“O” SECTION WINTER ACTIVITIES, DECEMBER 2021 – FEBRUARY 2022
Hunting VT: 12/4 – 12 Muzzleloader NH: 9/15 – 12/15 Archery, Deer & Turkey
Season 11/10 – 12/5 Deer Reg. Firearms
*** Easy on the knees BACK-COUNTRY ETIQUETTE: NO CELL PHONE USE EXCEPT IN EMERGENCY
| Dec 2 Thurs | Hike | Whitcomb Hill (1868’), Strafford, VT. Starting on Alger Brook Road, first fairly level, then gently up through mixed woods to summit. Impressive views. Hike down either back to starting point, or south towards Furnace Flats Road & car spot; same distance either way. 2.6 mi. Moderate. | Inge/Heinz Trebitz 802-785-2129 |
| Dec 4 Sat | Snowshoe/Microspike | Long Trail northbound from Brandon Gap to Gillespie Peak (3366′) & return, including Great Cliffs of Mt. Horrid & Cape Lookoff Mtn. Beautiful, varied landscape. 6.8 mi, 1500′ elev. gain. Moderate. | Kathy Astrauckas/ Bob Hagen 802-785-4311 |
| Dec 5 Sun | Hike | Afternoon outing to Lyme Hill Conservation Area on Rte. 10, Lyme, NH. View & loop trail with some woods road and some footpath trail. 3.4 miles. Moderate. | Annie Janeway 413-374-0988 ajaneway@gmail.com |
| Dec 6 Mon | Snowshoe or Spike | Styles Peak (3394’) in Peru Peak Wilderness, near Peru, VT. Via Long Trail from Mad Tom Notch Rd. 5.4 mi, 1365’ elev. gain. Moderate. | Dick Andrews 802-885-3201 |
| Dec 7 Tues | Hike | Ely Mountain Conservation Area, Thetford, VT. Woods trail, gentle hills. Keep a sharp eye for unusual natural things. Double lollipop loop. 3 – 4 mi. Easy to Moderate. | Lynne Miller 603-643-6194 |
| Dec 9 Thurs | Hike | Northern highlands of Thetford, VT, in the Trebitz neighborhood. Loop on trails & old rds, up & down through conserved land, bordering private property. ~ 3 mi. Moderate. | Inge/Heinz Trebitz 802-785-2129 |
| Dec 11 Sat | Snowshoe/Microspike | Long Trail southbound from Brandon Gap, backcountry uphill track to Goshen Mtn (3292′); views! Return & visit Sunrise Shelter. 3.5 – 4 mi RT (can do more if we want), 1200′ elev. gain. Moderate (some steep parts). | Kathy Astrauckas/ Bob Hagen 802-785-4311 |
| Dec 13 Mon | Microspikes | Black Gum Swamp, Vernon VT. Rare stand of southern trees (aka tupelos) survived the Ice Age. About 3 mi, moderate hills. Easy- Moderate. | Dick Andrews 802-885-3201 |
| Dec 14 Tues | Walk *** | Dartmouth construction site loop. Very interesting area. Easy, with some inclines; slow pace. *** | Inge Brown 802-280-8017 |
| Dec 16 Thurs | Road Walk | Lyme, NH. Starting at intersection of River Rd. & Gregory Rd., uphill to Breck Rd. north to Edgell Covered Bridge, our lunch spot. Beautiful views to Smarts Mtn. area. Return to cars via River Rd. 3 – 4 mi. Moderate. | Inge/Heinz Trebitz 802-785-2129 |
| Dec 18 Sat | Road Walk | Afternoon Road Walk & Social – Figure Eight walk on back roads in leader’s neighborhood in Quechee/Pomfret/Woodstock, VT Hillside Rd area. ~ 5.5 miles, some hills, option to walk a shorter route. Return to leader’s home for bonfire, snacks, beverages, & good cheer. Moderate. | debbie.marcus57@gmail.com 978-578-4198 |
| Dec 19 Sun | Snowshoe, Spike/Hike *** | Sugar River Rail Trail, Newport, NH. Newport to 2nd covered bridge. Scenic river views & 2 RR covered bridges, of which only 8 survive in the U.S. ATVs permitted but have not been a problem. 4.2 mi, flat. Easy. *** Car spot. Fully vaccinated participants only. duncanlove4024@yahoo.com (Email contact preferred) | Duncan Love 802-226-7697 |
