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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.
Our Winter Newsletter is out! Ramblings 6-4
Our Winter Meeting Minutes are out! Minutes
UPCOMING EVENTS
Spring Flower Hike at Holbrook State Park, Saturday, May 31st, 9AM
Join us to enjoy the forest flora of Perry Holbrook State Park. We will meet at the trailhead at 9:00. From the trailhead, we will travel an access road east to the first of three ponds in the park, Round Pond. At the pond, the Holbrook Trail narrows and travels along the pond’s shoreline. There is a private camp along Round Pond. Please respect the owner and stay on the trail in this area. Here you will see a large variety of Spring flowers and hear the calls of numerous songbirds. Heading up a moderate incline from Round Pond you reach the second pond, Long Pond. Here we will take the Summit Loop Trail, which climbs steeply to the O’Leary Leap Overlook, and on to the summit of Big Rock Hill and then loops back to Long Pond. This loops provides many opportunities to enjoy the Springtime display. We will have the option of heading to the third pond, Mud Pond, which appears after another moderate climb. This pond sports a nice beaver lodge. Returning to Long Pond, the trail continues to a lean-to and then back to Round Pond. Most of this trail is easy to moderate with the climb to O’Leary Leap Overlook as moderate to hard…. but we will rest as needed! We would love to have you join us. Please let us know if you are planning to attend by emailing either Cathi Brooks at nektrecker@gmail.com or Sue Winsor at s.j.p.winsor@gmail.com.
Map & Directions: https://www.trailfinder.info/trails/trail/perry-holbrook-memorial-state-park
Mount Mansfield Hike, Saturday, June 7th, 7AM
Join us on this National Trail Day Hike, on the Sunset Ridge or Laura Cowles Trail to the summit of Vermont’s highest peak, Mount Mansfield. We will meet at the Community National Bank in Island Pond and carpool at 7AM to Underhill State Park. This hike is challenging, about 6 miles round-trip with almost 3000 feet of elevation gain. Bring hydration, snacks, insect repellent and extra gear. RSVP gmcnek@gmail.com if interested.
Map & Directions: https://www.trailfinder.info/trails/trail/underhill-state-park-hiking-trails
GMC’s 115th Annual Meeting, Saturday, June 14th
Join the Green Mountain Club for its 115th Annual Meeting at club headquarters in Waterbury Center. Register for Annual Meeting (coming soon). We will provide a carpool from Island Pond to this event. More details to come.
Brighton Trails Day, Saturday, June 21st
In coordination with Brighton Recreation, Nortwoods Stewardship, and Brighton State Park we will offer several hikes in the area on and off the Kingdom Heritage Trail, including Brighton State Park, and Silvio O’Conte National Wildlife Refuge.
For more details https://www.nekgmc.org/brighton-trails-day/
NEK GMC Quarterly Hike, Potluck, & Summer Meeting, Sunday, July 20th, 9AM
Join us for a hike, potluck and summer meeting. Location to be determined.
Long Trail Day, Saturday, September 20th
Join Team Kingdom Express for another day of fun on the Long Trail. This year we plan to hike from Hazen’s Notch (Rte 58) south to the Frank Post Trail and Trailhead. This is a 6.6 mile hike with approximately 1500 feet of elevation gain. This will be a strenuous hike. More details to come.
Westmore Mountain Challenge – Mad Brook Station, Saturday, September 27th
Once again we will be sponsoring the aid station at the Mad Brook Trailhead. This annual Northwoods Stewardship event is popular with our members as well. Not only do some members participate, we also help get the trails ready, flag trails, and volunteer the day of the event. For more information Westmore Mountain Challenge . More details to come.
Wood Stacking Weekend, Friday – Monday, October 10th – 13th
We have scheduled another weekend at Wheeler Pond Camps to stack wood, hike, eat, and camp. Arrive on Friday afternoon and stay at either Jean Haigh Cabin or Hadsel-Mares Camp. Awake Saturday morning to Amish donuts (or coffeecake) and coffee (provided by NEKGMC), then stack wood, stop for lunch, then continue to stack, or enjoy and afternoon hike. End the evening around a campfire, then again stay at either cabins. On Sunday, more Amish donuts (or coffeecake) and coffee (provided by NEKGMC) and either wood stacking or a morning hike, potluck lunch and at 1PM our Fall meeting at Jean Haigh Cabin. Stay another night at Jean Haigh Cabin to end the weekend. Members and non-members welcome. Please RSVP gmcnek@gmail.com to confirm your overnight stay.
