By Peter Hope
Because of the lack of snow at Eastman this past winter, we were unable to enjoy our usual Snowshoe Hike Program. In order to walk in the woods, traction devices, such as stabilicers or MICRO spikes were much better options. But an early spring just might allow extended three-season hiking!
Of course, please stay off all trails until they are completely dry. Rail Trails and Class Six Roads are good alternative routes. The higher altitude trails are especially prone to damage from spring hikers’ boots, so stay low until May, and then play it by ear, depending on local conditions.
We are looking forward to active Eastman Walking and Hiking Programs this year. We schedule walks in Eastman and nearby areas mid-week and moderate to more strenuous hikes to peaks near and far on Saturdays. A small transportation fee is requested for trips outside our area. We do need more Walk and Hike Leaders! If interested, please contact me at 863-6456 or phope at worldpath.net.
When venturing into the woods, either alone or with others, make safety your main concern. Wear adequate clothing and footwear and bring more than enough food and water as well as emergency gear (map, compass, headlamp, extra socks, first aid kit, etc.) Do not trust a GPS or cell phone in remote areas! Let someone know your destination, route and projected time for return. And think carefully before venturing alone into remote areas.
And now to this issue’s Picks –
• Moose Mt. South Ledges, Enfield(NH): This route is unmarked but not difficult to follow. Park at the roller rink on US-4, west of Enfield. Walk uphill (west) a short distance along the highway. Just below the crest of the hill, you will see a house on the right (north)side of US-4. Immediately after that, follow a cart road (in excellent condition) diagonally uphill behind the house, initially heading east, then swinging left and north to cross a large open field and a power line. When the road splits, take the left branch, which soon enters the woods and gently continues in a northerly direction, with a few ups and downs. The road then swings right and climbs to another junction.
Turn left uphill to parallel the ridge above you on your right. Watch for a short trail heading left up the bank to open ledges with spectacular views of Mascoma Lake and even Mt. Ascutney. Stay a while! Return the way you came.
Total distance 3-4 miles ; elevation gain: 700’. Easy/Moderate.
• Deer Leap, Killington(VT):Much of this hike follows a trail for which I am the Adopter. The route is blazed in blue, except for the section that follows the LT (Long Trail)/AT (Appalachian Trail) which is white-blazed. Park just off US-4 in Killington at the height of Sherburne Pass, on the south side across from the Inn at the Long Trail. For those with an interest in history, this was the site of the former Long Trail Lodge owned by the Green Mt. Club.
Carefully cross the higway and enter the Sherburne North Trail, once the LT /AT , just to the east (right) of the Inn. The trail gently climbs the eastern slope of Deer Leap Hill, affording limited views west . You will arrive at Old Maine Junction. The LT /AT North turns right; if you choose, you can follow it a short distance to Ben’s Balcony, a ledge with great views to the west.
Otherwise, continue straight, north. Paradoxically, this is the LT /AT South! In a very short distance turn left on the Deer Leap Loop and climb to a (sometimes wet) plateau, where the trail turns south to another junction. Continue straight on the Deer Leap Spur, which descends to some stairs and then to the spectacular open ledges of Deer Leap, with great views toward Pico and Killington peaks.
Return to the last juction, and descend to your left . The trail bypasses the site of a rotten ladder, which I helped to remove. Cross a little valley with a small stream, then climb steeply to a level stretch of trail which skirts to the left to reach the top of this hill. Again, there are views, both to the south and the west. Continue descending to reach the LT /AT north where you originally turned off. Turn right , climbing, and then descending gradually, passing both the other end of the Deer Leap Loop and Old Maine Junction to return to Sherburne Pass.
Total distance 3.1 miles, with a few hundred feet elevation gain. Easy/Moderate.
Happy Spring and Early Summer Hiking!
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