| Dec 20 Mon | Hike/Spike | Brookmead Conservation Area, Norwich, VT Loop of 3+ miles, ~ 1000’ elevation gain. Moderate. (BH apt 9:45) | Iris Berezin 802-295-2294 |
| Dec 21 Tues | Hike *** or Snowshoe | First Day of Winter on Quinn Trail in Hanover, NH. Along gurgling Mink Brook. ~ 2 mi, almost flat. Easy; slow pace. *** | Inge Brown 802-280-8017 |
| Dec 26 Sun | Snowshoe or Hike | Boston Lot, Lebanon, NH. Lovely and local. 2 – 3 hours. Pond, view at top. Moderate (some easy; a couple of steep sections). | Iris Berezin 802-295-2294 |
| Dec 28 Tues | Hike | Converse Trail, Norwich, Vt. Lollipop loop. Gentle hills. 2 – 3 miles. Easy to Moderate. May be muddy. | Lynne Miller 603-643-6194 |
| Dec 31 Fri | ?PARTY? | New Year’s Eve: we have no idea what winter will bring; we’ll wait and see. Plans will be announced by email if anything is to take place for New Year’s Eve. | |
| Jan 1 Sat | Snowshoe/Microspike | New Year’s Day on A.T. loop with Cossingham Road, Norwich, VT. To Happy Hill Shelter. Lovely woods, lots of short ups and downs. ~ 4 mi., 500′ elev. gain. Moderate. | Kathy Astrauckas/Bob Hagen 802-785-4311 |
| Jan 3 Mon | Snowshoe/Spike | Angel Falls via West River Trail, Townsend/Jamaica, VT. Old RR bed along river. Waterfall; some nice views. Out-&-back, 6 miles, 500′ elev. gain. Easy – Moderate (due to distance). | Tom McCleary 802-295-7592 |
| Jan 4 Tues | Walk *** or Snowshoe | Wilder Dam loop. See the Connecticut River in winter. Peaceful. 2 miles. Easy; slow pace. *** | Inge Brown 802-280-8017 |
| Jan 4 Tues | Planning Meeting | Planning mtg for Spring (Mar. – May) outings. Location TBA. Call or email Kathy Astrauckas ahead w/ ideas if you can’t join us. kabh@myfairpoint.net | Kathy Astrauckas 802-785-4311 |
| Jan 8 Sat | Hike/Spike/Snowshoe | Mimi’s Trail, Thetford, VT. Designed by Thetford’s John Morton, former Olympic biathlete. Nice views from summit. ~ 5 mi. Moderate. | Annie Janeway 413-374-0988 ajaneway@gmail.com |
| Jan 9 Sun | Snowshoe | A.T. north fr. River Rd, Killington VT, over Quimby Mtn. shoulder to unusual two-century old abandoned farmstead. 6.6 mi. (0.8 mi road, 5.0 mi. foot trail, 0.8 mi. woods road), 1,500′ elev. gain. Moderate-Strenuous. | Dick Andrews 802-885-3201 |
| Jan 10 Mon | Snowshoe or Spike | Section 5, Quechee, VT. 2 – 3 hours on hilly, maintained trails in woods that pass a cellar hole, ponds & previous blow downs, but does not offer views. Moderate. | Iris Berezin 802-295-2294 |
| Jan 11 Tues | Snowshoe *** | Milton Frye Trail loop, Norwich, VT. See what the school kids have constructed out there. 2 mi, little ups and downs. Easy; slow pace. *** | Inge Brown 802-280-8017 |
| Jan 15 Sat | Snowshoe/ Microspike | Loop around & over Moose Mtn South Peak (2222′), Etna, NH. Harris Tr, Clark Pond Loop, A.T. Short side tr to Moose Mtn Shelter. View fr South Peak. 4.5 mi, 1,000’ elev. gain. Moderate. | Tom Kahl 207-692-7495 |
| Jan 16 Sun | Snowshoe/ Microspike AND Road Walk | New London. NH. A unique loop of trail, nature park, & historical interest. Road walk through original New London Main St. to Lyon Brook Trail near hospital. Side trip through Knights Hill Nature Park. Road walk 3 miles, a bit hilly. Trail & nature park generally flat, 2.2 miles. (Total 5+ mi.) Easy. Must be fully vaccinated. duncanlove4024@yahoo.com (Email contact preferred) | Duncan Love 802-226-7697 |
