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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 Latest Newsletter is out! Ramblings 5-3
Our Latest Meeting Minutes are out! Minutes
UPCOMING EVENTS
NEKGMC Annual Meeting, Sunday, April 7th, 10AM
Join us for our Annual Meeting at Burke Community Library, with a hike and potluck prior to the meeting, activities start at 10AM. We will be accepting nominations and voting for positions on our executive committee. We need to fill the Director position so please send your nominations. We will hike the CCC road in Willoughby State Forest starting at 10AM. Depending on conditions we will either wear snowshoes or micro-spikes, bring both; these are also ski trails so it is important that we do not mess up the trails. You are also welcome to bring ski’s. We will return to the East Burke Community Library by 12:30PM to enjoy a potluck lunch with the meeting starting at 1PM. Contact gmcnek@gmail.com for details or to RSVP.
Map: https://www.trailfinder.info/trails/trail/willoughby-state-forest-ski-trails
East Haven Cabin Hike, Saturday, May 11th, 9AM
Gordon DuBois will lead a day hike to The Cabin on East Haven Mountain, in East Haven, VT. We will hike to the cabin for lunch. The Cabin sits on the edge of a cliff offering a spectacular view of Umpire Mountain and the White Mountains. After lunch, we will hike to the summit of East Haven Mountain (3,060′). Those who don’t want to summit the mountain can remain at the cabin and take in the view. It is about a 2.5-mile hike to the cabin with an elevation gain of 1,600 ft. The summit of East Haven Mt. is another mile from the Cabin. Meet up at 9:00 at the trailhead which is at the end of Young’s Road in East Haven. A small donation is requested to assist the organization with the maintenance of the cabin. If you would like more information about the cabin go to https://www.ehmicabin.net/about-the-cabin. Please register for the hike by emailing Gordon at duboisgordon7@gmail.com by May 8.
Essentials of Map & Compass, Sunday, May 19th, 9:00AM
NEKGMC Member Gordon Dubois and Burlington Section Member David Hathaway will lead this workshop to 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).
To sign up: https://www.tickettailor.com/events/greenmountainclub/1144358
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
It was a beautiful day to hike with NEKGMC section friends to Mooseway and Mud Pond. We made additional stops at Cherry and Little Cherry Ponds and ended up with a 6.28 miles hike under deep blue sky and sunshine.
Explore the ROCKS in Bethlehem, NH, Wednesday, February 7th
Janet Steinert led an easy 2 mile saunter on snowshoes in Bethlehem at a Forest Society North location in Bethlehem, NH called The Rocks. Perfect for SLOTHs (Sauntering Lads and Ladies on Therapeutic Hikes). With many acres of preserved land, this is a great destination for snowshoers with forest and field views of the north country. Lots of history there, totally worth the trip.
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
As is the tradition with the Vermont State Parks, we once again did a First Day Hike
Yes, the Bartlett Mountain Hike was amazing! Fifteen people explored the Willoughby State Forest in Westmore to start off the new year right!
Long Trail Day 2023 Pizza Party, Saturday, December 2nd
After reaching out to all section members with a requested vote for a date to hold a pizza party at Parker Pie, we received a small response, with the majority of members choosing December 2nd. We were celebrating our section being the #1 section for fundraising for Long Trail Day 2023. Team Kingdom Express raised $2325 and were rewarded with a gift certificate from our GMC headquarters. Though turnout was small, we all enjoyed seeing each other and delicious pizza!
Perry Holbrook Snowshoe Hike, Saturday, December 2nd
The morning started with rain and frantic messages as to whether the event was still on. We met at the Glover park & ride where 7 hearty souls braved the elements to snowshoe at Holbrook State Park. Our mood was joyful and we all donned raingear for a nice snowshoe hike, some to Mud Pond, while others headed to O’Leary Leap and Big Rock Hill Summit.
4th Connecticut Lake Trail Hike, Monday, November 6th
This hike is listed as easy to moderate, but steep in the first 0.5 miles; it’s 3 miles round trip. “
Straddle the Connecticut River with your feet!” –
50 Hikes North of the Whites
We met at the Community National Bank in Island Pond and left promptly at 8:30AM. It was 1.5 hour commute to the trailhead. We had a great day in a beautiful place and did indeed straddle the Connecticut River!
Golden Road Saunter, Sunday, November 5th
Cathi Brooks led a hike on the Golden Trail in Victory Forest. This is a moderate 5-mile hike with undulating ups and downs, 660 feet elevation gain. Our goal was the shelter. We met at East Burke Community Library parking lot and carpooled from there, leaving promptly at 9:00. It was a great day for remembrance and to be with friends.
