D - Jay Peak E- Willoughby State Forest F - Bluff Mountain ...€¦ · forest and is accessed from...
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2000' 2000' 2000' 1500' 2500' 2500' 3000' 3500' 3500' 3000' Long Trail N. Jay Peak Jay Peak Big Jay Gilpin Mtn. J.S.F. J.S.F. Jay State Forest Jay 105 242 1 Mi 1 Km 2 2 Long Trail – The trailhead and parking area for Jay Peak is located on VT Rte. 242 at the height of land in Jay Pass. From here, the Long Trail climbs north to the open summit of Jay Peak (elev. 3858’) and beyond to the Canadian border. Follow the Long Trail north past a spur trail to Jay Camp, an overnight shelter for thru-hikers, and continue upwards through the changing forest to a ski trail intersection. Crossing the snowmaking pipeline and proceeding directly opposite the intersection, the Long Trail briefly re-enters the now stunted forest and soon climbs onto the open and rocky summit of Jay Peak. NOTE: In inclement weather, the summit of Jay Peak can be dangerous due to its open exposure. To avoid the open summit, follow the ski trail to the left and circle around to the Tramway Station below the summit rock. SUMMARY: Jay Pass/ VT Rte 242 to Jay Peak summit, approx. 1.6 mi., 11/4 hr. (Rev. 3/4 hr.). There are over 20 miles of hiking trails in and around Willoughby for- est. Most of these trails are well suited to novice and intermediate hiker. Several other trails are located on adjacent pri- vate ownerships. These trails, blazed with white, blue or yellow paint, maintained by the Westmore Association, Northwoods Stewardship Center and the Green Mountain Club, are described in the “Day Hikers Guide to Vermont” published by the Green Mountain Club. Privately owned trails are located on Wheeler, Bald, Haystack and McSherry mountains. Mount Pisgah Trails Elevation 2751 feet. There are two overlooks near the summit: one offers a near view of the Passumpsic Valley and a distant view of the southern White Mountains, the other a near view of Bald Mountain and the northern White Mountains. From the overlooks north of the summit, there are partial views of the Green Mountains and Lake Memphremagog, with Willoughby Lake directly beneath. 1. South Trail Climb 530 feet, hike 1.0 mi. to Pulpit Rock. Climb 1480 feet, hike 1.9 mi. To summit and North Trail. From south end of lake, go 0.6 mi. South on Route 5A to start of trail on left (east). 2. North Trail Climb 1530 feet. Hike 2.2 mi. from Millbrook store, go 1.3 mi. south on Route 5A to start of trail on left (east). Joins South Trail. 3. East Trail Climb 900 feet. Hike 2.2 mi. (including private road). From Millbrook store go east (uphill) 1.8 mi. on Long Pond Road #31. Turn right on private logging road and park at gate. Hike 1.2 mi. on private road and turn right on branch road. Mount Hor Summit & Ridge Trails Elevation 2648 feet. Summit offers near views of several ponds in the valley to the west and a distant view of the Green Mountains. From the two Willoughby Lake overlooks, views of the lake below and distant views of the White Mountains, Owls Head and Mount Orford. 4. Herbert Hawkes Trail Climb 600+ feet. Hike 0.7+ mi. from beach at south end of lake, go south 0.6 mi. Turn right through parking area and go uphill 1.8 mi. to start of trail on right. On ridge (0.7 mi.), trail to left climbs 150 feet in 0.2 mi. and reaches summit, while branch trail on right leads to the two lake overlooks at 0.5 and 0.6 mi. 5. South Shore Trail Climb 200 feet. Hike 1.0 mi. To the base of Mt. Hor cliffs. From beach at south end of Willoughby Lake, go south on highway (200 feet) to entrance of parking area on right (west). Pass through area along old road for 600 feet to start of easy trail marked with blue paint. 6. Moose Mountain Trail Total climb 1800 feet. Hike 5.0 mi. From Wheeler Pond fishing access travel north 0.3 mi. on Wheeler Pond Road to a parking area and start of trail on right (east). A scenic vista, located .5 mile up the trail, overlooks Wheeler Pond and is a nice short hike. From the overlooks there are par- tial views of the northern range of the Green Mountains, Lake Willoughby and Burke Mountain. 7. Wheeler Pond Trail This 1/2 mile trail starts at the Moose Mountain trailhead and goes around the south end of Wheeler Pond to the two camps, owned and operated by the Green Mountain Club, located on the west side of Wheeler Pond. 8. Wheeler Mountain Trail Trailhead is located on the left 1.9 miles on the Wheeler Mountain Road, which 8.3 miles north of VT 5A. The white-blazed trail soon diverges with a more difficult red-blazed route splitting to the right, then rejoining the main trail 0.3 miles from the junction. The main trail offers several scenic opportunities from open rock areas before descending to the end of the trail and Eagle Cliff, with an especially grand view of Lake Willoughby. Parking area to Eagle Cliff 1.3 miles. 1500' 2000' 2000' 2000' 2000' 2500' 1500' 1500' 2000' 2500' Wheeler Pond Blake Pond Duck Pond Vail Pond Lake Willoughby Long Pond B Brown Pond P P P P Wheeler Mtn. Moose Mtn. Mt. Hor Mt. Pisgah Hedgehog Mtn. Bartlett Mtn. Haystack Mtn. Willoughby State Forest 5 5A CCC Rd. Trail to Bald Mountain Wheeler Mtn. Rd. Lakeview Rd. Long Pond Rd. 0.5 Mi 0.5 Km 1 1 1 2 3 4 8 5 6 7 Photo-Barton Area Chamber of Commerce Photo-Barton Area Chamber of Commerce 1500' 2000' Bluff Mtn. Brighton Mun. Forest Island Pond 114 105 Mountain St. P 0.5 0.5 Km Mi The Bluff Mountain Community Trail climbs to the lower summit and lookout on Bluff and has existed for many years. The blue-blazed trail, built and maintained by the Northeast Kingdom Conservation Service Corps, begins on the north side of Mountain Street in Island Pond, approximately 1/2 mile beyond the end of the pavement to a formal trail- head and parking area. From parking area, trail climbs north and west before descending to junction with now abandoned old trail, turns north, passing stream crossing and lower junction of historic Lookout Trail (1.0 m.). To south and east are views of Nulhegan Basin and surrounding hills. It continues to summit ridge where it reaches short summit spur trail on right and historic Lookout Trail directly ahead (1.7 m.). SUMMARY: Mountain St. to summit, 1.7 mi.; 1080 ft. ascent; 1 1/4 hr. (Rev. 3/4 hr.) Lookout Trail: The yellow-blazed lookout trail is last remaining portion of original Bluff Mountain Trail. From cliff lookouts near summit are views visible to south and west. CAUTION: Lookout Trail is steep and rocky in some places and may not be suitable for some hikers! Recommended loop: follow Bluff Trail to Lookout Junction, then up Lookout Trail and back via the summit. SUMMARY: Bluff Mountain Trail jct. to lookout, 0.4 mi.; 660 ft. ascent; 1/2 hr. (Rev. 20 min.). Lookout to summit, 0.1 mi.; 100 ft. ascent; 10 min. (Rev. 5 min.). Photo-Luke O’Brien 2000' 1500 2500' 3000' Norton Pond Gore Mtn. Middle Mtn. Kingdom State Forest 114 P 0.5 Mi 0.5 Km 1 1 In the unorganized town of Avery’s Gore (USGS Norton Pond), Gore Mountain (3332’) forms the northern boundary of the Nulhegan