| Jan 18 Tues | Walk | North side of Hanover, NH. Pavement, sidewalks. Lollipop loop. Mostly flat. 2 miles. Easy. | Lynne Miller 603-643-6194 |
| Jan 20 Thurs. | X-C or Snowshoe | Mystery X-C ski or snowshoe in West Fairlee, VT. Unplowed old roads, exact route depends on conditions. 3 – 4 mi. Moderate. | Inge/Heinz Trebitz 802-785-2129 |
| Jan 22 Sat | Snowshoe/ Microspike | Norwich, VT loop connects Parcel 5, Brookmead Conservation Area, Ballard Trail. Lovely section along Charles Brown Brook. 7 mi, 1200’ elev gain (many short up/dns). Moderate. | Nick Krembs 802-649-1048 |
| Jan 23 Sun | Snowshoe or Spike | French’s Ledges, Plainfield, NH. Start at Plainfield Elem Schl. 2-3 hour meander through woods; short scramble to top of ledges & beautiful view. Moderate. | Iris Berezin 802-295-2294 |
| Jan 25 Tues | X-C Ski *** | Woodstock Country Club (Trail Fee) loop. 2 miles; more on your own if you want. Groomed. Easy. *** Slow pace. For additional “half-price” fee, you can swim, use the sauna, etc. | Inge Brown 802-280-8017 |
| Jan 26 Wed | X-C Ski | An old favorite in Strafford, VT. From Moody Hill Road on part of Strafford Town Trail & Podunk Pond Trail to Stevens Road & car spot. Lunch at pond. ~ 6 mi. Moderate. | Inge/Heinz Trebitz 802-785-2129 |
| Jan 28 Fri | Snowshoes/ Microspikes | Bridal Veil Falls, Franconia, NH. Coppermine Trail, Coppermine Shelter. Gorgeous ice formations on falls. 5 mi, 1200′ elev. gain. Moderate. | Kathy Astrauckas/ Bob Hagen 802-785-4311 |
| Jan 29 Sat | X-C Ski | Strafford Nordic Ctr, VT. Open fields & some woods w/ elevation gains, hillside vistas. All levels of difficulty. Trail fee. | Annie Janeway 413-374-0988 ajaneway@gmail.com |
| Jan 30 Sun | Road Walk Snowshoe/ Microspikes | Killington, VT loop. River Rd Trail & A.T. to Thundering Falls & boardwalk; road walk return on River Rd. Pretty wetlands area & waterfall. Fairly flat w/ short, steep descent on A.T. Microspikes AND snowshoes may be needed as wetlands can be icy. ~ 4 mi. Easy to Moderate. Fully vaccinated participants only. duncanlove4024@yahoo.com (Email contact preferred) | Duncan Love 802-226-7697 |
| Feb 1 Tues | X-C Ski *** | River Park loop, West Lebanon, NH. Groomed, half along CT River, gorgeous. 2 mi. Easy. *** Slow pace. | Inge Brown 802-280-8017 |
| Feb 2 Wed | X-C Ski | Lamoille Rail Trail between Joe’s Pond & St. Johnsbury, VT. Stretches of woods and fields; some gorgeous views. Distance based on conditions & participants’ wishes. (Not too many snowmobiles during the week). Moderate. | Inge/Heinz Trebitz 802-785-2129 |
| Feb 4 Fri | Snowshoe/Microspike | Long Trail northbound from Middlebury Gap to Boyce Shelter & return; side trail to Silent Cliff. 7 mi, 1400′ elev. gain. Moderate – Strenuous. | Kathy Astrauckas/ Bob Hagen 802-785-4311 |
| Feb 5 Sat | X-C or Snowshoe | Tiki Torch Trek, Hartland, VT. Hartland Winter Trails’ annual fundraiser, a fun family evening event. Check for details/updates in Jan. on website: hartlandwintertrails.org or on their Facebook page. | Annie Janeway 413-374-0988 ajaneway@gmail.com |
| Feb 7 Mon | Snowshoe or Spike | Ore Hill section of A.T., Wentworth/Warren, NH. Pretty section of trail from NH 25C to 25A. 5 mi, 700′ elev. gain. Moderate. Car spot. (If car spot not allowed, we’ll modify.) | Kathy Astrauckas/ Bob Hagen 802-785-4311 |
| Feb 8 Tues | X-C Ski *** | Around Lake Pinneo, Quechee, VT. Groomed, flat. 2 mi. Easy.*** Slow pace. | Inge Brown 802-280-8017 |
