National Trails Day - June 1, 2019
National Trails Day® is a day of public events aimed at advocacy and trail service started by the American Hiking Society, taking place each year on the first Saturday in June. Thousands of hikers, bikers, horseback riders, federal and local agencies, land trusts, and businesses come together in partnership to advocate for, maintain, and clean up public lands and trails. As the only national voice for hiking, American Hiking Society envisions a world where every American has permanent access to a hiking trail. Trails don't maintain themselves. Individuals of any age and experience level can become trail stewards. Give back to the trails you love, meet new people, and enjoy the experience.
In 2018, SOAR (The Shires Outdoor Adventure & Recreation) group planned and hosted several trails-based events over the weekend. These events invited the public, excited to explore and connect with the local trails in the region, to visit natural places and help maintain the trails. This year there are two events that the group is focused on.
HIKE INFO (RSVP's REQUIRED)
HIKE 1: Bald Mountain Trail to White Rocks Bennington (rigorous hike)
9AM-2PM - Meet at 449 North Branch St. trailhead.
Leaders: Silvia Cassano and Tim Marr, GMC Bennington.
8 miles round-trip to Whiterocks, 10 miles round-trip to Bald Mountain Summit. Difficulty - 3D/E
-Join the Green Mountain Club for hiking and light trail work from the sidewalks of Bennington to the Glastenbury Wilderness. We will hike to the "White Rocks" vista. Self-guided hike to the summit (optional). Up and over to the Woodford trailhead (optional); arrange your car drop in advance.
---> RSVP REQUIRED as group size is limited in designated -
Wilderness. Call 802-673-6990 or email SoVTOutdoors@gmail.com
GMC provides tools for those willing. Bring loppers and gloves if you have them. Pack plenty of water, bag lunch, and wear appropriate shoes/layers. Trekking poles helpful. Carpooling appreciated.
HIKE 2: Stratton Pond Trail Arlington (moderate hike)
10AM-4PM - Meet at Stratton Pond trailhead
on the Kelly Stand Road (1600 Stratton-Arlington Rd)
Leader: Jonah Spivak.
7.8 miles round-trip. Difficulty - 2B/C
-A popular hike to Stratton Pond, the largest water body on the Long Trail. Relatively flat hike through mostly mixed hard/softwood forests crossing numerous logging roads.
--> RSVP REQUIRED-- Call 802-384-2542 or email jonahspivak@gmail.com
Pack plenty of water, bag lunch, and wear appropriate shoes/layers. Trekking poles helpful. Carpooling appreciated.
Bug repellent recommended.
LEARN MORE about the local trails and find hikes in Vermont visit www.trailfinder.info. Information about SOAR can be found at www.bennington.com/soar. Information about National Trail Day can be found on the American Hiking Society's website, www.americanhiking.org