River Basin. The white-blazed Gore Mountain Trail, built and maintained by the Northeast Kingdom Conservation Service Corps, follows the original fire warden’s trail, though the fire tower no longer remains on the summit. Trailhead is off Vermont Route 114, Norton, near north end of Norton Pond across from a pulloff between Lake Station Road and DeVost Road. Trail enters woods through small opening east side of road, followis a brook, levels off, crosses some poorly drained areas, some beaver mead- ows, and abandoned beaver pond (1.0 m.). It travels eastward before reaching signed junction, turning to the left. After cresting small knoll, trail descends, follows and crosses a brook, emerges on edge of big logged area. Trail passes through and skirts logged area, winds through small hardwood stands before climbing to crest of a second knoll then to edge of large timber company road (2.0 m.). Marked trail continues on oppo- site side of clearing. It crosses logging road, climbs to junction with short lookout spur trail, local views to the west. From there, trail continues to second road cross- ing, climbs to northwest ridge of mountain then through open hard- woods and higher elevation spruce-fir forests of summit. Continuing steeply over granite bedrock to mountain shoulder, it enters summit for- est, turns eastward winding its way to summit clearing (3.8 m.) with lim- ited views of the Nulhegan Basin to south. SUMMARY: Road to summit, 3.8 mi.; 1972 ft. ascent; 31/2 hr. (Rev. 2 hr.). Photo-Luke O’Brien 1500' 2000' 1500' Lewis Pond McConnell Pond Nulhegan Pond Mile Pond Gore Mtn. Silvio O. Conte National Fish & Wildlife Refuge West Mtn. WMA 105 Refuge Headquarters Refuge Access Point Powerline Stone Dam Rd. Black Branch Rd. Canal Rd. Peanut Dam Rd. Lewis Pond Rd. Four Mile Rd. Eagle's Nest Rd. Mollie Beattie Boardwalk Lewis Pond Rd. LewisPond OverlookRd. Tim Carroll Brook Rd. Tin Shack Rd. 1 Mi 1 Km 2 2 The Nulhegan Basin Division,part of the Silvio O. Conte National Fish and Wildlife Refuge, was established to protect the diversity and abundance of native species within the 7.2 million-acre Connecticut River watershed. The Nulhegan Basin, a portion of which lies within the 26,300-acre Nulhegan Refuge, can be accessed via a network of gravel roads that were built to facilitate tim- ber harvesting in the former Champion International Corporation (Champion) lands. Car and truck access will be allowed on the major gravel roads except during snowmobile season and mud sea- son. A maximum speed limit of 25 mph for vehicles and 35 mph for snowmobiles will be in effect on Nulhegan Basin Division, con- sistent with the speed limit on the other former Champion lands and other state lands. ATV’s, horses, bicycles and camping were not allowed on the former Champion lands, and this policy will be continued. Wildlife populations and key habitats on Nulhegan Basin Division are generally dispersed. Many visitors with limited time or no back roads driving experience may prefer to simply view the landscape, a panoramic view of the basin which is available from Nulhegan Basin Division’s future headquarters/visitor contact station on Route 105 in Brunswick. Information to orient visitors may be found at the headquarters and also on kiosks at major entrances. Wildlife observation in a non-disruptive way is encouraged and the 200-foot boardwalk trail with interpretive signs at Mollie Beattie Bog in particular was created for this purpose. The most popular types of wildlife to be seen here are spring warblers, boreal birds (e.g. gray jay or BB woodpecker) and moose. Nulhegan Refuge and Wenlock WMA support the only viable breeding population of spruce grouse in Vermont. Photo-Holly T.Gaboriault Photo-USFWS Photo-USFWS Photo-USFWS 1500' 1500' 2000' 2000' 2000' 2500' 2500' 2500' 3000' 3000' Long Trail Frank Post Trail Forester's Trail Sugarloaf Mtn. Haystack Mtn. Belvidere Mtn. 118 58 Mines Rd. Tillotson Rd. 1 Mi 1 Km 2 2 The open-deck summit fire tower on Belvidere Mountain (elev. 3360’) shows one of nicest views in northern Vermont. Reach the summit by several trails, most notably the Long Trail from the south. A second route north of Eden Mills, climbs from the northeast using the Frank Post Trail, the Long Trail and the Forester’s Trail and makes a pleasant day hike. Frank Post–Forester’s Trail Loop : From parking area, at terminus of Tillotson Rd., approx. 5.0 miles north of Eden Mills, follow Frank Post Trail north and west. After approx. .5 mile, it passes junction with Forester’s Trail on left, climbs old grade, follows then crosses Lockwood Brook and reaches1930’s Buchanan-style Tillotson Camp. From there, it takes Long Trail south past Lockwood Pond (a beaver meadow) to trail junction at Belvidere saddle, short spur east to summit and fire tower on Belvidere. From junction turn northeast to Forester’s Trail, around switchbacks to the junction with Frank Post Trail then back to trailhead. SUMMARY: Frank Post Trail to Tillotson Camp, approx. 2.0 mi., 13/4 hr. (Rev. 1 hr.); Tillotson Camp to Belvidere Junction, approx. 2.8 mi., 2 hrs.; Belvidere Junction to Frank Post Trail via Forester’s Trail, approx. 3.0 mi., 11/2 (Rev. 21/2). Frank Post–Forester’s Trail Loop, approx. 8.0 mi., 5.0 hrs. Consult the Green Mountain Club’s Long Trail Guide for more information. 1500' 2000' 2500' 3000' Connecticut River Monadnock Mtn. New Hampshire 102 3 P Gravel Pit 0.5 Mi 0.5 Km 1 1 In the Town of Lemington (USGS Monadnock), Monadnock Mountain (3148’) rises steeply above the Connecticut River and provides a unique view of the North Country from its summit fire tower. The yellow-blazed trail begins at the back of large gravel pit parking area a short distance north of the Lemington-Colebrook Bridge. The rugged trail begins moderately through a small meadow and con- tinues into a young forest following a scenic brook and rocky ledge. Then it climbs steeply, crosses the brook and reaches a recent logging road which it follows then crosses back over the brook on a long log bridge. From here, the trail begins its persistent climb upward over rocky footing, passing through a mixed forest where signs of the 1998 Ice Storm are evident. After climbing for some time, the trail turns north, levels out and then climbs again, winding its way through the spruce-fir forest to the summit. All that remain of the burned fire warden’s cabin are the chimney and foundation but the fire tower is functional and provides excellent views of the Connecticut River Valley and northern Vermont and New Hampshire. SUMMARY: Road to summit, 2.5 mi.; 2148 ft. ascent; 21/2 hr. (Rev. 11/4 hr.). 