NEK GMC Annual Hike, Potluck, Meeting, Sunday, March 30th
The weather caused us to change our plans from an in-person hike, potluck and meeting to a virtual Zoom meeting. Seventeen people participated and reelected all members or our executive committee. We also celebrated volunteer Michael Chernick and virtually presented him with the Treeline Terrains NEK GMC Section award for his 25 years of volunteerism and service to our section and the Green Mountain Club. Luke O’Brien, Steve Farrow, Mike Debonis, and Cathi Brooks all expressed gratitude and shared memories. Cathi, Luke, Mike and Maria all shared news and updates. Kevin is busy organizing trails and adopters for another season. Paul, Victor, Susan, and Beth all provided updates. Summer hiking events are in the planning stages.
Burke Mountain Hike, Saturday, March 22nd
Green Mountain Club Member Matt Dickstein led a hiking expedition on Burke Mountain, he was joined by one other person. They switched from spikes to snowshoes, back to spikes, and finally to bare boots. The snow-covered trail heading in was a dirt trail on the way out. Gorgeous day. Tons of snow up top, gorgeous views, a fire tower and nice company. Hike total 6 miles round trip x 2,000′ vertical ascent.
Codding Hollow to Laraway Lookout, Monday, March 3rd
As always, this was an amazing winter hike! It’s a 4.4 miles out and back on the Long Trail with 1,547 feet of elevation gain. Snowshoes were required. Eight of us participated in this challenging hike, mostly uphill with some steep sections.
Map & Directions: https://www.trailfinder.info/trails/trail/laraway-mountain
Victory Basin to Stone Dam – Saturday, February 8th
Cathi led us to the Stone Dam in the Victory Basin Wildlife Management Area from Damon Crossing. This one is accessible only in the winter when the bog is frozen, and snowshoes were required. The trail follows an old railroad line and is not maintained, parts of the trail were marked by orange flags. We hiked this 3.5 mile out and back with 174 feet of elevation gain.
Map: https://www.trailfinder.info/trails/trail/victory-state-forest-trails
Split Rock Snowshoe – Friday, February 7th
Morgan and John met at the Community National Bank in Island Pond just before 8AM and left for the Gore Mountain Trailhead. We received weather alerts on our phones and had blinding snow squalls along the way. The trail was unbroken and we were sinking 14″ to 15″ into the snow from the start. As we took turns leading, we decided our goal for the day would be Gore Junction. This hike was a 2.5 mile out and back with 434 feet of elevation gain.
Map: https://connect.garmin.com/modern/activity/4520791483
Jean Haigh Cabin Wood Project – Tuesday, February 4th
The weather prevented a good turnout for this event. Paul moved wood between the two cabins. After that, he removed ash from the wood stoves. It was tricky getting in and out of there with the weather.
Kettle Pond Snowshoe – Sunday, February 2nd
Victor Caamano led small group of 3 on this sweet 3 mile+ loop which circles a beautiful glacial pond passing by numerous primitive camping areas and lean-tos. It was -14F at the start, 1 degree when we finished.
Map and info: https://www.trailfinder.info/trails/trail/groton-state-forest-kettle-pond
Unknown Pond Snowshoe – Friday, January 24th, 8:30AM
Starting at the Unknown Pond Trailhead we snowshoed to the Kingdom Heritage Trail, then to the elusive Unknown Pond. This was a 4.25 mile out and back with several stream crossings. It was a challenging hike, because we were breaking trail all the way.
Bluff Community Trail Snowshoe – Saturday, January 18th
The trailhead was not plowed, so we parked beside the road. We snowshoed the Bluff Community Trail to the Overlook. This hike is 3.5 miles round-trip with 1216 feet of elevation gain, it’s considered a moderately difficult hike. We were lucky that two others had broke trail ahead of us. The wind at the overlook was steady and we didn’t stay long.
