Greet and (optional) Hike on Saturday, August 27. We hiked Brousseau Mountain in Norton. This short hike to summit cliffs provides a panoramic view of this remote region of Vermont. After the hike we had lunch at Chez Pidgeon not far from the trailhead. Several newcomers attended and a great day was had by all. Trailfinder Map: https://www.trailfinder.info/trails/trail/brousseau-mountain
Averill Mountain Trail Hike – Wednesday, August 3
A short notice hike happened on Wednesday with Paul, Tom, Mary, Julie and John up the Averill Mountain Trail.
Percy Peaks Trail Loop – Friday, July 29
We hiked the Percy Peaks trail which is a steep ascent to the Cohos Trail. From there we took the North Peak Trail; within a short distance we were above treeline navigating open rock to the summit. We returned to the Cohos Trail, then hiked north to the Percy Loop Trail and back out to Nash Stream Road for the final mile of hiking. Total miles 6.3 miles, 2200 feet elevation gain.
Haystack Mountain Hike – July 23rdHaystack Mountain (2,712 ft.) in Westmore, VT. Trip Leader-Gordon DuBois 5 of us met at the Haystack trailhead where parking is a real premium. Gordon Dubois, hike leader did the pre-hike talk to make sure everyone knew what to expect, including the option to spend some time bushwhacking after the Haystack hike. It’s a beautiful trail but steep right off the bat and very steep toward the top. Even though Trailfinder says it is easy/moderate, I would say it is more moderate/challenging due to steepness and some rocks. We were treated to good company, wonderful views and a surprise Greater Purple Fringed Orchid. A few of us ended with a well-deserved swim in the pond before leaving the magic of that very special gem of a road!
Haystack Hiking Map: https://www.trailfinder.info/trails/trail/haystack-mountain-westmoreWood Relocation at Hadsel Mares Camp – July 19th The supply of wood at the lower wood shed at Hadsel Mares was empty. Paul, Bart and I moved a cord of wood from the upper shed to the lower shed. Ready for cold nights and campfires.
Hadsel Mares Camp
Wheeler Pond
Volunteer Bart
Volunteer Bart
Volunteer Paul
Volunteer Paul
Summer Hike and Meeting – July 17th The day started at Lenny’s Camp on Holland Pond at 11AM with a hike to Round Pond and back, then a potluck lunch and meeting. Mike Debonis, Executive Director of the Green Mountain Club presented Edmund Guest with the Presidents Volunteer Award (President Howard VanBenthuysen was unable to attend). We continued with GMC NEK business then wrapped up with Lenny’s famous cheesecake! Lenny’s to Round Pond Map
Bill Sladyk WMA
Round Pond
Shelter at Round Pond
The stream crossing
Meeting at Lenny’s
Edmund Guest receives President’s Award
S.L.O.T.H. Victory Hike – July 9th
S.L.O.T.H. “Sauntering Ladies On Therapeutic Hikes“. These no pressure hikes are for ladies of all ages who desire to make the journey their destination. Sweet saunter in the Victory Basin on the Multi-use trail. Excellent weather for sauntering, excellent group as well. So sad that the lean-to destination is abused by others.
We started at the Bluff Community Trail, hiked to Lookout Junction, then took the Lookout Trail to Bluff South Summit. From there, we hiked the Bluff Ridge Trail (KHT) to the summit of Bluff Mountain. On the return we used the Bluff Community Trail. Total miles: 9.2 out and back.
S.L.O.T.H. “Sauntering Ladies On Therapeutic Hikes“. These no pressure hikes are for ladies of all ages who desire to make the journey their destination. We had a sweet saunter in the Bill Sladyk Wildlife Management Area in Holland, Vermont. We explored three (Holland Pond, Beaver Pond and Round Pond) out of the four ponds but plan to sometime explore the fourth (Turtle Pond). Also explored and un-named pond! Wonderful day with great sauntering ladies!
