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.
Perry Holbrook Hike – December 2, 2023
Perry Holbrook Hike – December 2, 2023
Susan Winsor & Beth Barnes – Big Rock Hill – Perry Holbrook Hike – December 2, 2023
Perry Holbrook Hike – December 2, 2023
Perry Holbrook Hike – December 2, 2023
Perry Holbrook Hike – December 2, 2023
O’Leary’s Leap – Perry Holbrook Hike – December 2, 2023
Big Rock Hill – Perry Holbrook Hike – December 2, 2023
Susan Winsor – Big Rock Hill – Perry Holbrook Hike – December 2, 2023
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!
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.
Golden Road Saunter
Golden Road Saunter
Golden Road Saunter
Golden Road Saunter
Golden Road Saunter
Golden Road Saunter
Golden Road Saunter
Golden Road Saunter
Golden Road Saunter
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.
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.
Boiling Springs – Woodstacking Weekend
Boiling Springs – Woodstacking Weekend
Boiling Springs – Woodstacking Weekend
Boiling Springs – Woodstacking Weekend
Boiling Springs – Woodstacking Weekend
Boiling Springs – Woodstacking Weekend
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.
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.”
Brian and the gang from the Sustainable Innovation-MBA program at UVM
Brian and the gang from the Sustainable Innovation-MBA program at UVM
Brian and the gang from the Sustainable Innovation-MBA program at UVM; they stacked about a cord of wood.
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!
Westmore Mountain Challenge -Trail Prep
Westmore Mountain Challenge -Trail Prep – Jeff – September 2023
Westmore Mountain Challenge -Trail Prep
Westmore Mountain Challenge
Westmore Mountain Challenge – Susan, Maria
Westmore Mountain Challenge
Westmore Mountain Challenge – Susan – Jean Haigh Scholarship recipient
Westmore Mountain Challenge – Susan – Jean Haigh Scholarship recipient
Westmore Mountain Challenge – Susan – Jean Haigh Scholarship recipient
Westmore Mountain Challenge – Gordon
Westmore Mountain Challenge – Cathi, Beth
Westmore Mountain Challenge – Cathi, John, Beth
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!
Peacham Pond Paddle
Peacham Pond Paddle
Peacham Pond Paddle
Peacham Pond Paddle
Peacham Pond Paddle
Peacham Pond 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!
Jay Community Recreation Trails -Hike & Potluck with Northern Frontier Section
Hike & Potluck with Northern Frontier Section
Paul Trojano and Cathi Brooks – Hike & Potluck with Northern Frontier Section
Jay Community Recreation Trails -Hike & Potluck with Northern Frontier Section
Chef Ken Whitehead – Hike & Potluck with Northern Frontier Section
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!
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 Bog Trail
Moose Bog & Vermont Symphony Orchestra
Moose Bog & Vermont Symphony Orchestra
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!
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.
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.
Pisgah View – Cathi, John
Pisgah View – Cathi
North Trail – Pisgah
Installing Pisgah Sign
New Pisgah Sign
Pisgah Summit – John, Cathi
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.
Sunshine and rain….. great adventure on Stone Mountain! Jeffrey Helms did a grand job bushwhacking and leading us up and back!
Stone Mountain Hike
Stone Mountain Hike
Stone Mountain Hike
Stone Mountain Hike
Stone Mountain Hike
Stone Mountain Hike
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!!!
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!
Beaver Pond Trail – Summer Meeting
Summer Meeting at Lenny’s Camp on Holland Pond
Beaver Pond Trail – Summer Meeting
Summer Meeting at Lenny’s Camp
Kevin receives GMC President’s Award
Kevin receives GMC President’s Award
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 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.
CCC Road in Willoughby State Forest – Geoff, Dexter, Beth, John
CCC Road in Willoughby State Forest – Beth, Dexter, Geoff
Annual Meeting – Burke Clubhouse – Cathi, John, Michael
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
Victory Basin to Stone Dam
Victory Basin to Stone Dam
Victory Basin to Stone Dam
Victory Basin to Stone Dam
Victory Basin to Stone Dam
Victory Basin to Stone Dam
Victory Basin to Stone Dam
Victory Basin to Stone Dam
Victory Basin to Stone Dam
Victory Basin to Stone Dam
Victory Basin to Stone Dam
Victory Basin to Stone Dam
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, 2023
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.
Brighton State Park
Bluff South Summit
Bluff Lookout
Bluff Community Trail
Bluff Lookout – John, Susan, Beth, Geoff
Hobo’s Eat & Greet
The ‘American Alps’ in Washington’s Northern Cascades, Thursday, February 16th, 2023
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, 2023
 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.
Unknown Pond Snowshoe
Unknown Pond Snowshoe
Unknown Pond Snowshoe
Unknown Pond Snowshoe
Unknown Pond Snowshoe
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, 2023
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, 2023
 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, 2023
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, 2023
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.
Winter Meeting – Northwoods Stewardship Center
Winter Meeting – Northwoods Stewardship Center – January 22, 2023
Winter Meeting – Northwoods Stewardship Center – January 22, 2023
Winter Meeting – Northwoods Stewardship Center
Winter Meeting – Northwoods Stewardship Center
Winter Meeting – Northwoods Stewardship Center
Winter Meeting – Northwoods Stewardship Center
Winter Meeting – Northwoods Stewardship Center
South Shore Trail Impromptu S.L.O.T.H. Hike, January 21st, 2023
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.
South Shore Trail
South Shore Trail
South Shore Trail
South Shore Trail
South Shore Trail
South Shore Trail
South Shore Trail
South Shore Trail
South Shore Trail
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!
Jay Community Trails
Jay Community Trails
Jay Community Trails
Jay Community Trails
Jay Community Trails
Jay Community Trails
Bluff Mountain Community Trail to Lookout, January 11th, 2023
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, 2023
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. 2023
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!
Cow Mountain Loop
Cow Mountain Loop
Cow Mountain Loop
Cow Mountain Loop
Cow Mountain Loop
Cow Mountain Loop
Cow Mountain Loop
Cow Mountain Pond
Cow Mountain Loop
First Day Hike, Sentinel Rock State Park – Sunday, January 1st, 2023
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.
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!