2000' 2500' Great Averill Pond Brousseau Mtn. 114 Brousseau Mtn. Rd. Averill Lake Rd. 0.5 Mi 0.5 Km 1 1 Situated just south of the Canadian Border in the town of Norton (USGS Averill), Brousseau Mountain (2723’) is a rugged little peak. A short but scenic trail provides a pleasant hike to the summit where spectacular views can be had from the top of the mountain’s exten- sive southern cliff complex. ATTENTION: Brousseau Mountain is one of the few nesting sites of the endangered Peregrine Falcon in northern Vermont. In order to avoid the spring-summer incubation and nesting period when the birds and their young are most sensi- tive hiking is prohibited before August 1st. Please help peregrine restoration in Vermont and respect these rare and special birds. The Brousseau Mountain Trail is located off of Vermont Route 144 just beyond the gated terminus of the Brousseau Mountain Road in Norton. As parking is limited please pull off the road completely without blocking the gate or camp access. From the gate continue straight up the access road where, shortly, the signed trailhead appears on the left. The trail begins moderately, passing through an old field before entering a recently cut mixed forest. After crossing an open logging road, it enters a mature softwood forest and continues for some time, winding over granite bedrock to the forested summit. The cliff lookout,a short distance further, provides extensive mountain views to the south and east. SUMMARY: Road to summit, approx. 1.2 mi.; 623 ft. ascent; 1 hr. (Rev. 40 min.). Photo-Luke O’Brien Photo-Luke O’Brien Maidstone State Forest has three main trails which run through lush woods and along the lakeshore. All travel through smooth terrain and take less than an hour to walk. All trails are marked with light blue blazes. A detailed brochure is available from rangers at Maidstone State Park contact station is located at the end of the unpaved Maidstone Lake Road, a left off of Route 102 about 5 miles south of Bloomfield. 1. Moose Trail (3/4 mile) An excellent walk to look for evi- dence of moose and other wildlife. Leaves from the right side of the road near sites 22/23 in camp- ground area A. Travels through spruce-fir forest. Trail crosses two streambeds and takes a sharp left uphill. Trail passes an old logging area and winds uphill through thick woods to a hilltop. Note boulders left by glaciers. Trail winds down- hill and comes to a T. The right fork leads to the main road. The left fork comes to a logging road. Turn left on the logging road and pick up the trail again in a few yards to the right. Trail continues to camp- ground B to end between leantos Juniper and Boxelder. 1500' Maidstone Lake MAIDSTONE STATE FOREST P Maidstone Lake Rd. Contact Station 0.5 0.5 Km Mi 1 2 3 2. Loon Trail (1/2 mile) This trail goes along the shoreline to the south end of the lake, a good spot to see loons. Begins between campsites 33 and 35 in campground B. Enters woods nd quickly turns left, uphill. Soon turns right and levels off for a short distance before heading steeply downhill to lakeshore. Trail follows shoreline to the end of the lake, then splits into a loop trail through lush, mossy woods. Return to the road by the same path and end at the starting point. 3. Shore Trail (1/2 mile) This walk leads through cedar and hemlock woods and offers a good view of the lake. Trail hugs the shoreline from the camper’s beach in area A to the bathhouse in area B. Hardwick Trails was conceived and constructed by the Orleans Southwest Supervisory Union in 2002-2003 with funding from the Vermont Department of Forests, Parks and Recreation as a multi-use trail and is open for public use. This easy cross country trail explores some of Hardwick’s scenic northern mixed forest and is accessed from the Hazen Union High School parking lot. Divided into two 3 mile loops abundantly blazed with either yellow (Forestry Trail that starts at the parking lot) or blue (Shepard’s Trail that branches off the northeast corner of the Forestry Trail), Hardwick Trails offers a pleasant wooded walk though they are still a bit fresh and muddy in places. Keep an eye out for occasional signposts bearing select poetry! 1000' 1000' 1000' Lamoille River Hardwick Lake Hardwick Village Forest Hardwick P N. Main St. Hazen Union H.S. 14 15 15 0.5 0.5 Km Mi M - Hardwick Trails 2000' 2000' 2500' 3000' Long Pond Bald Hill Pond Brown d Sawdust Pond J P Mt. Pi h Haystack Mtn. Goodwin Mtn. Bald Mtn. Jobs Mtn. Kingdom State Forest Sentinel Rock State Park Bald Hill WMA Willoughby State Forest Hinton Hill Rd. Coles Rd. Westmore Rd. Mad Brook Rd. From Westmore Long Pond Rd. 105 Rd. Hudson P P P Gate 0.5 Mi 0.5 Km 1 1 BALD MOUNTAIN Located in the Town of Westmore (USGS Island Pond), Bald Mountain (3315’) is the third highest peak in the Northeast Kingdom and provides one of the best views of the region from its recently restored fire tower. The summit of Bald Mountain is accessed by three hiking trails: the Telegraph Trail, the Mad Brook Trail and the Long Pond Trail, although the Telegraph is seldom used and is in dis- repair. The two most heavily used trails, the Mad Brook (north) and Long Pond (south) Trails, are maintained by the Westmore Association, the Northeast Kingdom Conservation Service Corps and volunteers with the Green Mountain Club. The recent acquisition by the State of Vermont of the summit property on Bald Mountain,including the Fire Lookout’s Cabin, Tower and much of the upper Mad Brook Trail, and its subsequent inclusion in the Willoughby State Forest led to significant restoration work on the Mad Brook and Long Pond Trails in recent years as well as the com- plete renovation of the historic summit fire tower. Long Pond Trail: Approaching the summit of Bald Mountain from the southwest, Long Pond Trail begins approximately 350-feet east of the Long Pond fishing access on Long Pond Road, 2 miles east of Vermont Route 5A. The blue-blazed trail leaves the parking area and follows a gated logging road, bearing right at a junction and climbing moderately to an open log landing. After it leaves the far right corner of the log landing the trail soon turns left into the woods where it again follows an old woods trail for a short distance before turning eastward onto a well-worn path. The trail continues through open hardwoods, crossing some small streams and then climbing more steadily into the sub-alpine spruce-fir forest. After climbing several steep pitches and passing some rock outcroppings the trail soon emerges on the mountain summit. SUMMARY: Road to summit, approx. 2.1 mi.; 1250 ft. ascent; 21/2 hr. (Rev. 11/4 hr.). Mad Brook Trail: This trail approaches the summit of Bald Mountain from the north, beginning at the gated terminus of the Mad Brook Road in East Charleston. A small parking area nearby provides space for only a limited number of vehicles but hikers should keep the gated road and the neighboring driveway clear. The trail follows the graveled drive beyond the gate for roughly 1/2 mile before passing a private home and entering an open meadow. Continuing straight through the meadow the trail soon enters a mixed forest where it fol- lows an open woods road, climbing easily and then turning west where it briefly descends to the base of Bald Mountain and the first of two nearby stream crossings. From here the trail climbs gradually around a large switchback and then more steeply up the mountain. Frequent examples of recent trail work are evident for the next mile where ATV’s have caused extensive damage to the trail. SUMMARY: Road to summit, approx. 