Map & info: https://www.trailfinder.info/trails/trail/bluff-mountain-community-trail
NEK GMC Winter Meeting – Sunday, January 12th
We held our quarterly meeting at Northwoods Stewardship Center. The morning started with skiing and snowshoeing and 20 people participating, followed by a potluck lunch, then 18 attendees stayed for our quarterly meeting. Activities started at 10AM, followed by potluck at 12:30PM, and meeting beginning at 1PM. The day will ended around 2:44PM. A special thank you to Maria for leading the skiing event and to Northwoods Stewardship Center for hosting us.
Brighton State Park First Day Hike – Wednesday, January 1st
Nine joined us for a First Day Hike at Brighton State Park, a tradition of the Vermont State Parks and the Green Mountain Club. We followed the Shoreline Trail to Council Point then returned on the Main Loop Trail. Total distance was 2.5 miles.
More information: https://www.trailfinder.info/trails/trail/brighton-state-park
Bartlett Mountain First Day Hike – Wednesday, January 1st
Susan led a First Day Hike (Snowshoe), a tradition of the Vermont State Parks and the Green Mountain Club.
Following the CCC Road in Willoughby State Forest for a nice leisurely snowshoe with lots of conversation! Four miles and a temperature that had most everyone shedding a layer, but happy to say, no rain!!!! And of course, being we do trail maintenance, this tree across the trail had to be removed! Have saw, will clean up!
Map: https://www.trailfinder.info/trails/trail/willoughby-state-forest-ski-trails
Mad Brook Trail Hike to Summit of Bald Mountain – Wednesday, December 18
Paul and I snowshoed the Mad Brook Trail to the summit of Bald Mountain. This hike is a 4.6 mile out and back, with 1415 feet of elevation gain. It ended up being more than we expected with dozens of downed trees. We crawled under, over, and went around blowdowns, too numerous to count.
Map and directions: https://www.trailfinder.info/trails/trail/bald-mountain-trails
Jean Haigh Memorial Hike on the CCC Road – Sunday, December 8th
Five years ago, the Northeast Kingdom Section of the Green Mountain Club lost a memorable leader. She was an avid hiker and inspiration to all. In 2019, we celebrated her life with a well-attended saunter up the CCC Road in Westmore. It was decided to repeat this saunter, to keep the memory of Jean alive and to introduce others to the wonderful lady she was.The roads were snow covered getting there, but a few of us were able to make it! We had a great snowshoe hike on the CCC Road, Bartlett Road, and Middle Loop. About a 4.6 mile snowshoe.
Map: https://www.trailfinder.info/trails/trail/willoughby-state-forest
Cow Mountain Loop Hike – Tuesday, November 12th
We enjoyed a windy gray day in the woods. The beaver dams and ponds were a sight to see, with traces of snow on the ground.
Map and Details: https://www.trailfinder.info/trails/trail/cow-mountain-pond
Golden Trail Saunter – Saturday, November 2nd
One of the cool things about our group is that we not only hike the trails, but we also cannot help ourselves and maintain them too! We spent time clearing brush and branches from the trail. We paused to remember Jean along the way. The new moldering toilet is a sight to see! Who brought that saw anyways?
Gore East Saunter – Friday, October 18th
Wood Stacking Weekend – Friday, October 11th – Sunday, October 13th
Another fun and successful Wood Stacking Weekend! It would have been a lot more work if the students from Sterling College and NCSU hadn’t done “the lion’s share” of the work! We so much appreciate your help! Thank you!
Friday evening was beautiful at Jean Haigh Cabin, then Amish donuts and coffee cake Saturday morning with coffee, followed by some good wood stacking, first by wheelbarrow, then forming a line. We finished before noon, ate lunch, then played corn hole for the rest of the afternoon. The evening ended with some games. Sunday morning started with Amish donuts and coffee cake with coffee, then a hike to Moose Ledge. The potluck lunch was delicious! Then our quarterly meeting. Thank you to all the volunteers!
Westmore Mountain Challenge – Saturday, September 28th
We (GMCNEK) sponsored a rest/aid station at the Mad Brook Trailhead supplying snacks and refreshments to participants of the Westmore Mountain Challenge hosted by Northwoods Stewardship. Volunteers spent time at this station throughout the day; we had a great time and enjoyed being part of the days event. Thank you to Charles, Morgan, and Julia from Northwoods for spending the day with us (and the ride to BBQ).