S.L.O.T.H. “Sauntering Ladies On Therapeutic Hikes“ is a group developed for ladies of all ages who desire to make the journey the destination. We headed out on the Golden Road Trail to the secluded lean-to. They made it and back!!!! Despite the many ups and downs of the trail, which were challenging for some, everyone came back smiling. Even the puppy that joined us!
“S.L.O.T.H.” (Sauntering Ladies On Therapeutic Hikes) hikes for ladies only who would like to hike with less pressure on the destination and more emphasis on the journey. Excellent saunter into the the Peacham Bog from Martin’s Pond in Peacham. Photo credit to Susan Esons.
“S.L.O.T.H.” (Sauntering Ladies On Therapeutic Hikes) hikes for ladies only who would like to hike with less pressure on the destination and more emphasis on the journey.Yes, it was hot, but the sauntering ladies made their way around the loop and even went to the “cave” and ‘Jurassic Park” on the way to the cliffs. Cooling off in Lake Willoughby made the day complete. Thank you, Jill Lillis, for some of the photos!
Brighton Trails Day – June 25th Brighton Trails Day 2nd Annual and 3rd Anniversary of the opening of the Kingdom Heritage is complete. We met at the pavilion in the center of town at 8:30am to signup from a list of hikes, by 9:10am we were headed for the trailheads. Surprisingly, nobody signed up for the Bluff Ridge Hike (11 miles), which was full last year. We covered around 28 miles on 5 hikes.
Island Pond Pavilion
Brighton Trails Day Group
John & Jeff
Paul & Chris
?, Cathi, Paul, Susan, Paul
Middle Mountain Summit
Pink Ladyslipper
Bushwhack on Middle Mountain
Bluff Community Trail – Overlook
Gore East Trail
Gore East Hikers
Lewis Pond Overlook
Bunchberry flowers
Jill & Jeff
Gore Mountain Summit
Gore East view
Dana taking a break
Gore East Trailhead
Pink Ladyslipper
White Ladyslipper
A view of Lewis Pond
Moose poo
Gore Summit Cabin
Moose jaw
Gore Mountain Summit
North Branch Trail
Susan
North Branch Trailhead
Beth
S.L.O.T.H. Hike to Kettle Pond – June 22nd
Another “S.L.O.T.H.” (Sauntering Ladies On Therapeutic Hikes) hike for ladies only is complete. The rain in the morning did not deter the Sauntering Ladies from hiking the Kettle Pond Loop. This sweet 3 mile+ loop circles a beautiful glacial pond passing by numerous primitive camping areas and lean-tos. All in all, an easy hike with boulders and a deep forest canopy.
There was a report of trees down on the Kingdom Heritage Trail. Trail Maintenance Leader Kevin Williamson (One Cut) was quick to grab his axe and head out to Bluff Ridge. “I spent 11 hours doing trail work on Bluff Mountain yesterday. Wished I could say it was done, but that’s never really the case.”
S.L.O.T.H. Hike #1: Paul Moffatt Trail and Newark Conservation Trail – June 15thOur first Sauntering Ladies On Therapeutic Hikes was a great success. Eight participants sauntered through the Westmore Forest and bog, taking time to share knowledge and enjoy the amazing variety of flora, fauna and bird songs.
National Trails Day, Owls Head Mountain – June 4th
Five of us were able to coordinate and navigate our way to the Owls Head Mountain Trail in Groton State Forest for a 3 mile round trip hike to the summit of Owls Head. It was a perfect day and the views were spectaclar!
Trail Work Day, Cow Mountain – May 1st
Led by our infamous “One Cut” Williamson 10 hearty volunteers met Bruce Berryman at the trailhead for a day of clearing trails at Cow Mountain Forest. Along the walk to the junction of the loop Bruce provided us with a history of the Cow Mountain Legacy. We split the group at the junction and with axe, saw, brush-cutters and physical labor we removed debris and fallen trees along the entire trail, and spur trails. There was some fun and laughter to be had along the way.
