Come to the Green Mountains! Join Pam and Bill for 3 days of midweek hiking centered in the Killington area, home of Vermont’s second-highest mountain at 4,235′. Dates are Tuesday-Thursday, September 12-14. As explained in the details below, we request responses by August 15.

Basic Orientation – Rutland, VT is located at the intersection of US. Rts. 7 (N-S) and 4 (E-W) about 330 miles from Springwater. The main chain of the Green Mountains lies about 10 miles east and is bisected by Rt. 4 at Sherburne Pass, elevation 2,150′. This pass is 9 miles from Bill’s Rutland condo. The massive Killington Ski Resort in on a side road 2 miles eastward down the mountain from Sherburne Pass. Most of our hikes will be centered in the area on both sides of the Pass where the Green Mountain National Forest provides a network of trails.

Accommodations – 2 miles east of Sherburne Pass on State Rte. 100 (north) is Gifford Woods State Park. This park’s campground includes both regular sites for tents and sites with lean-tos. There are also cabins which basically offer 4 walls, windows, and bunks with mattresses but nothing else. Pam and Bill have reserved the Apple lean-to site for Tuesday and Wednesday nights, Sept. 12 and 13 (lean-to sites are named after trees). We suggest that those wanting to camp make reservations with the Park ASAP. Of course you’re welcome to team up and share sites, splitting the costs.  The Park will assist you in selecting individual sites close to Bill and Pam’s.  You may also call the central reservations office at 888-409-7579.

For those wishing to stay in “cushier” lodging, we recommend the Mendon Mountainview Lodge on Rt. 4 right side going east from Rutland, a few miles before Sherburne Pass. They will provide us a rate of $89 for midweek nights. We have stayed there on previous occasions. Another option is the venerable Inn at the Long Trail perched on the mountain crest at Sherburne Pass. Rooms are spartan i.e. no TV and cost $90 for the smallest rooms (includes breakfast) or $120 for the Fireplace Suite which accommodates 2 couples. The Inn contains both a restaurant and a pub – everything you need! There are other motels, lodges, B&Bs, etc. in the vicinity which you’re welcome to research.

Meals – We’re still working out details for meals. We’d like to have a group breakfast one morning at the Sugar and Spice House, about 2 miles down Rt. 4 from Mendon Mountaiview Lodge on the right side going westward back towards Rutland. This establishment produces its own maple syrup. Everyone is on their own for other breakfasts and all lunches & snacks. For dinners, Tuesday night’s meal will be at Bill and Pam’s campsite at Gifford Woods State Park, Apple Lean-to site (see “Hikes” section below).  Please bring a dish to pass. We’d also like to partake of one group dinner out, possibly at the Inn at the Long Trail or at least enjoy a brew at its authentic Irish pub.

Hikes – All hikes will be on the Long Trail, Appalachian Trail, and side trails in the Green Mountain National Forest and Gifford Woods State Park. There are numerous options in terms of length and difficulty. On Tuesday, September 12, we will all gather at Bill and Pam’s Apple Lean-to campsite at 4:00 for a short (and easy) hike on the Appalachian Trail around the Kent Pond.  This will be followed by the evening dinner at which time we will select our specific hikes for Wednesday and Thursday, depending on people’s preferences and capabilities (see the “Response Date” below).

Kayaking – No specific kayking outings are planned. Participants are welcome to bring their own kayaks, but any kayaking is on your own and not part of this Springwater Trails event. Kent Pond is a small public lake across the road from Gifford Woods with a boat launch. There are larger lakes nearby but again, you’re on your own if you wish to kayak.

Extension – The “official” timeframe is Tuesday-Thursday, Sept. 12-14. If anyone wishes to stay longer or arrive earlier, you’re free to do so but you must make your own arrangements. If anyone is interested in joining Bill on a challenging hike (8-12 miles) or hiking with him for a day or two on the Long Trail further north, please contact us.

Response Date – We ask that those wishing to participate inform Bill or Pam no later than August 15.  As noted previously, there is a wide range of hike options varying in mileage, elevation gain, and terrain.  Therefore, it’s important to know who’s coming so that we can plan the specific hikes for optimal enjoyment.

This should be fun! Let’s hope the weather cooperates!