Weekend Outings
Bring drinking water and a lunch. Wear sturdy footwear, dress appropriately for the weather and be prepared for weather changes. Distances are round trip and are approximate, as are elevation gains. Hike leader has discretion to refuse anyone who is not adequately prepared. Proof of vaccination may be required. Call the hike leader for meeting place and time, and if you reserve a space and are unable to go, please let the leader know ASAP so that someone else can take your place. If you are sick or have any symptoms, please stay home and join us next time.
Wednesday Hikes for Seniors
The Godnick Adult Center sponsors a series of hikes at a less strenuous pace for adults and older adults. Hikes typically cover 2-4 miles, involve limited to moderate elevation gain, and try to avoid treacherous footing.
Participants should bring water, lunch and bug spray. Hikers are encouraged to wear sturdy footwear, long sleeves/pants(to protect against ticks), and be prepared for Vermont weather.
Meet at 9 a.m. at the Godnick Center, 1 Deer Street to carpool. We return in the early to mid-afternoon. For further details, call the hike leader listed on the schedule. All are welcome. NOTE: Hikes are subject to change due to weather and/or trail conditions. (…..and please, no dogs.)
Outings
KILLINGTON SECTION ANNUAL MEETING, 1 p.m., Godnick Center, Deer St., Rutland
Godnick Center Deer Street, Rutland, VT, United StatesAll are welcome to join us for a short business meeting and election of officers, followed by snacks and socializing out in the yard. It’s a great way to meet folks who share an interest in outdoor recreation, and learn about our work protecting and maintaining Vermont’s Long Trail. Vaccination recommended. Bring snacks to share…
TUCKER JOHNSON SHELTER, Killington
Killington, VT Killington, VT, United StatesWe’ll follow the Long/Appalachian Trail north from Route 4, climbing steadily to Maine Junction, then take the Long Trail to the shelter. (If the trail is muddy, an alternate destination may be chosen.) 3 miles, moderate, with some steep climbing. Vaccination recommended for carpooling.
LOW ELEVATION LONG TRAIL CLEAN-UP, Shrewsbury/Cuttingsville/Wallingford
Join us for our annual day of clean-up and maintenance, preparing the trail for the hiking season. We will clear waterbars, trim brush and cut blowdowns on the lower-elevation stretches. Bring work gloves, sturdy shoes and lunch, tools will be provided.
WILDFLOWER WALK
An easy-to-moderate hike to admire the woodland flowers of spring. Mother Nature is fickle, so the location will be determined by how the season advances. If spring is very late this year an alternate date may be needed. Spring is also a great time to spot birds, so bring binoculars if you wish. Vaccination recommended…
WALLINGFORD POND, Mt. Holly
Wallingford, VT Wallingford, VT, United StatesWallingford Pond from the East. 4 miles, 300' climb. Easy, but wear water-resistant shoes in case spring mud puddles persist. We'll hike east from the end of the driveable part of Beaver Meadow Rd. in Mt. Holly, pass the remains of several farms on old roads, and reach the east shore of the east part…
Upper Elevation Work Day, Killington
Killington, VT Killington, VT, United StatesJoin us as we ready the Long/Appalachian Trail for the summer hiking season. We’ll clear brush and water bars, paint blazes and cut blowdowns on the upper elevation stretches of trail. Bring work gloves, sturdy shoes, lunch, water and bug spray, tools will be provided.
Old Job Trail to Griffith Lake, Mount Tabor
Great for those working on Side-to-Side certification. 7 miles, moderate. Vaccination recommended for carpool.
Taconic Mountains Ramble State Park, Hubbardton
Mt Zion Major, Mt. Zion Minor and Moot Point, a Japanese garden, pretty woods and good views. 2 miles, moderate, with 300’ total climb. Dogs are welcome but must be leashed in the park. Covid vaccination strongly recommended.
Farr Peak, Chittenden
We’ll hike up the ridge on a snowmobile trail, then along the Long Trail for a bit, bushwhacking the final 1⁄2 mile to the summit for a view to the east. 5 miles, difficult, 1300 feet total elevation gain. Vaccination recommended for carpooling.
Cooley Glen Trail, Lincoln
Great for those working on Side-to-Side certification. 7 miles, difficult at a moderate pace. Option to continue on to Mt. Grant if the group wants. Early start, must call the leader by 12 noon the day before to sign up. Vaccination recommended for carpool.
Paddle or Hike Lowell Lake State Park, Londonderry
This can be a leisurely paddle, a walk around the lake or a combination, which will be decided closer to the date. Lowell Lake offers a varied shoreline, islands (including one with picnic tables), grassy areas with picnic tables and some marshy areas. The 3.5 mile Lake Trail circles the lake using a footpath, snowmobile…
Kent Pond Loop, Killington
Join us for a hike on an especially scenic stretch of the Appalachian Trail, along the shore of the pond and passing by several beautiful waterfalls and huge boulders. We may catch a glimpse of the resident loon family if we’re lucky! Mostly easy to moderate, with some climbing, approximately 5 miles, with options to…
See the Godnick Adult Center newsletter on their website for the rest of the summer hike schedule. Also find information there about the Understanding the Woods hikes offered on the second Thursday of the month, 9:30–10:30, at Pine Hill Park, Oak Street Ext. Join Sharon Shea for a monthly exploration of our relationship to our woodlands. During the hike Sharon will moderate discussion about the ecological history of our woodlands and their continuing importance in our lives. Participants will be encouraged to engage and contribute throughout the hike.
By participating community members will gain some physical activity, social interaction and knowledge of the natural environment within the park. The next date will be June 13. Registration is required for the Understanding the Woods series, free, suggested donation $5.