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.)
Merck Forest, Rupert
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 which routes we choose there may be views, pastures, ponds or even a replica of Thoreau’s Walden Pond cabin. Approximately 4 miles, moderate. Vaccination recommended for carpooling.
Jockey Hill, Shrewsbury
Shrewsbury, VT Shrewsbury, VT, United StatesWe’ll park where the Clement Shelter Rd. leaves the Gilman Rd. and follow the Clement Shelter Rd. to its end at a long-abandoned farm north of the shelter, then follow a wood road north around Jockey Hill to the Tin Shanty Rd. and end at the CCC Road to Bridgewater. Part of this is the…
“Put the Trail to Bed” Work Party
Join us for our last-of-the-season work day and help us keep the Killington Section trails in shape. Bring lunch, sturdy shoes and work gloves, tools will be provided.
Mount Tom, Woodstock
Woodstock, VT Woodstock, VT, United StatesA safe hunting season hike at Vermont’s only National Park. We’ll hike the carriage roads to the mysteriously named “Pogue” pond, and on to the summit for lovely views of the village and valley below. Some climbing but ascents are gradual, about 4 miles, moderate. Vaccination recommended for carpooling.
Pot Luck Supper
Godnick Center Deer Street, Rutland, VT, United StatesOur annual fall tradition is back! Bring your own place setting, utensils and a dish to share. Hopefully we’ll have a program after the meal. Vaccination recommended
Poultney Area Trek
Poultney, VT Poultney, VT, United StatesOur destination will be determined by the weather, but plan on 3-5 miles of moderate hiking with some possible climbs and likely a view. Snowshoes or grippers may be needed depending on conditions. Call leader for meeting place and time.
Mt. Tabor Scramble
Mt. Tabor Mt. Tabor, United StatesClimb to a rocky outcropping with nice views. Approximately 3 miles with some steep climbing, 750’ elevation gain. Snowshoes or grippers may be needed. Vaccination recommended for carpooling. Call leader for meeting place and time.
South Hill Loop
Stockbridge, VT Stockbridge, VT, United StatesDepending on weather, we will either hike or snowshoe from South Hill Road to Fletcher Brook Road on one old road and return by another. There are good views and an interesting old cemetery. Good footing, 5.6 miles, 900’ total climb. Current covid vaccination required if you carpool. We will leave from Main Street Park…
Cook Mountain Preserve
Ticonderoga, NY Ticonderoga, NY, United StatesThis has been a popular K Section hike in recent years and the trail has recently been improved. We will climb to beautiful views of Lake George and Vermont, and loop past a Civil War-era cemetery on the way down. 3 miles, moderate, with a steep section. Spikes or snowshoes will be needed. Vaccination required…
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…
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.