A group of winter adventurers enjoy a First Day hike in a Vermont State Park. Credit: FPR
Vermont BusinessStart the New Year on the right foot with a hike in a Vermont State Park on January 1, 2019. Join a free, family-friendly, guided hike taking place in state parks across Vermont. Professional guides and outdoor educators will lead the way, sharing their knowledge and love of the Vermont outdoors. Don't need a guide? Explore a state park on your own. The parks are always open and close by. Entry is free and you will discover a whole new world in the winter.
For the First-Day hikes on January 1, 2019, be sure to dress for the weather and bring snowshoes if there is a lot of snow. Don’t forget to bring some beverages and snacks. Dogs are welcome (on leash) unless otherwise noted. To check the status of the hikes, or for more information, call the phone number listed for each hike. RSVPs to trip leaders are appreciated.
Mt. Ascutney State Park
Guide:Scott Davison (The Woodstock Naturalist)
Meet:9:00 AM at the park entrance.
Hike:1+ hour, easy terrain. All ages. NOTE: Not a summit hike. Trail will be chosen based on conditions.
Contact:802-457-2810
Long Pond, Lake Willoughby
Guide:Jean Haigh (The Green Mountain Club)
Meet:10:00 AM at the Long Pond Trail Head
Hike:This hike has beautiful views of Long Pond, Lake Willoughby and Bald Mountain and is moderate with a few tricky areas. Snowshoes or micro spikes will be needed for this 4-mile round trip. All ages welcome. This hike is in memory of Dave Hardy, who devoted decades of work to the stewardship of the Long Trail.
Contact:[email protected],802-586-9637
Groton Nature Center, Big Deer State Park
Guide:Greg Western (local expert)
Meet:1:00 PM at Groton State Forest Nature Center parking area on Boulder Beach Road, 1.6 miles from Route 232.
Hike: 1+ hour loop- easy terrain. All ages welcome.
Contact:802-498-0079
Full details here:http://bit.ly/FirstDayHikesVT
Vermont State Parks:www.vtstateparks.com