We are always looking for 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 let us know and we will co-lead with you. Please consider leading us on your favorite hike.
The Hurricane is an elevation in Holland and Norton is a part of the Bill Sladyk Wildlife Management Area and is a unique hiking destination. The Hurricane was probably named before Norton was even settled and was likely a result of a significant 19th century straight-line storm in Vermont. Note this reference about the town of Holland from the History of Vermont, natural, civil and statistical, in three parts, with an appendix. 1853, by Zadock Thompson: “The timber consists of maple, beech, birch spruce, hemlock, &c. On the 2nd of July 1833, this town was visited by a violent tornado. It commenced on Salem pond in Salem, and passed over this town in a northeasterly direction. It was from half to three quarters of a mile wide, and it prostrated and scattered nearly all the trees, fences and buildings in its course. It crossed the outlet of Norton pond and passed into Canada, and its course could be traced through the forests nearly to Connecticut river.” Based on this description, a look at the map shows that the path would have taken the storm directly over the latter-named elevation known today as the "Hurricane” area of Holland and Norton. This remote part of Orleans and Essex counties remains very intriguing.
Please join us on Grandparent's Day (bring them along) on Sunday, September 8th at 10:00 AM at the Holland Pond parking area. The hike utilizes the VAST trail and is about 6 miles round trip of moderate hiking.
Bill Sladyk WMA–Hurricane Brook – Essex, Vermont, US – Birding Hotspots https://birdinghotspots.org/hotspot/L1968525
This year Team Kingdom Express will hike 7.1 miles of the Long Trail south from Jay Pass (Rte 242) to Hazen’s Notch (VT 58) while raising funds for the Green Mountain Club. We will do a car drop at Hazen's Notch and meet at Jay Pass at 8AM Consider joining our team https://secure3.convio.net/gmc/site/TR/Events/General?team_id=1352&pg=team&fr_id=1090
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!