| Feb 9 Wed | Snowshoe | Strafford, VT. From Moody Hill Road to frozen Miller Pond and across it to car spot at fishing access. We will follow old trails, mainly gently down. 5 – 6 mi. Moderate. | Inge/Heinz Trebitz 802-785-2129 |
| Feb 12 Sat | Snowshoe/Spike | Long Trail southbound from Rte 140 (Wallingford, VT) to Greenwall Shelter & White Rocks. Entertaining cairns. View! 4.4 mi. round trip, ~1400’ elev. gain. | Kathy Astrauckas/ Bob Hagen 802-785-4311 |
| Feb 13 Sun | Snowshoe/Micropike | UVO section tradition: Annual Super Bowl Sunday at Amity Pond Natural Area, Pomfret, VT. 3.2 mi. loop w/moderately strenuous uphill return to build appetites. BYO lunch, water, hot drink, snack. Weather permitting, campfire at shelter w/ s’mores provided by leader at end of hike. | Debbie.marcus57@gmail.com 978-578-4198 |
| Feb 14 Mon | Snowshoe | Valentine’s Day on Mt. Ascutney (3150’). Bicentennial Trail, West Windsor VT. Observation tower. Shortest trail but steep. 4.4 mi., 2200’ ascent. Moderate to strenuous; moderate pace. | Dick Andrews 802-885-3201 |
| Feb 15 Tues | X-C Ski | Huntley Meadows , Norwich, VT. Twice around the loop. Flat. Under 2 mi. Easy *** Slow pace. A nice little morning workout. | Inge Brown 802-280-8017 |
| Feb 16 Wed | X-C Ski | Millstone Nordic Center Trails, East Barre, VT, hopefully groomed & tracked. Interesting views of old quarries & ponds. Distance depends on participants’ wishes, usually 5-6 mi. Moderate. | Inge/Heinz Trebitz 802-785-2129 |
| Feb 18 Fri | Snowshoe or Spike | Lots to explore in Quechee’s Section 5! Starting at Trailhead B. A low elevation hike on interesting loop with varied terrain, hardwoods & mixed forest, old stone walls, & some newer trails courtesy of Quechee Lakes Trails folks. Mileage depends on conditions, but approx. 6 mi. | Debbie.marcus57@gmail.com 978-578-4198 |
| Feb 19 Sat | Snowshoe/Microspike | Blue Ridge Mtn, Mendon, VT (W. of Sherburne Pass). Canty Tr up & back. Nice woods, 3 cascades, view fr Rutland overlook near wooded summit. 5 mi, 1,500′ elev gain. Mod. | Tom Kahl 207-692-7495 |
| Feb 21 Mon | Snowshoe or Spike | Presidents Day loop at Arthur Davis Wildlife Mgmt Area, Plymouth & Reading, VT. In VT’s largest expanse of undeveloped land. ~ 2.5 mi, ~ 500′ elev. gain. Last 0.5 on road. Moderate. | Tom McCleary 802-295-7592 |
| Feb 22 Tues | X-C Ski | Northern Rail Trail from Enfield (NH) Station towards Mascoma High School & back. Along the raging Macoma River. Flat. 2 mi. Easy. *** Slow pace. | Inge Brown 802-280-8017 |
| Feb 25 Fri | Snowshoe or Spike | Heron rookery, Springfield VT. Old beaver pond w/ 9 heron nests on 2 dead pine trees. Nice woods walk mostly on former logging roads. 3.6 mi., 720′ elev. gain. Moderate. | Dick Andrews 802-885-3201 |
| Feb 26 Sat | Snowshoe/Spike/Hike | Tucker Mtn Town Forest, West Newbury, VT. From the East Corinth side & Bowen Rd. Ascend through woods road to Tucker Mtn summit with 270-degree views. Hiking trail down, woods road back. 3.3 mi. loop with option for another mile loop (Woodchuck) if desired. Moderate. For more info/map: https://tuckertownforest.org | Annie Janeway 413-374-0988 ajaneway@gmail.com |
| Feb 28 Mon | Snowshoe | Blueberry Mtn (2662’), Glencliff, NH. Out and back. 5.2 mi round trip, 1300’ elev. gain. Fabulous views from ledges. Moderate. | Iris Berezin 802-295-2294 |