3.0 mi.; 1415 ft. ascent; 23/4 hr. (Rev. 11/2 hr.). HAYSTACK MOUNTAIN At an elevation of 2712’, Haystack Mountain is located just outside of Willoughby State Forest in Westmore. The low, but rugged, peak is aptly named for its abrupt sides that climb steeply from all directions. The peak is accessible by two trails, the North Trail and South Trail, and offers excellent local views towards Long Pond, Bald Mountain and beyond in several directions. North Trail: Approximately 0.6 mi. past the boat access at Long Pond, the North Trail on Haystack begins at a small parking area on Long Pond Road. Parking is limited, so please take care to keep the road clear. From the trailhead, the trail climbs moderately through open hardwoods for some time before ascending steeply onto the summit knoll and intersecting one of several short spur trails. To the right, a spur trail leads to a western lookout with views of Long Pond, Lake Willoughby and beyond. Continuing straight, North Trail soon reach- es the summit (marked with a large rock pile) and the junction with the South Trail. SUMMARY: trailhead to Haystack summit, approx. 1.0 mi., <1 hr. (Rev. 1/2 hr.) South Trail: This trail leaves the sum- mit of Haystack Mountain and soon reaches two lookouts, one to the east and one to the south. Continuing down the trail quickly drops into mixed woods and follows moderate grades back to Long Pond Road. From here, it is a short walk back to the North Trail parking area (approx. 1.2 mi.). SUMMARY: Haystack summit to Long Pond Road, approx. 1.0 mi., <1hr. (Rev. 1/2 hr.); Haystack Loop: North Trail to South Trail w/ Long Pond Rd. walk, approx. 3.0 mi., 2 hrs. Photo-Luke O’Brien N - Bald & Haystack Mountains 1500' 1500' 1500' 2000' 2000' 2000' Canada Holland Pond Beaver Pond Turtle Pond Round Pond Duck Pond Seymour Lake BILL SLADYK WMA Morgan Holland Holland Pond Rd. Holland Pond Rd. Valley Rd. 111 1 Mi 1 Km 2 2 The Bill Sladyk Wildlife Management Area straddles the northern edge of Orleans and Essex Counties along the US-Canadian border. Hikers are forewarned that the these trails are not marked and the WMA is filled with old woods roads and snowmobile trails so great care must be used to remain on the somewhat more visible hiking trail. On the plus side, these trails do not see as much traffic as some of the others in this guide and there are good opportunities for wildlife sightings. Please note this has not been designated as a hiking trail by the VT Department of Fish and Wildlife and therefore has not been blazed or maintained for this purpose. 1. Round Pond (1.8 miles starting from Holland Pond Rd., 1.5 hrs.) From Holland Pond Road the walk to the WMA gate is relatively easy. After passing the gate the trail follows the northwestern corner of Holland Pond until reaching a junction, about 0.9 mile from Holland Pond Road, with the Beaver Pond Trail heading off uphill to the left. (described below). The trail continues, crossing a small stream running over bare rock, until turn- ing to the east and passing, at about 1.6 miles, along the south edge of Duck Pond (a path leading the short distance to the pond can be found off the trail to the left). Near the end of this trail there is a rough wooden shelter just before reaching Round Pond. 2. Beaver Pond (0.5 mile from junction with Round Pond trail, 1/2 hour) The beginning portion of this trail runs uphill along an old woods road that has several rocky washouts and downed trees. After crest- ing the height of this trail it descends to a small clearing on the southern edge of Beaver Pond. O - Bill Sladyk Wildlife Management Area 0' 1500' 2000' Victory Bog Moose River Bog Dam e Victory Basin WMA Victory State Forest Victory Gallup Mills River Rd. Vuctory Hill Rd. Victory Rd. to Rt. 2 Victory Rd. Damon's Crossing P P P P P Victory Basin is a spectacular lowland natural area with a large diver- sity of plant and animal species. Covering some 28,000 acres of land, Victory Basin Wildlife Management Area (WMA) and Victory State Forest provide excellent habitat for a large number of game and non- game species. Common mammals such as bear, moose, beaver and muskrat use the many ponds and wetlands that drain into the Moose River with other species such as fisher, mink, snowshoe hare and coy- ote cohabiting the area. The Victory Basin is also an excellent location for birding, with opportunities to view common species such as grouse or woodcock and less common northern species including grey jays, black-backed woodpeckers and boreal chickadees. The dense softwoods provide a critical wintering area for the white-tailed deer. Victory Basin has an extensive logging history that reached its peak in the late-1800’s leaving roads and trails found there today, the rem- nants of this logging past. Old cellar holes and abandoned home- steads can be found throughout the basin, some near the old roads. Of special interest is the abandoned Victory Branch Railroad corridor, a flat, level grade that follows the western border of the basin. In addition to the short hikes listed below, several expansive loops can be made following the Victory logging road network. Consult a map and plan accordingly. Victory Railroad Trail South: From the Damon’s Crossing parking area (an historic junction where the River Road and Railroad Trail cross the Moose River) the Railroad Trail follows the Moose River through generally open terrain south to a large snowmobile bridge and a spur trail back to the River Road. Scenic areas along the river and some old cellar holes can be found along this route. Return to Damon’s Crossing on the River Road for a pleasant loop. SUMMARY: Damon’s Crossing parking area south to snowmobile bridge, approx. 3/4 mi.; 1/2 – 3/4 hr. (loop – 11/2 hr.) Victory Railroad Trail North: From the Damon’s Crossing parking area north the Railroad Trail follows Bog Brook and passes wetlands, beaver ponds, and softwood stands before reaching a junction with Bog Pond Trail. For many visitors it is easiest to turn around and return to the parking area. The more ambitious hiker can turn left and follow the western spur trail to Bog Pond or continue on Railroad Trail where it eventually intersects the Portland Pipeline cut and forms a large loop back to River Road. The Bog Pond spur leads to a old dam and mill site at Bog Pond and makes a nice destination hike. SUMMARY: Damon’s Crossing parking area north to Bog Pond Junction, approx. 3/4 mi.; 1/2 3/4 hr. Bog Pond Junction to Bog Pond, approx. 1/2 mi. Bog Pond Junction to Portland Pipeline, approx. 1.5 mi. P - Victory State Forest & Victory Basin WMA D - Jay Peak E- Willoughby State Forest F - Bluff Mountain G - Gore Mountain H - Silvio O. Conte National Fish & Wildlife Refuge I - Belvidere Mountain J- Monadnock Mountain K- Brousseau Mountain L - Maidstone State Forest
Transcript of D - Jay Peak E- Willoughby State Forest F - Bluff Mountain ...€¦ · forest and is accessed from...