Moose Mountain to Herbert Hawkes Hike – Friday, September 27th
This ended up being a solo hike. It’s the 3rd year that I have flagged this section of trail for the Westmore Mountain Challenge. The temperatures were perfect and the view are fantastic! I started hiking at 8AM and reached the Herbert Hawkes Trailhead at 1PM, that included all viewpoints and both summits. Another great day in the woods!
Long Trail Day – Saturday, September 21st
This year Team Kingdom Express hiked the Long Trail south from Jay Pass (VT 242) to Hazen’s Notch (VT 58) . Seven of us started hiking from Jay Pass headed for the summit of Gilpin Mountain, spirits were high and the weather was excellent. We had a great day hiking. Team Kingdom Express raised $2,481 for Long Trail Day and the GMC! Thank you!
Donation are being accepted until October 1st. Join Team Kingdom Express and donate to the Green Mountain Club.
Mad Brook Lumber Carry – Saturday, August 24th, 10AM
NEK GMC, Northwoods Stewardship, and Vermont FPR had 46 volunteers show up for a lumber carry up the Mad Brook Trail to the summit of Bald Mountain. The lumber was staged about a mile into the woods. Volunteers carried white oak lumber for about 1 1/4 miles to the summit for the firetower restoration. Many of us met at NorthWoods Stewardship Center and shuttled to the trailhead. It was a fun day and FPR was very appreciative.
Bluff Community Trail Hike – Saturday, August 10th
GMCNEK Quarterly Meeting – Sunday, July 14th
We started our day with a hike to Beaver Pond, 1.6 miles out and back, then a potluck, and quarterly meeting. A few people took a swim and some kayaked. Mike Debonis (GMC Executive Director) reviewed upcoming plans for the 2025 Kingdom Heritage Land Corridor Management. Luke O’Brien provided a FPR season overview. It was a great day to share with friends.
Map: AllTrails – Bill Sladyk WMA – Beaver Pond Trail
Norton Pond Paddle (Repeat) – Monday, July 1st
Four of us paddled at Norton Pond in Warren’s Gore, just south of Norton. We explored the inlet where Hurricane Brook comes in.
Norton Pond Paddle – Tuesday, June 25th, 9AM
Owls Head Hike – Monday, June 24th, 10AM
Victor volunteered to lead a hike on the Owls Head Trail, 5 miles, 700 ft elevation, easy-moderate, 2.5 hours. Like a true hiker Victor hiked though nobody else signed up.
Map: https://www.trailfinder.info/trails/trail/groton-state-forest-owls-head-mountain
Brighton Trails Day – Saturday, June 22nd
Another Brighton Trails Day in the books. Volunteers led hikes on Bluff Community Trail, Bluff Ridge Trail (PDF map), Middle Mountain Trail, Moose Bog Trail, and Nulhegan River Trail. Thank you to Susan Winsor for organizing this. Thank you to the volunteers that made this happen. Also thank you to Brighton Recreation , Town of Brighton, Vermont , Brighton State Park, Vermont State Parks , Silvio O’ Conte Wildlife Refuge, Vermont ANR, and landowners.
Green Mountain Club Annual Meeting – Saturday, June 15th
Victor, Cathi, and I represented the Northeast Kingdom at the Annual Meeting. Cathi was presented with the GMC President’s Award for all her years of volunteerism. Yay Cathi!
Gore East Trail Hike, Monday, June 3rd
John led and impromptu hike on the Gore Mountain East Trail, joined by Susan. This hike was posted on our Facebook Page on Saturday. We left Island Pond at 8AM for the 1 hour drive on Henshaw Rd, 4 Mile Rd, and Lewis Pond Rd. to reach our destination. There were many ladyslippers along the drive, both pink and white. The hike is 2.3 miles to the summit and started off by surprising a young moose. During the hike we enjoyed our surrounding, while also looking for Steve’s glasses along the way (Steve lost them while doing trail work). We enjoyed a snack at the summit, then headed back.
Jean Haigh Cabin Grand Opening, Saturday, June 1st, 2024
Saturday we celebrated the grand opening of the GMC Jean Haigh Cabin with Jean’s Family, GMC, GMC NEK, and a select few guests. Because of limited parking this was an invitation only event. During the event there were presentations by GMC Executive Director Mike Debonis, GMC President Nancy McClellan, Director of Land Conservation Molly Klepack Flanigan, and GMC NEK Director Cathi Brooks, all speaking kind words and memories of Jean. A plaque was unveiled to Jean’s family that will hang at the cabin. After many of us enjoyed a hike on the Wheeler Pond Trail.
