Where: J. Maynard Miller town Forest, Vernon
When: Tuesday, 10/10 at 10:30
On Tuesday, October 10 we will gather at 10:30 am at the trail head to the J. Maynard Miller Town Forest in Vernon, VT. Our guide, Seth Deyo, Director of the Vernon Recreation Department, will meet us there to provide us with an overview of the impressive history and current usage of the Forest.
Following in the footsteps of Mr. Miller, a local dairy farmer, who spent countless hours working with foresters on timber management plans and trail creation, Seth and his assistant, Ian Deyo, honor the work by maintaining the trails and stewarding the forest. We will walk part (not all) of the 3.25 mile trail system, through a variety of habitats including part of the amazing black gum swamps. There, large, rare and ancient black gum trees (also know as tupelo trees) tower over a vibrant green forest floor covered in sphagnum mosses. Vernon is at the northern edge of the range of these plants. You will sense the deep layer of time-honored peat under your feet and view hummocks of cinnamon and royal ferns; just a taste of the wide unusual range of species to identify. By the day of our walk on October 10th, we expect dramatic fall foliage colors to reward our efforts.
This final walk of the season is more challenging than our previous walks. The terrain will be uneven with frequent rocks, roots and uphill sections. Wetter than normal conditions will require some walk-arounds. We recommend waterproof hiking boots. Walking sticks would be helpful.
The trail head is at 366 Basin Road, Vernon. From Route 142 in Vernon, turn onto Pond Road. After 1.2 miles, turn right onto Huckle Hill Rd. (across from Vernon Recreation Dept). You will see a brown sign for the Town Forest. After 1.4 mile, at another sign turn right onto Basin Road. Look for the trail head on the right after .7 mile.
Contact Guilford Cares for more information or to request a ride.
802-579-1350; guilfordcaresvt@gmail.com
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