Hike at Lowell Lake State Park
Did you miss our First Day Hike events on January 1st?
Get a second chance at a First Day Hike by joining us on February 2nd for a guided hike at Lowell Lake State Park!
February 2nd is also Groundhog Day, which is the midpoint of winter and a fine time to celebrate with a hike in nature.
Join Park Managers Ellie and Mike for this guided hike of Lowell Lake, which is a beautiful, minimally developed park in Londonderry. The trail is a loop of approximately 3.5 miles, which completely encircles Lowell Lake. Trail highlights include a Revolutionary War-era cemetery, stands of large white pine trees, and scenic views of the lake and wetlands. The trail is located on relatively flat terrain and the hike is of moderate difficulty. Traction aids or snowshoes may be required depending on conditions.
Please register ahead of time by emailing Ellie: elliedingdong@gmail.com
Meet at the park at 260 Ice House Road, Londonderry, VT 05148
February 2nd at 10:30am
First Day Hike at Spruce Mountain
Spruce Mountain, LR Jones State Forest
Guide Name: Dana Lawrence and Nancy Thomas, Green Mountain Club Montpelier Section Volunteers
To register or for more information: hikeski51@gmail.com
Meeting time: 10:00am
Meeting location: Spruce Mountain Trailhead, 681 Spruce Mountain Rd, Plainfield, VT 05667
Hike description: This moderate to advanced 4.5 mile (round trip) hike summits Spruce Mountain with a 1,164 foot elevation gain. There is a fire tower located on the summit with expansive 365 degree views. Traction aids and snowshoes are required depending on conditions.
First Day Hike at Groton State Forest
Owl’s Head Mountain, Groton State Forest
Guide Name: Walter Opuszynski, Forest Recreation Specialist, VT Dept of Forests, Parks & Recreation
To register or for more information: walter.opuszynski@vermont.gov
Meeting time: 1:00pm
Meeting Location: Route 232, gated area near Lanesboro Rd. Groton, VT 05046
Hike Description: Moderate, up and down hike geared towards families with young children. Road to the shelter: ¾ mile with 350 feet elevation gain. Trail to the top of the mountain: 1,500 feet with 100 feet of elevation gain. 1 hour+
First Day Hike at Barre Town Forest
Millstone Trails, Barre Town Forest
Guide Name: Kaley Grenier, Vermont State Parks, Call Center Representative
To register or for more information: kaley.grenier@vermont.gov
Meeting location: 44 Brook Street, Websterville, VT
Meeting time: 11:00am
Hike description: This approximately 2.5 mile family friendly, easy hike follows groomed trails through Barre Town Forest. Bring the whole family to explore the winter world in this beautiful forest featuring historic granite quarries, abandoned for over 100 years. This hike is in partnership with the Millstone Trails Association, who generously maintains the over 20 miles of trails in the forest. Trails are groomed and depending on conditions, snowshoes or traction aids may be required.
First Day Hike on the Appalachian Trail
Happy Hill Shelter on the Appalachian Trail
Guide Names: Kathy Astrauckas and Bob Hagen, Upper Valley Ottauquechee Section of GMC
To register or for more information: 802-785-4311, email: kabh@myfairpoint.net
Meeting Location: Norwich, VT 05055
Hike description: Moderate hike. A.T. Loop with Cossingham Road, Norwich, VT, to Happy Hill Shelter. Lovely woods, lots of short ups & downs. ~ 4 mi., 800' elev. gain. Moderate. Conditions will determine what type of footgear is required (snowshoes or microspikes). Contact leaders for meeting time and place.
First Day Hike at Colchester Causeway
Guide Name: Patrick Dattilio, Vermont State Parks, Parks Regional Facility & Project Manager
To register or for more information: Patrick.Dattilio@vermont.gov
Meeting location: Causeway Park, 781 Blakely Rd, Colchester, VT 05446
Meeting time: 8:00am
Hike description: Kick off the New Year with a hike across Lake Champlain on the Colchester Causeway. This easy, family friendly hike will start from Causeway Park and head out onto the causeway, all the way out to the opening and back to Causeway Park. Round trip is about two hours. There is no elevation gain, and this hike can be done with hiking boots or other water resistant/proof footwear. Traction aids will be helpful if conditions are icy.
First Day Hike at Mount Mansfield State Forest
Butler Lodge, Mount Mansfield State Forest
Guide Name: David Hathaway, Green Mountain Club Burlington Section
To register or for more information: david.hathaway.78@gmail.com
Meeting Location: Butler Lodge Trailhead, Stevensville Road, Underhill, VT 05489
Hike Description: Snowshoes required, 4.1 miles, 1600' elevation gain. Group size limit 10.
First Day Hike at Button Bay State Park
Guide Name: Ron Payne, Otter Creek Audubon Society President
To register or for more information: rpayne72@myfairpoint.net
Meeting time: 9:00AM
Meeting Location: 5 Button Bay State Park Rd., Ferrisburgh, VT 05491
Hike Description: An easy 2 mile walk on flat terrain in search of overwintering birds.
First Day Hike at Bomoseen State Park
Guide Name: Caitlin Gates, Vermont State Parks Volunteer
To register or for more information: caitlin.s.gates@gmail.com
Meeting time: 10:00am
Meeting Location: Meet at the Bomoseen State Park Gate, 22 Cedar Mountain Rd., Castleton, VT 05743
Hike Description: Easy, one mile, family friendly hike that winds through some of the quarries, rubble piles and building ruins of the West Castleton Railroad and Slate Company. Traction aides and/or snowshoes required depending on conditions.