GMC Killington September 2019-December 2019 Download PDF
Newcomers and nonmembers are welcome on our outings. Bring drinking water and a lunch. Wear sturdy footwear, dress appropriately for the weather and be prepared for weather changes. This is Vermont!
Meeting up & Carpooling: Unless otherwise noted, all trips leave from Main Street Park, near the east end of the fire station off Center Street in Rutland City. Distances are round trip and are approximate, as are elevation gains. Trips vary considerably in level of difficulty. Call the leader if you have any questions. Hike Leader has the discretion to determine if a person is adequately prepared for the trip and can join the group.
NOTE: Hike details may change at the last minute due to various unexpected conditions – always a good idea to confirm with hike leader in case of changes.
September 7, Saturday, 9:00 a.m.
AT/LT Governor Clement Shelter North, Shrewsbury Jerry Parker 775-6208
We’ll hike north on the AT/LT past the shelter to inspect some impressive rock work done over the
summer to improve the trail. How did they move all those big rocks?! Moderate, approx. 4 miles.
September 14, Saturday, 9:30 a.m. Rutland or 10:00 a.m. Shrewsbury Town Clerk’s Office, Cold River Road
Shrewsbury Ramble Gerry and Chryl Martin 492-2244
Hike from the Tin Shanty to a triple beaver pond, then past Governor Clement Shelter to Gilman Road.
Moderate, approximately 4 miles.
September 22, Sunday, 8:30 a.m.
Hunger Mountain, Worcester Allison Henry 779-4404
Climb via the Waterbury Trail to the rocky 3,539-foot summit for excellent views of the Greens and
Whites. Difficult, 4.4 miles with 2,290 feet of elevation gain.
September 29, Sunday, 9:30 a.m.
LaChute River Walk, Ticonderoga Larry Walter and Vivian Bebee 775-3855
We have not done this hike yet, but believe most of it is a paved path that follows the river with kiosks and wayside exhibits
that tell the history of the landscape. The trail includes bridges (one covered), dams, benches
and picnic areas. Easy to moderate, 3 miles one way. Call us before the hike for final details.
October 12, Saturday, 9:00 a.m
Pico Mountain, Killington Sandy Bragg 492-2143
Climb Sherburne Pass Trail to Pico Camp, and then up the rocks to the summit for views of the Greens,
Taconics and Adirondacks. We may descend a ski trail to visit the Mead family graves. Moderate, 6
miles with some steep climbing and a short rock scramble.
October 19, Saturday, 10:00 a.m.
AT Sherburne Pass to Thundering Brook Falls, Killington Sue Thomas 773-2185
Follow the Appalachian Trail through Gifford Woods, around Kent Pond past a small waterfall, and
among some very impressive boulders, ending at Thundering Brook Falls. Moderate, 4 miles.
October 26, Saturday, 10:00 a.m.
Nature Conservancy’s Buckner Preserve, West Haven Herb Ogden 293-2510
Hike from the former Galick Farm north to the newly discovered Chapman Cemetery in a honeysuckle
jungle near the shore of Lake Champlain. We may return via part of the Susan Bacher Memorial Trail,
a 2.5-mi. route that traverses a wooded ridge and skirts open fields near the former Galick farmstead,
whose lands are at the heart of the preserve. The Nature Conservancy does not allow dogs. Easy, 4 miles
with 200 feet of elevation gain.
November 2, Saturday, 9:00 a.m. (rain date November 3)
Mount Ephraim, Springfield Sue Thomas 773-2185
We’ll begin at the Stellafane Observatory and ascend via a wood road to the summit of the highest peak
in Springfield, which not only features one of several mysterious stone cairns that appear throughout the
area, but also a panoramic view of the Connecticut River Valley, Mt. Ascutney and the Whites. Easy to
moderate, 4.3 miles with 659 feet of elevation gain.
November 9, Saturday, 9:00 a.m.
Put the Trails to Bed Work Day
LT/AT Larry Walter 775-3855, Wayne Krevetski 282-2237
Join us for our last-of-the-season work party. Bring lunch, water and work gloves. Tools will be provided.
November 17, Sunday, 1:00 p.m.
Annual Fall Potuck, Godnick Center, Deer Street, Rutland City Sue Thomas 773-2185
Bring a dish to share and your own place setting for our annual hunting season tradition. All are
welcome . . . it’s a great way to get to know the Killington Section! Our own, Larry Walter, spent the
summer bicycling coast to coast and will share photos and tales of “Larry’s Excellent Adventure.”
November 24, Sunday, 9:00 a.m.
Cook Mountain Preserve, Ticonderoga Allison Henry 779-4404
Great views of Lake George and a new side trail to a cemetery dating back to 1800. Moderate, 3 miles
with one short and steep section.
