7/2 (Sat) Laraway Loop
From Davis Neigborhood we will head over to Codding Hollow, follow the Long Trail up over Laraway Mt., and return via Davis Neighborhood Trail. Moderate hike. Moderate pace. 8 miles. 1600′ elevation gain. David Hathaway, david.hathaway.78@gmail.com or 899-9982.
7/10 (Sun) Snake Mountain
Assuming it will be intolerably hot (anything over 70 degrees in my book) we will walk in the shady forest up Snake Mountain (in Addison County near Vergennes, just east of Rt. 22A.) This easy to moderate walk climbs about 900′ to an overlook (at about 1,300′). This 2 and 1/2 hour four mile hike winds through a forest with a wonderful mix of trees. It is relatively flat for the first 1/2 mile then climbs steadily to a nice viewpoint facing west to Lake Champlain and the Adirondacks. The trail joins an old summit carriage road (there used to be hotel at the top) which we may take down. Meet-up in the Shelburne town center in front of the Pearson Library and fire station. Easy to moderate hike. 4 miles. 900′ elevation gain. Ted Albers, ted@ted-albers.net.
7/16 (Sat) Milton Town Forest
Since our spring hike was rained out, we’ll try this again now that the trails are (hopefully) dry. We’ll meet to walk the Milton Forest trails off the Milton-Westford Road. This is a 4+ mile hike that passes by beautiful Milton Pond. It’s an easy hike at a moderate pace that includes a small number of short hills. We’ll be out approx. 2 hours. Wear proper footwear for hiking that will include some hills. Dogs are welcome but must to be on leash in designated areas. Easy hike. 4+ miles. Group limit 15. Contact leader by 7/14. Nancy Hankey, vtgardener1@myfairpoint.net.
7/23 (Sat) Jay Range, Adirondacks
We will take the ferry from Charlotte to Essex, NY, and then drive to the trailhead in Upper Jay. From the trailhead, we will climb through the woods for about 1.5 miles until we reach an open ridge. The trail continues on the ridge for another couple of miles. The plan is to continue to a point where we have a view of Lake Champlain. Along the ridge there are terrific views of Whiteface Mountain and the other Adirondack High Peaks. We’ll return the same way we went up. Estimated hiking time is 5 1/2 – 6 hours, including lunch and stopping at viewpoints. All participants will need to contribute to the cost of the ferry and gas for drivers. Difficult hike. Moderate pace. 7 miles. 2750′ elevation gain. Group limit 10. Contact leader by 7/21. Sheri Larsen, 878-6828 or larsen007@aol.com.
7/24 (Sun) Shelburne Pond and Bay
Lets explore the trails, great views, and wildlife around Shelburnes waterways. Moderate hike. Moderate pace. 5 miles. 500′ elevation gain. Group limit 8. Contact leader by 7/22. Adam Heckle, aheckle@uvm.edu or 233-8091.
7/29 (Fri) Lincoln Gap to Appalachian Gap
We’ll carpool from Burlington to Appalachian Gap to drop off car(s) and proceed to Lincoln Gap. This a wonderful all-day ridgewalk along the Long Trail with our initial ascent up to Mt. Abraham. From here north, the trail continues ascending and descending several 4000′ peaks with 360 degree views. Bring your binocs and a fun attitude for this all day hike. Ideally we’d like to begin hiking @ 0830 from Lincoln Gap. Difficult hike. Moderate pace. 12.3 miles. 2100′ elevation gain. Contact leader by 7/28. Pete Saile, 658-0912.