Essentials of Map & Compass, Saturday, October 28th
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 helps participants understand the information provided on a topographical map, the proper use of a compass, and how to put the two together. Participants learned about magnetic north, true north, and magnetic declination, and pairing a compass to a map. Participants 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 they are. After covering these fundamentals, participants had 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 was led by Gordon DuBois and David Hathaway. Gordon is a member of the Northeast Kingdom Section of the Green Mountain Club. David is a member of the Burlington section.
Our Latest Newsletter and Meeting Minutes!
You can click on the tabs above, or the links below.
Newsletter: https://www.nekgmc.org/newsletters/
Minutes: https://www.nekgmc.org/nekgmc-minutes/
NEKGMC Fall Meeting, Hike, & Potluck – Sunday, October 15th
For some of us the morning started with breakfast and a campfire after spending the night at Hadsel Mares Cabin. At 10AM, ten of us hiked to Boiling Springs; this was a 3.9 mile out and back along Wheeler Mountain Road to the Boiling Springs Trailhead, and Boiling Springs. Our potluck started a little early with lots of delicious food, then our Fall meeting where we discuss all that is happening within GMC and the NEK. Mike Debonis, Executive Director of the Green Mountain Club was our special guest.
Wood stacking, Hike, and Overnight at Wheeler Pond, Saturday October 14th thru Sunday October 15th
Another successful Wood Stacking Weekend in the books! This year, because of help from UVM, Sterling College, and Newport North Country High School we only had 4 cords of wood to stack in the upper shed. We stacked 4 cords in 2 1/2 hours (many hands make light work)! We enjoyed donuts from Local Donut and coffee from Front Seat Coffee. After lunch we hiked the Wheeler Pond Trail to the Moose Mountain Trail, to the summit and back. Now it was time for a campfire, dinner, and stories below the stars. We ended our night at Hadsel Mares Cabin.
Map: https://www.trailfinder.info/trails/trail/willoughby-state-forest-wheeler-pond
UVM Students Stay and Stack at Hadsel Mares Cabin, October 12th
A special thank you to Brian and the gang from the Sustainable Innovation-MBA program at UVM; they stacked about a cord of wood. “We had a fun morning! This cabin is always such a refuge. We really needed a rest night- we are in the finals week of our first of four modules of the program. The cabin provided.”
Long Trail Day 2023 – Saturday, October 7th
Our Long Trail Day hike was canceled due to the severe weather forecast. Our team Kingdom Express excelled at fundraising again this year and did our best to support the Green Mountain Club and Vermont Trails! Thank you all!
Northcountry High School Students Stack Wood at Wheeler Pond, September 26th
A group of volunteers from Northcountry High School did an outstanding job stacking wood at Wheeler Pond. We want to give a BIG shout of THANKS and gratitude for the help!
Northwoods Westmore Mountain Challenge GMCNEK Volunteers, September 23rd
Thank you to all the trail adopters and volunteers that helped clear and flag the trails, volunteered at the food and water stations, and performed sweep duties for Northwoods Westmore Mountain Challenge. Our own Susan Winsor was selected to receive one of two, Jean Haigh Memorial Scholarships, and completed her chosen distance of the challenge. It was an amazing day! I saw lots of familiar faces and met many new. Executive Director Maria Young, is thankful and said it wouldn’t be possible without us!
Peacham Pond Paddle – Sunday, September 17th
Thank you, Ava Lafferty, for volunteering to lead the Peacham Pond Paddle. It was way more than I expected. A very quiet and serene pond with lots of coves to explore! The blue sky and calm breeze helped make it a perfect paddle!
Hike and Potluck with Northern Frontier Section, Saturday, September 9th
The NEK Section partnered with the Northern Frontier Section to enjoy a hike at Jay Rec Trails. After the hike a barbecue ensued in the meadow. A great turnout for this event!
Maps and Event Location: https://www.jaycommunityrecreationalcentre.org
Sugarloaf Mountain NH Hike, Monday, August 28th
We met and East Burke, then carpooled from Lunenburg, VT to the trailhead on Nash Stream Road. The hike started later than expected, about 10:30AM. It was a challenging 4 1/2 mile out and back, with 2168 elevation gain. The views were spectacular at the summit!