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Long Trail – The trailhead and parking area for Jay Peak is located onVT Rte. 242 at the height of land in Jay Pass. From here, the Long Trailclimbs north to the open summit of Jay Peak (elev. 3858’) and beyondto the Canadian border. Follow the Long Trail north past a spur trailto Jay Camp, an overnight shelter for thru-hikers, and continueupwards through the changing forest to a ski trail intersection.Crossing the snowmaking pipeline and proceeding directly oppositethe intersection, the Long Trail briefly re-enters the now stunted forestand soon climbs onto the open and rocky summit of Jay Peak. NOTE:In inclement weather, the summit of Jay Peak can be dangerous dueto its open exposure. To avoid the open summit, follow the ski trail tothe left and circle around to the Tramway Station below the summitrock.
SUMMARY: Jay Pass/ VT Rte 242 to Jay Peak summit, approx. 1.6mi., 11/4 hr. (Rev. 3/4 hr.).
There are over 20 miles ofhiking trails in andaround Willoughby for-est. Most of these trailsare well suited to noviceand intermediate hiker.Several other trails arelocated on adjacent pri-vate ownerships. Thesetrails, blazed with white,blue or yellow paint,maintained by theWestmore Association,Northwoods StewardshipCenter and the GreenMountain Club, aredescribed in the “DayHikers Guide to Vermont” published by the Green Mountain Club.Privately owned trails are located on Wheeler, Bald, Haystack andMcSherry mountains.
Mount Pisgah Trails
Elevation 2751 feet. There are two overlooks near the summit: oneoffers a near view of the Passumpsic Valley and a distant view of thesouthern White Mountains, the other a near view of Bald Mountainand the northern White Mountains. From the overlooks north of thesummit, there are partial views of the Green Mountains and LakeMemphremagog, with Willoughby Lake directly beneath.
1. South Trail
Climb 530 feet, hike 1.0 mi. to Pulpit Rock. Climb 1480 feet, hike 1.9mi. To summit and North Trail. From south end of lake, go 0.6 mi.South on Route 5A to start of trail on left (east).
2. North Trail
Climb 1530 feet. Hike 2.2 mi. from Millbrook store, go 1.3 mi. southon Route 5A to startof trail on left (east).Joins South Trail.
3. East Trail
Climb 900 feet. Hike 2.2 mi. (including private road). FromMillbrook store go east (uphill) 1.8 mi. on Long Pond Road #31.Turn right on private logging road and park at gate. Hike 1.2 mi.on private road and turn right on branch road.
Mount Hor Summit & Ridge Trails
Elevation 2648 feet. Summit offers near views of several pondsin the valley to the west and a distant view of the GreenMountains. From the two Willoughby Lake overlooks, views ofthe lake below and distant views of the White Mountains, OwlsHead and Mount Orford.
4. Herbert Hawkes Trail
Climb 600+ feet. Hike 0.7+ mi. from beach at south end of lake,go south 0.6 mi. Turn right through parking area and go uphill1.8 mi. to start of trail on right. On ridge (0.7 mi.), trail to leftclimbs 150 feet in 0.2 mi. and reaches summit, while branch trailon right leads to the two lake overlooks at 0.5 and 0.6 mi.
5. South Shore Trail
Climb 200 feet. Hike 1.0 mi. To the base of Mt.Hor cliffs. From beach at south end ofWilloughby Lake, go south on highway (200 feet)to entrance of parking area on right (west). Passthrough area along old road for 600 feet to startof easy trail marked with blue paint.
6. Moose Mountain Trail
Total climb 1800 feet. Hike 5.0 mi. From WheelerPond fishing access travel north 0.3 mi. onWheeler Pond Road to a parking area and start oftrail on right (east). A scenic vista, located .5 mileup the trail, overlooks Wheeler Pond and is anice short hike. From the overlooks there are par-tial views of the northern range of the GreenMountains, Lake Willoughby and BurkeMountain.
7. Wheeler Pond Trail
This 1/2 mile trail starts at the Moose Mountain trailhead and goesaround the south end of Wheeler Pond to the two camps, owned andoperated by the Green Mountain Club, located on the west side ofWheeler Pond.
8. Wheeler Mountain Trail
Trailhead is located on the left 1.9 miles on theWheeler Mountain Road, which 8.3 miles north of VT5A. The white-blazed trail soon diverges with a moredifficult red-blazed route splitting to the right, thenrejoining the main trail 0.3 miles from the junction.The main trail offers several scenic opportunities fromopen rock areas before descending to the end of thetrail and Eagle Cliff, with an especially grand view ofLake Willoughby. Parking area to Eagle Cliff 1.3 miles.
1500'2000'
2000'
2000'
2000'
2500' 1500'
1500'
2000'
2500'
WheelerPond
BlakePond Duck
Pond
VailPond
LakeWilloughby
LongPond
B
BrownPond
P
PP
P
WheelerMtn.
Moose Mtn.
Mt.Hor
Mt.Pisgah
HedgehogMtn.
BartlettMtn.
HaystackMtn.
WilloughbyState Forest
5
5A
CCC Rd.
Trail toBald
Mountain
Whe
eler
Mtn
. Rd.
Lake
view
Rd.
Long Pond Rd.
0.5Mi
0.5Km1
1
1
2
3
4
8
5
6
7
Photo-Barton Area Chamber of Commerce
Photo-Barton Area Chamber of Commerce
1500'
2000'
BluffMtn.
BrightonMun.Forest
IslandPond
114
105
Mou
ntai
nSt
.
P
0.50.5Km
Mi
The Bluff Mountain Community Trail climbs to the lower summit andlookout on Bluff and has existed for many years. The blue-blazed trail,built and maintained by the Northeast Kingdom Conservation ServiceCorps, begins on the north side of Mountain Street in Island Pond,approximately 1/2 mile beyond the end of the pavement to a formal trail-head and parking area. From parking area, trail climbs north and westbefore descending to junction with now abandoned old trail, turns north,passing stream crossing and lower junction of historic Lookout Trail (1.0m.). To south and east are views of Nulhegan Basin and surrounding hills.It continues to summit ridge where it reaches short summit spur trail onright and historic Lookout Trail directly ahead (1.7 m.).
SUMMARY: Mountain St. to summit, 1.7 mi.; 1080 ft. ascent; 1 1/4 hr.(Rev. 3/4 hr.)
Lookout Trail: The yellow-blazed lookout trail is last remaining portion oforiginal Bluff Mountain Trail. From cliff lookouts near summit are viewsvisible to south and west. CAUTION: Lookout Trail is steep and rocky insome places and may not be suitable for some hikers! Recommendedloop: follow Bluff Trail to Lookout Junction, then up Lookout Trail andback via the summit.
SUMMARY: Bluff Mountain Trail jct. to lookout, 0.4 mi.; 660 ft. ascent;1/2 hr. (Rev. 20 min.). Lookout to summit, 0.1 mi.; 100 ft. ascent; 10 min.(Rev. 5 min.).
Photo-Luke O’Brien
2000'
1500
2500'
3000'
NortonPond
GoreMtn.Middle
Mtn.
