September 14, 2022. More dates will follow, scroll down.
I hadn’t been on a mountain since I finished the White Mountain Guide two months ago on the most difficult stretch on the AT (Mahoosuc Range). That day I did 19 miles and 6000 feet of elevation gain.
I’ve hiked a lot since, just not that kind of mileage and elevation gain, and not up mountains.
It was therefore wonderful to get back on a peak, even if this was only 1200 feet or so of elevation gain. The Green Mtn. Trail-AT/LT loop clocked in at less than ten miles even with the other little trails thrown in (see below), but it was still a mountain and it was still in a glorious New England forest. Bliss.
I also did the trail that goes around the pond, the part of Green Mtn Trail that goes to the picnic area, and the bit of trail up top that heads out of NRA boundaries. I didn’t get photos of those. I will note that going around the pond was not pleasant on the feet. Lots of rotting bog bridges and sketchy slanted rocks.
Turns out Green Mountain Trail is maintained by someone I know, an avid and extremely accomplished 4-season hiker and Vermont native. The trail’s in great shape, so kudos to her. 🙂
When I pulled into the lot in the morning, a large group of women stood stretching together and preparing for what seemed like a long day. They smiled and said hello. I wonder if I will ever join a group to hike. Maybe, but probably not. It’s too easy for me to feel anxious in the midst of a lot of people. I prefer taking everything in on my own or with just one or two others.
October 19, 2022
Ambled along Ice Beds Trail – gorgeous fall day! Also got the portion of the Keewaydin Trail that leads to the AT.
November 4, 2022
This is my last visit, except for when I come through on the AT. 14 fairly flat miles, which felt good.
I hiked Old Job Trail, parking on the forest road that bisects the trail. The northern section is a proper trail with east grades and footing. Lovely woods walk.
The southern portion of Old Job Trail is a snowmobile route in winter and a wide old-road walk in summer. Easy footing, wide path. After I reached Griffith Lake, I continued along Griffith Lake Trail until I reached the end of the Recreation Area.
The next time I see this area, I’ll be on the AT.