2/1 (Sat) Stowe Pinnacle
This is a short but relatively steep hike which is deceptively challenging, given its moderate rating. Moderate snowshoe. Moderate pace. 2.8 miles. 1520′ elevation gain. Suzanne Daningburg, suzdaningburg@gmail.com.
2/8 (Sat) 2/9 (Sun) Camels Hump Loop
Moved to Sunday due to extreme cold, wind, and questionable trailhead access immediately after deep snow.
We’ll take Forest City Trail to Montclair Glen Lodge, then climb the Long Trail to the Camel’s Hump summit and return along the Burrows Trail. Difficult snowshoe. moderate pace. 6 miles. 2400′ elevation gain. Group limit 10. David Hathaway, david.hathaway.78@gmail.com or 899-9982.
2/15 (Sat) Adirondack Surprise! – FULL
Hike is full.
Count on a 14-15 hour day from A to B with eats and libations planned post-hike! I’ll think up a fun mountain (or 2) as the date draws near or feel free to share with me what you may want to summit! No dogs, please. Difficult snowshoe. strong pace. 10-12 miles. Group limit 8. Robynn Albert, robynnalbert@hotmail.com.
2/16 (Sun) Ravens Ridge
This will be a short, easy ramble with a few short rocky climbs of a few hundred vertical feet only. The first 900′ are on a new boardwalk. This will be maybe two hours total including a lunch break unless its too cold. Raven’s Ridge is described as a rocky forest refuge for a variety of wildlife. This Nature Conservancy property stretches from Lewis Creek south along a ridge on the boundary of Charlotte and Hinesburg to a large wetland complex in Monkton. In fact the natural area straddles all three towns. The Conservancy has improved the steep path that gives access to unusual rock formation below the ridge known as “the oven”. The whole outing is just a couple of miles long with some nice west facing views from the top of the ridge. Winter birding enthusiasts should bring binoculars. Easy snowshoe / hike. Ted Albers, ted@ted-albers.net or 557-7009.
2/17 (Mon) White Rock / Hunger Loop
We’ll climb the Middlesex and Bob Kemp Trails to White Rock, then head to Mt Hunger and return on the Middlesex Trail (may skip Hunger if conditions are poor, and may reverse the loop). Difficult snowshoe. moderate pace. 6.5 miles. 2100′ elevation gain. Jill George, jillghiker@gmail.com.
2/22 (Sat) Mansfield via Halfway House
We will Park in the winter parking lot on Mountain Road. We will Hike up the road and continue up the CCC road until we get to Halfway House Trail. We will ascend the trial to the ridge, turn North until we sumit. We will return down the Sunset Ridge. Difficult snowshoe. moderate pace. 8 miles. 2800′ elevation gain. Group limit 12. Wes Volk, wesvolk@gmail.com.
2/29 (Sat) Leap Day Snowshoe to Spruce Ledge Camp
Snowshoe to Spruce Ledge Camp via Long Trail from VT 118, return via Babcock Trail. Moderate snowshoe. moderate pace. 6 miles. 500′ elevation gain. Group limit 12. Dana Baron, dk.baron@comcast.net or 373-8613.
2/29 (Sat) Winter birding at Colchester Pond
Moved from January 25.
We’ll take an easy walk around Colchester Pond and look for winter birds. Prepare for icey spots! Bring snacks and water. Hopefully we will see or hear signs of the Barred Owl. Easy walk. 3 miles. Juli Tyson, jstyson17@gmail.com.