KingdomState Forest
114
P
0.5Mi
0.5Km1
1
In the unorganized town of Avery’s Gore (USGS Norton Pond), GoreMountain (3332’) forms the northern boundary of the Nulhegan RiverBasin. The white-blazed Gore Mountain Trail, built and maintained by theNortheast Kingdom Conservation Service Corps, follows the original firewarden’s trail, though the fire tower no longer remains on the summit.
Trailhead is off Vermont Route 114, Norton, near north end of NortonPond across from a pulloff between Lake Station Road and DeVost Road.Trail enters woods through small opening east side of road, followis abrook, levels off, crosses some poorly drained areas, some beaver mead-ows, and abandoned beaver pond (1.0 m.). It travels eastward beforereaching signed junction, turning to the left. After cresting small knoll,trail descends, follows and crosses a brook, emerges on edge of big loggedarea. Trail passes through and skirts logged area, winds through smallhardwood stands before climbing to crest of a second knoll then to edgeof large timber company road (2.0 m.). Marked trail continues on oppo-site side of clearing.
It crosses logging road, climbs to junction with short lookout spur trail,local views to the west. From there, trail continues to second road cross-ing, climbs to northwest ridge of mountain then through open hard-woods and higher elevation spruce-fir forests of summit. Continuingsteeply over granite bedrock to mountain shoulder, it enters summit for-est, turns eastward winding its way to summit clearing (3.8 m.) with lim-ited views of the Nulhegan Basin to south.
SUMMARY: Road to summit, 3.8 mi.; 1972 ft. ascent; 31/2 hr. (Rev. 2 hr.).
Photo-Luke O’Brien
1500'
2000'
1500'
LewisPond
McConnellPond
NulheganPond
MilePond
GoreMtn.
Silvio O. ConteNational Fish &Wildlife Refuge
West Mtn.WMA
105
RefugeHeadquarters
RefugeAccessPoint
Pow
erlineS
tone
Dam
Rd.
Blac
kBr
anch
Rd.
CanalRd.
Pean
utD
am R
d.
Lewis Pond Rd.
Four Mile Rd.
Eagl
e'sNes
t Rd.
Mollie BeattieBoardwalk
Lewis
Pond Rd.
LewisPond
OverlookRd.
TimCarrollBrook Rd. Tin Shack Rd.
1Mi1Km
22
The Nulhegan Basin Division,part of theSilvio O. Conte National Fish and WildlifeRefuge, was established to protect thediversity and abundance of native specieswithin the 7.2 million-acre ConnecticutRiver watershed. The Nulhegan Basin, aportion of which lies within the 26,300-acreNulhegan Refuge, can be accessed via anetwork of gravel roads that were built to
facilitate tim-ber harvestingin the former Champion InternationalCorporation (Champion) lands. Car andtruck access will be allowed on the majorgravel roads exceptduring snowmobileseason and mud sea-son. A maximumspeed limit of 25 mphfor vehicles and 35mph for snowmobiles
will be in effect on Nulhegan Basin Division, con-sistent with the speed limit on the other formerChampion lands and other state lands. ATV’s,horses, bicycles and camping were not allowed on the formerChampion lands, and this policy will be continued.
Wildlife populations and key habitats on Nulhegan Basin Division aregenerally dispersed. Many visitors with limited time or no backroads driving experience may prefer to simply view the landscape, apanoramic view of the basin which is available from Nulhegan BasinDivision’s future headquarters/visitor contact station on Route 105 inBrunswick. Information to orient visitors maybe found at the headquarters and also onkiosks at major entrances. Wildlife observationin a non-disruptive way is encouraged and the200-foot boardwalk trail with interpretivesigns at Mollie Beattie Bog in particular wascreated for this purpose. The most populartypes of wildlife to be seen here are springwarblers, boreal birds (e.g. gray jay or BBwoodpecker) and moose. Nulhegan Refugeand Wenlock WMA support the only viablebreeding population of spruce grouse inVermont.
Photo-Holly T.Gaboriault
Photo-USFWS
Photo-USFWSPhoto-USFWS
1500'
1500'
2000'
2000'
2000'
2500'
2500'
2500'
3000'
3000'
Long
Tra
il
Frank PostTrail
Forester's
Trail
Sugarloaf Mtn.
HaystackMtn.
BelvidereMtn.
118
58
Mines Rd.
TillotsonRd.
1Mi1Km
22
The open-deck summit fire tower on Belvidere Mountain (elev. 3360’) showsone of nicest views in northern Vermont. Reach the summit by several trails,most notably the Long Trail from the south. A second route north of EdenMills, climbs from the northeast using the Frank Post Trail, the Long Trail andthe Forester’s Trail and makes a pleasant day hike.
Frank Post–Forester’s Trail Loop : From parking area, at terminus of TillotsonRd., approx. 5.0 miles north of Eden Mills, follow Frank Post Trail north andwest. After approx. .5 mile, it passes junction with Forester’s Trail on left,climbs old grade, follows then crosses Lockwood Brook and reaches1930’sBuchanan-style Tillotson Camp. From there, it takes Long Trail south pastLockwood Pond (a beaver meadow) to trail junction at Belvidere saddle, shortspur east to summit and fire tower on Belvidere. From junction turn northeastto Forester’s Trail, around switchbacks to the junction with Frank Post Trailthen back to trailhead.
SUMMARY: Frank Post Trail to Tillotson Camp, approx. 2.0 mi., 13/4 hr. (Rev.1 hr.); Tillotson Camp to Belvidere Junction, approx. 2.8 mi., 2 hrs.; BelvidereJunction to Frank Post Trail via Forester’s Trail, approx. 3.0 mi., 11/2 (Rev.21/2). Frank Post–Forester’s Trail Loop, approx. 8.0 mi., 5.0 hrs. Consult theGreen Mountain Club’s Long Trail Guide for more information.
1500'2000'
2500'
3000'
Connecticut
RiverMonadnock
Mtn.
NewHampshire
102 3
P
GravelPit
0.5Mi
0.5Km1
1
In the Town of Lemington (USGS Monadnock), Monadnock Mountain(3148’) rises steeply above the Connecticut River and provides aunique view of the North Country from its summit fire tower. Theyellow-blazed trail begins at the back of large gravel pit parking areaa short distance north of the Lemington-Colebrook Bridge.
The rugged trail begins moderately through a small meadow and con-tinues into a young forest following a scenic brook and rocky ledge.Then it climbs steeply, crosses the brook and reaches a recent loggingroad which it follows then crosses back over the brook on a long logbridge. From here, the trail begins its persistent climb upward overrocky footing, passing through a mixed forest where signs of the 1998Ice Storm are evident. After climbing for some time, the trail turnsnorth, levels out and then climbs again, winding its way through thespruce-fir forest to the summit. All that remain of the burned firewarden’s cabin are the chimney and foundation but the fire tower isfunctional and provides excellent views of the Connecticut RiverValley and northernVermont and NewHampshire.
SUMMARY: Roadto summit, 2.5 mi.;2148 ft. ascent; 21/2hr. (Rev. 11/4 hr.).
2000'
2500'
GreatAverillPond
BrousseauMtn.
114
Bro
usse
au M
tn. R
d.