Annual Meeting and Hike – April 3rd
We started out in Westmore at the CCC road trailhead. More than a dozen attended with a few new faces included. Everyone brought micro-spikes or spiked footwear; it was a good thing because the CCC road was icy and snowy. The original plan was to do a 5 mile loop but once we reached the Herbert Hawkes Trailhead we realized we did not have time to do the loop and get to the meeting on time. The majority of people from the hike made the meeting as well. It was a great day of conversations!
If you would like to see more of our past events just follow this link: History of Past Events
Hike Leaders Needed!
We are in desperate need of volunteer hike leaders. The only GMC requirement to lead a hike is that you are an active member. If you are new to leading hikes we ask that you are familiar with the hike you are leading. Please consider leading us on your favorite hike.
The Long Trail End-to-Ender Panel is an informative Q&A, show-and-tell style panel intended for folks to learn about backpacking in Vermont from experienced Long Trail Thru-Hikers. Wondering about the best lightweight tent or how to not get bored with PB&J’s? Sign up to learn the ins and outs of a long-distance hike and get answers to all your questions about food, equipment, and planning.
May 7, 20239:00 am - 4:00 pm Green Mountain Club Inc., 4711 Waterbury-Stowe Rd, Waterbury Center, VT 05677, USA
Knowing how to use a map and compass are crucial skills for any hiker. If you don’t know how to use a map and compass, then you are not only missing an essential skill when taking to the mountains, you could also be putting your life in danger.
This workshop will help you understand the information provided on a topographical map, the proper use of a compass, and how to put the two together. You'll learn about magnetic north, true north, and magnetic declination, and pairing a compass to a map. You'll then learn how to use a map and compass to find a bearing with a map and follow it in the field, and to take bearings on visible landmarks and use them to determine where you are. After covering these fundamentals, you'll get an opportunity to practice orienteering skills in the woods around the Green Mountain Club campus. This interactive workshop is a great introduction to navigation and map reading which are essential skills for anyone hiking trails or heading into the woods off-trail (bushwhacking).
The workshop will be led by Gordon DuBois and David Hathaway. Gordon is a member of the Green Mountain Club, Northeast Kingdom Chapter. Gordon has summited the Adirondack 46, the NH 48 in winter, the Northeast 111, was the 103rd person to summit the NE highest 100 in winter and completed a winter traverse of the NH Presidential Range. He has also summited 451 of the highest peaks in New Hampshire and 65 in Vermont. The majority of these mountains in VT and NH are trail less and require the use of a map, compass and GPS. He has also thru hiked the Appalachian Trail, the Long Trail, the Cohos Trail (NH) the John Muir Trail (CA), The IAT in Quebec and the Bridger Range Trail in Montana.
David is a member of the Burlington section and has lived in Underhill for 33 years. He joined the GMC in 1996, has been leading trips for the Burlington Section since around 2007 and has been its outings chair since 2014. He is an Adirondack 46er, has climbed all of the NE 100 highest peak, 19 of the Colorado 14ers, and has completed two end-to-end hikes of the Long Trail. He is a GMC Trail Adopter, corridor monitor and active trail maintainer. David is a member of the GMC Board of Directors and chairs the GMC Trail Management Committee.
This section will be from Davis Neighborhood, over Butternut, to Tree Farm Road-Eden. It is generally considered difficult due to the steep climb up Butternut and the length of 5.7 miles. On average it takes 6 hours to complete. The majority of work will be to clip brush and clear out water bars. We willleave 1-2 cars at the Tree Farm Rd near the LT and drive to the DavisNeighborhood. Starting at Davis Neighborhood around 9:30 - 9:45am. Bring bugrepellent, water, food, gloves, and safety glasses. You are welcome to bring your own tools however many will be available if needed.