Map: https://www.alltrails.com/explore/trail/us/new-hampshire/sugarloaf-mountain-trail
Vermont Symphony Orchestra and Moose Bog Hike – Saturday, August 26th
This was a variation on our Eat and Greet theme. VSO performed in Island Pond at the Essex House & Tavern Pavilion, starting at 1:00 p.m. Three of us hiked to Moose Bog and back on a beautiful day. We arrived back at the Essex House with plenty of time to watch and listen.
Moose Mountain Hike – Tuesday, August 22nd
A happy group of GMCNEK members hiked to the Moose Mountain viewpoint and back, around 5 miles. It was another great day in the NEK!
Map: https://www.trailfinder.info/trails/trail/moose-mountain-trail
Green Mountain Club President’s Outstanding Volunteer Award
This year our own Kevin Williamson (One Cut Williamson) was awarded the GMC President’s Outstanding Volunteer Award.
Kevin has been the NEK Section’s Trail Maintenance Coordinator for 20+ years. Not only does he manage all the Section’s trail adopters (last count 33), but he also is a trail adopter! If there is a gap in coverage, he covers that area. Section members call him “One Cut Williamson” because he favors the axe.
Cathi Brooks noted Kevin’s efforts to create new trails , Kirby for example , reopen Monadnock , overseeing trail maintenance and volunteers , and volunteering probably 100’s of hours clearing trails.”
Luke O’Brien highlighted Kevin’s work on the Bald and Monadnock fire towers, working with the maps/publications committee to update content, driving countless miles to distribute publications, and having a knack for exploring old trails.”
Haystack Mtn in Westmore Hike – Saturday, August 12th
Green Mountain Club Member, Steve Farrow, led a hike up Haystack Mountain in Westmore. Steve at one time was the trail maintainer for Haystack and has a deep love for the mountain. Haystack Mountain is justly named as its steep side rise out of the earth from all directions. The top offers views of Long Pond, Lake Willoughby, and the surrounding area.
Considered Moderate, we met at the Bald Mountain Trail Head promptly at 10:00AM and carpooled to the South Trailhead. We proceeded about a mile up to the summit, stopping at the lookouts along the way, with one final lookout before heading down and back to the cars.
Pisgah via East Trail Hike – Sunday, August 6th
Yesterday, Cathi and I hiked Mount Pisgah via the East Trail to replace the missing summit sign. The trail was in good shape and it was a beautiful day to be out on the trail.
Cow Mountain Loop Hike – Tuesday, August 1st
It was a perfect day to hike the Cow Mountain Loop. Susan and Judy joined me for this 5 mile hike; we avoided the summit, and visited both ponds and the beaver dam.
Map: https://www.trailfinder.info/trails/trail/cow-mountain-pond
Stone Mountain Hike – Saturday, July 22nd
Sunshine and rain….. great adventure on Stone Mountain! Jeffrey Helms did a grand job bushwhacking and leading us up and back!
North Branch Trail Hike – Saturday, July 15th
Hike Leader Beth Barnes and I (John Predom) hiked this 4 mile loop. The sky was blue and temperature warm. We called it the Frog and Butterfly Hike because we saw so many of each. Great hike on a beautiful day.
Bald Mountain via Long Pond Trail Hike – Saturday, July 15th
We beat the heat and the fog had lifted…. perfect timing! Cate Bishop and I were the only takers for this group hike up Bald Mountain…. but Cate is ready to join us on more hikes, leading some and being active with our club. There were many hikers there today, mostly going up when we were going down, parking lot was full!!!
Map: https://www.trailfinder.info/trails/trail/bald-mountain-trails
GMC NEK Summer Quarterly Meeting – Sunday, July 9th
We started the day with a hike to Beaver Pond in the Bill Sladyk WMA; Susan Winsor led the hike, as she was familiar with the trail. After we enjoyed a delicious potluck at Lenny Targonski’s Camp on Holland Pond, with the highlight being Lenny’s cheesecake! Newly appointed GMC President Nancy McClellan attended the hike, potluck, and meeting. She presented the President’s Outstanding Volunteer Award to our Trail Maintenance Coordinator, Trail Adopter, and Publications Distributor Kevin Williamson. It was a great day in the NEK!
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.
Bluffside Farm Hike – Saturday, May 6th
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.
Spring Newsletter is out! Follow this link or the Tab above: https://www.nekgmc.org/newsletters/
Spring Annual Meeting Minutes! Follow this link or Tab above: https://www.nekgmc.org/nekgmc-minutes/
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.
Map: https://www.trailfinder.info/trails/trail/laraway-mountain
Past Events
If you would like to see more of our past events just follow this link: History of Past Events