Averill Lake Rd.
0.5Mi
0.5Km
1
1
Situated just south of the Canadian Border in the town of Norton(USGS Averill), Brousseau Mountain (2723’) is a rugged little peak. Ashort but scenic trail provides a pleasant hike to the summit wherespectacular views can be had from the top of the mountain’s exten-sive southern cliff complex. ATTENTION: Brousseau Mountain isone of the few nesting sites of the endangered Peregrine Falcon innorthern Vermont. In order to avoid the spring-summer incubationand nesting period when the birds and their young are most sensi-tive hiking is prohibited before August 1st. Please help peregrinerestoration in Vermont and respect these rare and special birds.
The Brousseau Mountain Trail is located off of Vermont Route 144 justbeyond the gated terminus of the Brousseau Mountain Road inNorton. As parking is limited please pull off the road completelywithout blocking the gate or camp access. From the gate continuestraight up the access road where, shortly, the signed trailheadappears on the left. The trail begins moderately, passing through anold field before entering a recently cut mixed forest. After crossing anopen logging road, it enters a mature softwood forest and continuesfor some time, winding over granite bedrock to the forested summit.The cliff lookout,a short distance further,provides extensive mountain views to thesouth and east.
SUMMARY: Road to summit, approx. 1.2mi.; 623 ft. ascent; 1 hr. (Rev. 40 min.).
Ph
oto
-Luk
e O
’Bri
en
Photo-Luke O’Brien
Maidstone State Forest has three main trails which run through lushwoods and along the lakeshore. All travel through smooth terrain andtake less than an hour to walk. All trails are marked with light blueblazes. A detailed brochure is available from rangers at MaidstoneState Park contact station is located at the end of the unpavedMaidstone Lake Road, a left off ofRoute 102 about 5 miles south ofBloomfield.
1. Moose Trail (3/4 mile)
An excellent walk to look for evi-dence of moose and other wildlife.Leaves from the right side of theroad near sites 22/23 in camp-ground area A. Travels throughspruce-fir forest. Trail crosses twostreambeds and takes a sharp leftuphill. Trail passes an old loggingarea and winds uphill through thickwoods to a hilltop. Note bouldersleft by glaciers. Trail winds down-hill and comes to a T. The right fork leads to the main road. The leftfork comes to a logging road. Turn left on the logging road and pickup the trail again in a few yards to the right. Trail continues to camp-ground B to end between leantos Juniper and Boxelder.
1500'
MaidstoneLake
MAIDSTONESTATEFOREST
P
Mai
dsto
neLa
ke R
d.
ContactStation
0.50.5Km
Mi
12
3
2. Loon Trail (1/2 mile)
This trail goes along the shoreline to the south end of the lake, a goodspot to see loons. Begins between campsites 33 and 35 in campgroundB. Enters woods nd quickly turns left, uphill. Soon turns right andlevels off for a short distance before heading steeply downhill tolakeshore. Trail follows shoreline to the end of the lake, then splitsinto a loop trail through lush, mossy woods. Return to the road by thesame path and end at the starting point.
3. Shore Trail (1/2 mile)
This walk leads throughcedar and hemlockwoods and offers agood view of the lake.Trail hugs the shorelinefrom the camper’sbeach in area A to thebathhouse in area B.
Hardwick Trails was conceived andconstructed by the Orleans SouthwestSupervisory Union in 2002-2003 withfunding from the VermontDepartment of Forests, Parks andRecreation as a multi-use trail and isopen for public use. This easy crosscountry trail explores some ofHardwick’s scenic northern mixed
forest and is accessed from the Hazen Union High School parking lot.Divided into two 3 mile loops abundantly blazedwith either yellow (Forestry Trail that starts at theparking lot) or blue (Shepard’s Trail that branchesoff the northeast corner of the Forestry Trail),Hardwick Trails offers a pleasant wooded walkthough they are still a bit fresh and muddy inplaces. Keep an eye out for occasional signpostsbearing select poetry!
1000'
1000'
1000'
Lamoille River
HardwickLake
HardwickVillageForest
HardwickP
N. M
ain
St.
HazenUnion H.S.
14
15
150.5
0.5Km
Mi
M - Hardwick Trails
2000'
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2500'
3000'
LongPond
BaldHillPond
Brownd
SawdustPond
JP
Mt.Pi h
HaystackMtn.
GoodwinMtn.
BaldMtn.
JobsMtn.
KingdomStateForest
SentinelRockStatePark
BaldHillWMA
WilloughbyState Forest
Hinton
Hill Rd.
Coles
Rd.
Westmore Rd.
Mad B
rook Rd.
From
Westmore
LongPond Rd.
105Rd.
Hudson
P
P
P
Gate
0.5Mi
0.5Km1
1
BALD MOUNTAIN
Located in the Town of Westmore (USGS Island Pond), BaldMountain (3315’) is the third highest peak in the Northeast Kingdomand provides one of the best views of the region from its recentlyrestored fire tower. The summit of Bald Mountain is accessed bythree hiking trails: the Telegraph Trail, the Mad Brook Trail and theLong Pond Trail, although the Telegraph is seldom used and is in dis-repair. The two most heavily used trails, the Mad Brook (north) andLong Pond (south) Trails, are maintained by the WestmoreAssociation, the Northeast Kingdom Conservation Service Corps andvolunteers with the Green Mountain Club. The recent acquisition bythe State of Vermont of the summit property on BaldMountain,including the Fire Lookout’s Cabin, Tower and much of theupper Mad Brook Trail, and its subsequent inclusion in theWilloughby State Forest led to significant restoration work on theMad Brook and Long Pond Trails in recent years as well as the com-plete renovation of the historic summit fire tower.
Long Pond Trail: Approaching the summit of Bald Mountain fromthe southwest, Long Pond Trail begins approximately 350-feet east ofthe Long Pond fishing access on Long Pond Road, 2 miles east ofVermont Route 5A. The blue-blazed trail leaves the parking area andfollows a gated logging road, bearing right at a junction and climbingmoderately to an open log landing. After it leaves the far right cornerof the log landing the trail soon turns left into the woods where itagain follows an old woods trail for a short distance before turningeastward onto a well-worn path. The trail continues through openhardwoods, crossing some small streams and then climbing moresteadily into the sub-alpine spruce-fir forest. After climbing severalsteep pitches and passing some rock outcroppings the trail soonemerges on the mountain summit.
SUMMARY: Road to summit, approx. 2.1 mi.; 1250 ft. ascent; 21/2 hr.(Rev. 11/4 hr.).
Mad Brook Trail: This trail approaches the summit of Bald Mountainfrom the north, beginning at the gated terminus of the Mad BrookRoad in East Charleston. A small parking area nearby provides spacefor only a limited number of vehicles but hikers should keep thegated road and the neighboring driveway clear. The trail follows thegraveled drive beyond the gate for roughly 1/2 mile before passing aprivate home and entering an open meadow. Continuing straightthrough the meadow the trail soon enters a mixed forest where it fol-lows an open woods road, climbing easily and then turning westwhere it briefly descends to the base of Bald Mountain and the first oftwo nearby stream crossings. From here the trail climbs gradually
around a large switchback and then more steeply up the mountain.Frequent examples of recent trail work are evident for the next milewhere ATV’s have caused extensive damage to the trail.