If interested or would like more details, please contact Bruce Bushey at BrBshey@comcast.net.
This section will be from Tree Farm Road-Eden, over Bowen, to Ritterbush Pond. It is considered difficult due to the length of section and there are some steep ascents. On average, the day is 6 hours and the primary focus is to clear blow downs, clip brush close to trail, and free up clogged water bars. Tools will be provided.
If interested or want more details, please contact Bruce Bushey at BrBshey@comcast.net.
As warmth and sunshine (and mud) return to the woods of Vermont in the spring, so too do our spring ephemeral plants. As the name suggests , these plants don’t stick around too long, but their beautiful and showy flowers bring color to the forest. Please join Dr. Jordon Tourville on a guided hike on the Long Trail up to the Duxbury Window as he discusses the biology, ecology and diversity of this special group of plants.
Dr. Jordon Tourville is a forest, plant, and mycorrhizal ecologist working as postdoctoral research fellow with the Appalachian Mountain Club. My main research/study interests focus around how climate change will impact forest and plant communities, particularly on mountains in the Northeast.
May 21, 20239:30 am - 12:00 pm Green Mountain Club
Are you intrigued by mushroom and plant foraging? Join Ari Rockland-Miller of The Mushroom Forager on a tour of spring’s wild tastes and tonics. In May, the woods burst with a profusion of tender new greens and mushrooms. This guided foray will explore the woods around Green Mountain Club as we learn about the culinary and medicinal treasures of springtime. The foray will cover topics including safety, strategy, ethics and sustainability. Stick around for a tasting after the hunt!
Participants should dress for hiking in the woods and bring water. This program is fully outdoors and will be held rain or shine unless the weather presents a safety hazard such as t-storms.
Club member, Tim McKay, will be our leader on this hike to Cow Hill, the is the highest point in Peacham at 2,562 feet. This moderate trail has some open ledges feature impressive views back over the Connecticut valley to the Whites and from another spot a view down the Winooski valley to the Greens. We’ll meet in the Peacham Town Hall parking lot at 1:30 and carpool to the trailhead. It’s a lollipop trail, 5-mile round trip.
RSVP NortheastKingdomSection@greenmountainclub.org to participate.
This section is from Davis Neighborhood, over Laraway, to Codding Hollow. Due to the climb up and down Laraway it is considered a difficult day and on average takes 6 - 6 1/2 hours. The work needed will be to clear away blow downs, clip brush from trail, and clear away water bars.
If interest or want more details, please contact Bruce Bushey at BrBshey@comcast.net.
A wonderful start to the State Park official hiking season, Perry Holbrook offers a cliff look out and three ponds! We hope to find lots of flowers and only a few black flies (be prepared for more than a few). This 2.5 mile (always seems like more!) has a steep section going up to the cliffs but is all in all quite gradual (considered moderate). We will meet prior to 9:30 at the parking lot, and leave at 9:30 to get the most out of this hike. Pack a lunch, snacks and water and enjoy a day with other hikers in this forest gem in Sheffield!
Considered easy, this 3.3 mile out and back may be wet, may be buggy, and may be FUN! All are invited who want to saunter through the woods, pass Stannard Pond to a lookout facing east, with good views of Burke Mountain and beyond. Dogs are also welcomed on this hike but be warned...they may come home muddy!
The trail closure on Monadnock Mountain remains in effect. There's still a "NO TRESPASSING" sign on the gate at the gravel pit, although it is easily overlooked when the gate is open. The continued presence of an old trailhead parking sign at this location only adds to the confusion over its status, but a person working at the gravel pit confirmed to me that this trail is still closed.
As some of you may be aware, there is an alternative route that avoids the gravel pit, but I wouldn't recommend using it at this time. It follows a private right of way that encroaches on a nearby dwelling. While this property isn't posted, its owner has expressed no interest in encouraging public access to their land. Please respect this choice and find another mountain to hike for now. Thank you!