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.)
Bristol Pond Paddle
Bristol, VT Bristol, VT, United StatesWe'll do a leisurely exploration together of this 248-acre pond (aka Winona Lake) where bald eagles, ospreys and great blue herons have been reported. Bring your own paddle-powered craft, an approved personal flotation device for each person, water, lunch and sun protection. Contact leader before July 26 for meeting place and time and to sign…
Haystack Mountain
West Pawlet, VT West Pawlet, VT, United StatesClimb through a forest of oak, ash and hickory to a sweeping view of the Mettawee River Valley, Taconic Range, Greens and Adirondacks. Part of the Nature Conservancy’s North Pawlet Hills Natural Area, it’s home to bobcats, hawks, ravens and peregrine falcons. 3 miles, moderate, with some steep pitches. Dogs are not permitted in Nature…
Killington via Bucklin Trail
Killington, VT Killington, VT, United StatesRain Date: Sunday August 18th Let’s give our local 4000-footer a visit with a straightforward out-and-back hike of the Bucklin Trail from Brewer’s Corners on Wheelerville Road. 7 miles, difficult, with a 2400-ft total elevation gain. Please give the hike leader a call to find out the meeting place and time.
Lowell Lake State Park Hike or Paddle
Londonderry Londonderry, VT, United StatesBring kayaks or canoes for a day of paddling, or hike the 3.5-mile, mostly flat trail around the lake. Swimming is also an option. State Park admission fee or pass required. Drivers may request masks for carpooling. Call leaders for meeting place and time
Smokey House Volunteer Day
Smokey House 426 Danby Mountain Rd, Danby, VT, United StatesSmokey House, a nonprofit working to advance sustainable agriculture and forestry, has been hosting the GMC’s southern trail crew for several seasons. To show its appreciation, the club encourages members to volunteer at the farm for a day. 9 a.m. til mid-afternoon, but shorter time commitments are welcome. The work will be outdoors, dress for…
Rattlesnake Cliffs
Salisbury, VT Salisbury, VT, United StatesRain date Sunday Climb to a scenic overlook with views of Lake Dunmore, Silver Lake, and on a clear day the Adirondacks. We’ll pass by Falls of Lana as well. Option to take a detour to look at historic inscriptions on the rocks. 4.2 miles, moderate with some steep climbing, ca. 920 ft. elevation gain.…
Long Trail Day (Statewide)
This club-wide celebration of the Long Trail features events and guided hikes around the state. Join the Killington Section in some “trail magic” as we welcome through hikers and day hikers with snacks at the Route 103 trailhead. Contact Wayne Krevetsky, if you’d like to help out or contribute food. Or, celebrate the trail with…
Bromley Mountain Tower
Peru, VT Peru, VT, United StatesRain date Sunday The new observation tower on the summit of Bromley is completed at last so let’s go check it out! Road conditions may determine our route; via Mad Tom Notch it will be 5 miles with an 814 ft. elevation gain. If that road is closed, we’ll hike from Rte. 11/30, 7 miles…
Merck Forest
Merck Forest 3270 Route 315, Rupert, United StatesWe’ll hike the trails and wood roads that wind through the former farmland of Merck Forest. Depending on what route we choose there may be views, pastures, ponds or even a replica of Thoreau’s Walden Pond cabin. Approximately 4 miles, moderate. Call leaders for meeting place and time.
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.