SUMMARY: Road to summit, approx. 3.0 mi.; 1415 ft. ascent; 23/4 hr.(Rev. 11/2 hr.).
HAYSTACK MOUNTAIN
At an elevation of 2712’, Haystack Mountain is located just outside ofWilloughby State Forest in Westmore. The low, but rugged, peak isaptly named for its abrupt sides that climb steeply from all directions.The peak is accessible by two trails, the North Trail and South Trail,and offers excellent local views towards Long Pond, Bald Mountainand beyond in several directions.
North Trail: Approximately 0.6 mi. past the boat access at Long Pond,the North Trail on Haystack begins at a small parking area on LongPond Road. Parking is limited, so please take care to keep the roadclear. From the trailhead, the trail climbs moderately through openhardwoods for some time before ascending steeply onto the summitknoll and intersecting one of several short spur trails. To the right, aspur trail leads to a western lookout with views of Long Pond, LakeWilloughby and beyond. Continuing straight, North Trail soon reach-es the summit (marked with a large rock pile) and the junction withthe South Trail.
SUMMARY: trailhead to Haystack summit, approx. 1.0 mi., <1 hr.(Rev. 1/2 hr.)
South Trail: This trail leaves the sum-mit of Haystack Mountain and soonreaches two lookouts, one to the eastand one to the south. Continuingdown the trail quickly drops intomixed woods and follows moderategrades back to Long Pond Road.From here, it is a short walk back tothe North Trail parking area (approx.1.2 mi.).
SUMMARY: Haystack summit toLong Pond Road, approx. 1.0 mi.,<1hr. (Rev. 1/2 hr.); Haystack Loop:North Trail to South Trail w/ LongPond Rd. walk, approx. 3.0 mi., 2 hrs.
Photo-Luke O’Brien
N - Bald & Haystack Mountains
1500'
1500'
1500'2000'
2000'
2000'Canada
HollandPond
BeaverPond
TurtlePond
Round PondDuck Pond
Seymour Lake
BILLSLADYKWMA
Morgan
Holland
HollandPond Rd.
Hol
land
Pon
d R
d.
Valley Rd.
111
1Mi1Km
22
The Bill Sladyk Wildlife Management Areastraddles the northern edge of Orleans andEssex Counties along the US-Canadian border.Hikers are forewarned that the these trails are not marked and theWMA is filled with old woods roads and snowmobile trails so greatcare must be used to remain on the somewhat more visible hikingtrail. On the plus side, these trails do not see as much traffic as someof the others in this guide and there are good opportunities forwildlife sightings. Please note this has not been designated as a hiking
trail by the VT Department of Fish andWildlife and therefore has not beenblazed or maintained for this purpose.
1. Round Pond (1.8 miles starting fromHolland Pond Rd., 1.5 hrs.)
From Holland Pond Road the walk tothe WMA gate is relatively easy. Afterpassing the gate the trail follows thenorthwestern corner of Holland Ponduntil reaching a junction, about 0.9 milefrom Holland Pond Road, with theBeaver Pond Trail heading off uphill tothe left. (described below). The trailcontinues, crossing a small stream running over bare rock, until turn-ing to the east and passing, at about 1.6 miles, along the south edge ofDuck Pond (a path leading the short distance to the pond can befound off the trail to the left). Near the end of this trail there is arough wooden shelter just before reaching Round Pond.
2. Beaver Pond (0.5 mile from junction with Round Pond trail, 1/2hour)
The beginning portion of this trail runs uphill along an old woodsroad that has several rocky washouts and downed trees. After crest-
ing the height of this trail it descends to a small clearing onthe southern edge of Beaver Pond.
O - Bill Sladyk Wildlife Management Area
0'
1500'
2000'
VictoryBog
MooseRiver
Bog Dam
e
VictoryBasinWMA
VictoryStateForest
Victory
GallupMills
River Rd.
Vuctory Hill R
d.
Vict
ory
Rd.
to R
t. 2
Victory Rd.
Damon'sCrossing P
P
P
P
P
Victory Basin is a spectacular lowland natural area with a large diver-sity of plant and animal species. Covering some 28,000 acres of land,Victory Basin Wildlife Management Area (WMA) and Victory StateForest provide excellent habitat for a large number of game and non-game species. Common mammals such as bear, moose, beaver andmuskrat use the many ponds and wetlands that drain into the MooseRiver with other species such as fisher, mink, snowshoe hare and coy-ote cohabiting the area. The Victory Basin is also an excellent locationfor birding, with opportunities to view common species such asgrouse or woodcock and less common northern species including greyjays, black-backed woodpeckers and boreal chickadees. The densesoftwoods provide a critical wintering area for the white-tailed deer.
Victory Basin has an extensive logging history that reached its peak inthe late-1800’s leaving roads and trails found there today, the rem-nants of this logging past. Old cellar holes and abandoned home-steads can be found throughout the basin, some near the old roads.Of special interest is the abandoned Victory Branch Railroad corridor,a flat, level grade that follows the western border of the basin.
In addition to the short hikes listed below, several expansive loopscan be made following the Victory logging road network. Consult amap and plan accordingly.
Victory Railroad Trail South: From the Damon’s Crossing parkingarea (an historic junction where the River Road and Railroad Trailcross the Moose River) the Railroad Trail follows the Moose Riverthrough generally open terrain south to a large snowmobile bridgeand a spur trail back to the River Road. Scenic areas along the riverand some old cellar holes can be found along this route. Return toDamon’s Crossing on the River Road for a pleasant loop.
SUMMARY: Damon’s Crossing parking area south to snowmobilebridge, approx. 3/4 mi.; 1/2 – 3/4 hr. (loop – 11/2 hr.)
Victory Railroad Trail North: From the Damon’s Crossing parkingarea north the Railroad Trail follows Bog Brook and passes wetlands,beaver ponds, and softwood stands before reaching a junction withBog Pond Trail. For many visitors it is easiest to turn around andreturn to the parking area. The more ambitious hiker can turn left andfollow the western spur trail to Bog Pond or continue on RailroadTrail where it eventually intersects the Portland Pipeline cut andforms a large loop back to River Road. The Bog Pond spur leads to aold dam and mill site at Bog Pond and makes a nice destination hike.
SUMMARY: Damon’s Crossing parking area north to Bog PondJunction, approx. 3/4 mi.; 1/2 3/4 hr. Bog Pond Junction to BogPond, approx. 1/2 mi. Bog Pond Junction to Portland Pipeline,approx. 1.5 mi.
P - Victory State Forest & Victory Basin WMA
D - Jay Peak E- Willoughby State Forest F - Bluff Mountain G - Gore Mountain H - Silvio O. Conte National Fish & Wildlife Refuge
I - Belvidere Mountain J- Monadnock Mountain K- Brousseau Mountain L - Maidstone State Forest