November 30, Saturday, 10:00 a.m. at the East Poultney Green
Poultney Area Road Hike Diane Bargiel 413-687-1109
Route to be determined, but it will be scenic and safe for hunting season.
December 8, Sunday, 9:00 a.m.
Merck Forest, Rupert Larry Walter and Vivian Bebee 775-3855
The hike will be from the Visitor’s Center to Mount Antone and then down the Masters Mountain Trail,
which trail includes several switchbacks, to the South Gate entrance to Merck Forest. Since the South Gate entrance is not maintained in
winter months, if weather conditions do not allow, the hike will be from the Visitor’s Center to Mount Antone and back. Option to continue hike from South Gate to West Rupert. Moderate to difficult, with some steeper stretches. Visitor’s Center to Antone and back is approx. 5
miles. Visitor’s Center, Antone and Masters Trail is approx. 7+ miles and Visitor’s Center to West Rupert is approx. 9+ miles.
Thursday Hike Schedule
The Rutland Recreation and Parks Dept. sponsors a series of hikes at a less strenuous pace for seniors. Hikes typically cover 2-4 miles, involve limited to moderate elevation gain, and try to avoid treacherous footing. Bring water and a lunch, wear sturdy footwear, and be prepared for Vermont weather. Bring bug spray, and guard against ticks by wearing long sleeves and pants. Meet on Thursdays at 9 am at the Godnick Center on Deer Street to car pool. We return in early to mid-afternoon. For further details, call hike leader. All are welcome. NOTE: Hikes are subject to change due to weather and/or trail conditions. (. . . and please, no dogs). State Parks: free admission w/Green Mountain Passport or $4 per person.
Sept. 5 Moscow Pond, Hubbardton Renée Warren 747-4466
Hike the less-taken trail north along Glen Lake to Moscow Pond. Moderate.
Sept. 19 Mount Philo, Charlotte Diane Landwehr 458-8114
Climb 980 feet to views of Adirondacks/Lake Champlain. Moderate (some steep sections.)
Oct. 3 Merck Forest, Rupert (optional donation) Tom Copps 353-3025
Discover interesting forest trails; visit new replica of Thoreau’s cabin. Moderate.
Oct. 17 Robert Frost Interpretive Trail, Ripton Kathy Drew 775-3992
Walk the Trail; visit Frost’s home site and surrounding area. East/moderate.
Meeting up & Carpooling: Unless otherwise noted, all trips leave from Main Street Park, near the east end of the fire station off Center Street in Rutland City. Distances are round trip and are approximate, as are elevation gains. Trips vary considerably in level of difficulty. Call the leader if you have any questions. Hike Leader has the discretion to determine if a person is adequately prepared for the trip and can join the group.
NOTE: Hike details may change at the last minute due to various unexpected conditions – always a good idea to confirm with hike leader in case of changes.
September 7, Saturday, 9:00 a.m.
AT/LT Governor Clement Shelter North, Shrewsbury Jerry Parker 775-6208
We’ll hike north on the AT/LT past the shelter to inspect some impressive rock work done over the
summer to improve the trail. How did they move all those big rocks?! Moderate, approx. 4 miles.
September 14, Saturday, 9:30 a.m. Rutland or 10:00 a.m. Shrewsbury Town Clerk’s Office, Cold River Road
Shrewsbury Ramble Gerry and Chryl Martin 492-2244
Hike from the Tin Shanty to a triple beaver pond, then past Governor Clement Shelter to Gilman Road.
Moderate, approximately 4 miles.
September 22, Sunday, 8:30 a.m.
Hunger Mountain, Worcester Allison Henry 779-4404
Climb via the Waterbury Trail to the rocky 3,539-foot summit for excellent views of the Greens and
Whites. Difficult, 4.4 miles with 2,290 feet of elevation gain.
September 29, Sunday, 9:30 a.m.
LaChute River Walk, Ticonderoga Larry Walter and Vivian Bebee 775-3855
We have not done this hike yet, but believe most of it is a paved path that follows the river with kiosks and wayside exhibits
that tell the history of the landscape. The trail includes bridges (one covered), dams, benches
and picnic areas. Easy to moderate, 3 miles one way. Call us before the hike for final details.
October 12, Saturday, 9:00 a.m
Pico Mountain, Killington Sandy Bragg 492-2143
Climb Sherburne Pass Trail to Pico Camp, and then up the rocks to the summit for views of the Greens,
Taconics and Adirondacks. We may descend a ski trail to visit the Mead family graves. Moderate, 6
miles with some steep climbing and a short rock scramble.
