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.)
Pine Hill
Pine Hill Park Rutland, VT, United StatesWe’ll start at the Rutland Country Club, climbing and traversing the hilltop for sweeping views of the (hopefully) snow- covered peaks to the east. Then we’ll head through the woods to Rutland’s gem, Pine Hill, choosing our route based on conditions but including some fine views and Rocky Pond. Snowshoes or grippers may be needed.…
New Sunrise Shelter
Brandon, VT Brandon, VT, United StatesHike south on the Long Trail from Brandon Gap to check out the brand-new Sunrise Shelter. The new shelter is about a mile and a half south of the old one and not far from the junction with the Chittenden Brook Trail. 4 miles, moderate, with a steady climb out of Brandon Gap. Spikes or…
Lily Pond, Bomoseen
Bomoseen, VT Bomoseen, VT, United StatesWe’ll snowshoe on old roads through the woods and past abandoned slate quarries to a remote beaver pond. In the past we’ve found abundant animal tracks, including otter slides on the piles of waste slate. 3 miles moderate. We need a good snow cover, so check with the leader ahead of time -- a different…
Rail Trail Walk
West Pawlet, VT West Pawlet, VT, United StatesAn easy walk along the scenic rail trail, with views of farmlands and hills in the picturesque Mettawee Valley. The distance will likely be 2-3 miles. Snowshoes or grippers may be needed, vaccination recommended for carpooling. Call leaders for meeting place and time
Mystery Hike
Poultney, VT Poultney, VT, United StatesWeather and conditions will determine our destination – if the snow is deep enough it will be a moderate snowshoe through some lovely forest. If muddy, a walk on one of our gorgeous dirt roads in the Poultney/Tinmouth/Wells area. Call leader for meeting place and time.
Lye Brook Falls
Mancheter, VT Manchester, VT, United StatesOn old railroad grades and woods roads, the trail travels up a steady gradual slope to Lye Brook Falls, one of the highest waterfalls in Vermont. Snowshoes or micro spikes might be needed. Or, trail may be wet and muddy. 4 miles, moderate. Drivers may request masks for carpooling. Call leader for meeting time and…
Killington Section Annual Meeting
Rutland Free Library 10 Court Street, Rutland, United StatesAll are welcome to join us for a short business meeting and election of officers, snacks and socializing. 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. Bring snacks to share if you’d like, and pick up a copy…
Lowell Lake State Park
Londonderry Londonderry, VT, United StatesWe’ll hike a 3.5 mile, mostly flat trail around the lake, past a Revolutionary War-era cemetery, through stands of large white pines, with scenic views of the lake and wetlands. Call leaders for meeting place and time. Drivers may request masks for carpooling. Rain date: Sunday 4/21
Emerald Lake Vista Trail
Emerald Lake 65 Emerald Lake Lane, East Dorset, VT, United StatesViews west to the Taconics, a big vernal pool, old stone walls and a beautiful stand of evergreens in the Emerald Lake State Forest. 2.4 miles, moderate, total climb 500 ft., dry footing even this early. Call leader for meeting place and time.
Low-Elevation Long Trail Clean-up
Shrewsbury, Cuttingsville, Wallingford Join us for our annual day of clean-up and maintenance, preparing the Long 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.
Mount St. Catherine
Lake St. Catherine 3034 VT-30, , VT, Poultney, VT, United StatesHike the Lewis Deane Preserve loop to the top of Mount St. Catherine for views of the lake and Taconic ridge. The Preserve requires that dogs be leashed and cleaned up after. 2 miles, moderate, elevation gain 577 ft. Call leader for meeting place and time
Tamarack Notch to McLaughlin Falls
Mendon, VT Mendon, United StatesWe’ll hike a wood road from the site of a campground built in the 1930s by the CCC, pausing to read interpretive signs, past a small family cemetery and down to the falls. Approximately 3 miles, moderate, with one steep pitch. We’ll be spotting cars, drivers may request masks for the ride. Call leader for…
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.