Looking for something to do New Year's Day? Vermont State Parks suggests you go take a hike.
Guided First Day Hikes are being offered at nine Vermont State Parks and Forests on Jan. 1. Professional guides and outdoor educators will lead the family-oriented hikes. Leashed dogs are also welcome on most of the hikes. Snowshoes are recommended if the snow is deep. There's no need to preregister just pack a snack, water and warm clothes and go take a hike!
Free guided hikes will take place at the following locations:
- Underhill State Park : Meet : 1 p.m. at gate just below Underhill State Park on Mountain Road, in Underhill Center. Hike: three hours, easy to moderate terrain.
- Groton Nature Center, Big Deer State Park : Meet: 1 p.m. at Groton State Forest Nature Center parking area on Boulder Beach Road, 1.6 miles from Route 232. Hike: one-hour-plus loop hike across multiple trails – easy terrain.
- Molly Stark State Park : Meet: 10 a.m. at cul-de-sac across the street from the park entrance on Route 9. Hike: around two hours, moderate terrain on park roads and trails following the ridge to Hogback Mountain.
- Bald Mountain, Aitken State Forest: Meet: 11 a.m. meet at the Frontage Road, just to the southeast of the Rutland fire station (Route 7 & Center Street). Hike: Approximately 3.5 miles with some steep climbing.
- Grand Isle State Park: Meet: 10 a.m. by park office. Hike: one hour, easy loop hike on Ironwood Nature Trail.
- Little River State Park: Meet: 10 a.m. in parking area two miles up Little River Road. Hike: Easy, just over one mile, 100 ft. climb to flat trail through historic remains of CCC Camp Smith to waterfall. Please leave dogs at home.
- Silver Lake State Park: Meet: 1 p.m. at the Town Clerk Office parking lot in Barnard (100 yards from the park entrance). Hike : 1.5 hours, easy guided nature walk.
- Niquette Bay State Park: Meet at noon at trailhead in State Park. Hike: 1.5 miles, two hours, moderate.
- Camel’s Hump State Park : Hike and meeting details TBA
Don't need a guide? The Vermont State Parks invite you to just get out and explore the state park or forest of your choice.