Haystack Mountain Loop Hike, Sunday, May 26
Essentials of Map & Compass, Sunday, May 19th
NEKGMC Member Gordon Dubois and Burlington Section Member David Hathaway led this workshop to help people understand the information provided on a topographical map, the proper use of a compass, and how to put the two together. They learned about magnetic north, true north, and magnetic declination, and pairing a compass to a map. Then learned 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 location. After covering these fundamentals, they practiced orienteering skills in the woods around the Green Mountain Club campus.
Trail Work at Cow Mountain Pond Forest, Sunday, May 19th
East Haven Cabin Hike, Saturday, May 11th, 9AM
Gordon DuBois led a day hike to The Cabin on East Haven Mountain, in East Haven, VT., where they enjoyed lunch. The Cabin sits on the edge of a cliff offering a spectacular view of Umpire Mountain and the White Mountains. After lunch, they hiked to the summit of East Haven Mountain (3,060′), the summit of East Haven Mt. is another mile from the Cabin.
NEKGMC Annual Meeting, Sunday, April 7th
We met at the CCC road trailhead and hiked the 2.9 mile Middle Loop, then enjoyed a potluck at the Burke Community Library. The meeting started at 1PM, we honored Cathi Brooks with an NEK Section Award & Gift Certificate for all her volunteer work for the past 19 years. Next we asked for nominations, then reelected all members of the Executive Committee to continue for another year. We are still in search of a Director to replace Cathi when she leaves later this year.
Map: https://www.trailfinder.info/trails/trail/willoughby-state-forest-ski-trails
Hike South America Pond Rd, Friday, March 8th
We met at the Community National Bank in Island Pond then carpooled to the Moose Bog Trailhead. We hiked the South America Pond Road to the Firing Range, about 5 miles out and back. Then, we hiked out to Moose Bog and back.
The Mooseway at Pondicherry Wildlife Refuge, February 15th
Explore the ROCKS in Bethlehem, NH, Wednesday, February 7th
Check out the Jean Haigh Cabin, Tuesday, February 6th
Only a few showed up, but it was a beautiful day to check out the newly constructed cabin. Conditions were hard packed snow and slippery, so getting there was tricky, micro-spikes were an after thought.
Winter NEK GMC Meeting, Sunday, January 21st
We started the day with a snowshoe hike and some of us skied. The snowshoers hiked the Gardner Trail, Echo Lake Trail, then the Lang Brook Trail for a short 1.7 mile enjoyable hike. The skiers started and Echo Lake and did a point-to-point ski to the Northwoods Stewardship Center in East Charleston, Vermont; I guess they did a little bushwhacking along the way, as the trail was trackless prior to their ski (snowshoe or ski on Northwoods many trails). At noon, we enjoyed a potluck lunch with 4 types of vegetarian chili, mac & cheese, meatballs, snacks, salads, homemade bread, and desserts. The meeting began at 1PM; Maria Young, Executive Director of Northwoods Stewardship gave an excellent presentation on all the Northwoods Projects, followed Luke O’Brien, Recreation Specialist for Vermont Forest, Parks and Recreation, he provided updates on projects for VFPR. A special thanks to Northwoods Stewardship Center for hosting us.
First Day Hike, Monday, January 1st
Yes, the Bartlett Mountain Hike was amazing! Fifteen people explored the Willoughby State Forest in Westmore to start off the new year right!
Past Events
If you would like to see more of our past events just follow this link: History of Past Events – 2023
If you would like to see more of our past events just follow this link: History of Past Events – 2022
If you would like to see more of our past events just follow this link: History of Past Events – 2021
If you would like to see more of our past events just follow this link: History of Past Events – 2020
If you would like to see more of our past events just follow this link: History of Past Events prior to 2020
Join us!
Join us for fun and adventure! We are a welcoming group and enjoy spending time with people of all hiking abilities.
Contact us for more information. gmcnek@gmail.com
Monadnock Trailhead Closed
Please be advised:
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!