October 19, Saturday, 10:00 a.m.
AT Sherburne Pass to Thundering Brook Falls, Killington Sue Thomas 773-2185
Follow the Appalachian Trail through Gifford Woods, around Kent Pond past a small waterfall, and
among some very impressive boulders, ending at Thundering Brook Falls. Moderate, 4 miles.
October 26, Saturday, 10:00 a.m.
Nature Conservancy’s Buckner Preserve, West Haven Herb Ogden 293-2510
Hike from the former Galick Farm north to the newly discovered Chapman Cemetery in a honeysuckle
jungle near the shore of Lake Champlain. We may return via part of the Susan Bacher Memorial Trail,
a 2.5-mi. route that traverses a wooded ridge and skirts open fields near the former Galick farmstead,
whose lands are at the heart of the preserve. The Nature Conservancy does not allow dogs. Easy, 4 miles
with 200 feet of elevation gain.
November 2, Saturday, 9:00 a.m. (rain date November 3)
Mount Ephraim, Springfield Sue Thomas 773-2185
We’ll begin at the Stellafane Observatory and ascend via a wood road to the summit of the highest peak
in Springfield, which not only features one of several mysterious stone cairns that appear throughout the
area, but also a panoramic view of the Connecticut River Valley, Mt. Ascutney and the Whites. Easy to
moderate, 4.3 miles with 659 feet of elevation gain.
November 9, Saturday, 9:00 a.m.
Put the Trails to Bed Work Day
LT/AT Larry Walter 775-3855, Wayne Krevetski 282-2237
Join us for our last-of-the-season work party. Bring lunch, water and work gloves. Tools will be provided.
November 17, Sunday, 1:00 p.m.
Annual Fall Potuck, Godnick Center, Deer Street, Rutland City Sue Thomas 773-2185
Bring a dish to share and your own place setting for our annual hunting season tradition. All are
welcome . . . it’s a great way to get to know the Killington Section! Our own, Larry Walter, spent the
summer bicycling coast to coast and will share photos and tales of “Larry’s Excellent Adventure.”
November 24, Sunday, 9:00 a.m.
Cook Mountain Preserve, Ticonderoga Allison Henry 779-4404
Great views of Lake George and a new side trail to a cemetery dating back to 1800. Moderate, 3 miles
with one short and steep section.
November 30, Saturday, 10:00 a.m. at the East Poultney Green
Poultney Area Road Hike Diane Bargiel 413-687-1109
Route to be determined, but it will be scenic and safe for hunting season.
December 8, Sunday, 9:00 a.m.
Merck Forest, Rupert Larry Walter and Vivian Bebee 775-3855
The hike will be from the Visitor’s Center to Mount Antone and then down the Masters Mountain Trail,
which trail includes several switchbacks, to the South Gate entrance to Merck Forest. Since the South Gate entrance is not maintained in
winter months, if weather conditions do not allow, the hike will be from the Visitor’s Center to Mount Antone and back. Option to continue hike from South Gate to West Rupert. Moderate to difficult, with some steeper stretches. Visitor’s Center to Antone and back is approx. 5
miles. Visitor’s Center, Antone and Masters Trail is approx. 7+ miles and Visitor’s Center to West Rupert is approx. 9+ miles.
Thursday Hike Schedule
The Rutland Recreation and Parks Dept. sponsors a series of hikes at a less strenuous pace for seniors. Hikes typically cover 2-4 miles, involve limited to moderate elevation gain, and try to avoid treacherous footing. Bring water and a lunch, wear sturdy footwear, and be prepared for Vermont weather. Bring bug spray, and guard against ticks by wearing long sleeves and pants. Meet on Thursdays at 9 am at the Godnick Center on Deer Street to car pool. We return in early to mid-afternoon. For further details, call hike leader. All are welcome. NOTE: Hikes are subject to change due to weather and/or trail conditions. (. . . and please, no dogs). State Parks: free admission w/Green Mountain Passport or $4 per person.
Sept. 5 Moscow Pond, Hubbardton Renée Warren 747-4466
Hike the less-taken trail north along Glen Lake to Moscow Pond. Moderate.
Sept. 19 Mount Philo, Charlotte Diane Landwehr 458-8114
Climb 980 feet to views of Adirondacks/Lake Champlain. Moderate (some steep sections.)
Oct. 3 Merck Forest, Rupert (optional donation) Tom Copps 353-3025
Discover interesting forest trails; visit new replica of Thoreau’s cabin. Moderate.
Oct. 17 Robert Frost Interpretive Trail, Ripton Kathy Drew 775-3992
Walk the Trail; visit Frost’s home site and surrounding area. East/moderate.
