Vermont Sports 2023 Sept./Oct. Issue

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On the summit of Bromley Mountain, one of our 20 Favorite Foliage Hikes. Photo courtesy Bromley.

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5 The Start

The Point of Hiking?

It’s actually not about going from point to point.

7 News

The Search for Steady Eddie

An Appalachian Trail hiker disappeared in Vermont. Hikers and rescuers came together to find him.

9 Gear

The New Socks in Town

There’s a sock revolutiong going on with two new brands launching from here in Vermont.

10 Feature

The Lesson of the Long Trail Here’s why author Frank Vandervort comes to Vermont each year from Michigan to hike the Long Trail.

14 Feature

20 Favorite Foliage Hikes

Here are our picks for the best hikes around the state with big views of fall foliage, from easy to extreme. Plus, three great allaccess trails.

22 Feature

The Adventure Dogs of 2023

Meet the winners of our annual Adventure Dog contest, and their owners.

27 Reader Athlete

The Climbing Teacher

Here’s how Mischa Tourin overcame his fear of heights.

30 Calendar

Race & Event Guide

34 Endgame

Sleeping in Trees

This is one way to experience fall foliage up close, overnight.

ADVERTISERS!

The deadline for the Nov/Dec issue of Vermont Sports is October 16. Contact lisa.lynn@vtsports.com today to reserve your space.

The days are still warm. The leaves are turning. Head out now on the Monroe Skyline or any of the 20 Favorite Foliage Hikes we describe, starting on page 14. Photo by Brian Morh/EmberPhoto

THE START

THE POINT OF HIKING?

IT’S ACTUALLY NOT ABOUT GOING FROM POINT TO POINT.

It’s hard to write about hiking.

Nothing really happens, right?

It’s about walking from Point A to Point B. Yet some of the most beautiful pieces of literature, ranging from the hilarious (Bill Bryson’s account of his AT through-hike A Walk in the Woods) to the sublime, (Peter Matthiessen’s profound The Snow Leopard, which, spoiler alert, doesn’t really involve a snow leopard but does capture his trek through the Himalaya.)

When Frank Vandervort, a lawyer and professor from Ypsilon, Michigan, sent us his essay, “”Lesson from the Long Trail,” which appears in this issue my first reaction was: nothing happens. There’s no point where he’s hanging from a cliff, his life in danger, or where he elaborates on his fate and humanity. There’s no epic conquest (it’s a short section of hike on the Monroe Skyline section of the Long Trail), there’s little if any dialogue.

Yet Vandervort, who was selected to attend Middlebury College’s 2023 Breadloaf Writers Conference captures something that is hard to put into words: the reasons why we hike.

His descriptions of the quiet, the landscape, the simple routines hikers fall into after a day or two on the trail are spot on. As he notes, the Long Trail isn’t as steep nor the scenery as dramatic as trails in the Rockies. It’s not a chest-thumping, “I conquered this” sort of place.

Yet, the oldest long-distance hiking trail in America continues to draw people from around the country, and the globe. Many for the quiet beauty that Vandervort describes.

Still, no one should be lulled into complacency by the knowledge that Vermont’s trails are never far

from civilization. There are risks to hiking here, especially come fall as temperatures can drop suddenly and what might be a warm sunny day at the trailhead can turn into a snowstorm as you reach the summit.

Drew Clymer should know. As the long-time member of the elite team at Stowe Mountain Rescue and the current statewide Search and Rescue Coordinator he’s had to help plenty of people out of bad situations.

This summer though, a call came in too late. A hiker known as “Steady Eddy” had been missing on the Appalachian Trail near Killington for days when Clymer and his search team went out to look for him. In “The Search for Steady Eddie,” Clymer explains how they eventually located the hiker. He also shares some advice that anyone who sets out on a trail should consider.

Knowing your ability and the terrain, the weather forecast and the conditions you will be facing is a big part of that. While we all think Vermont hikes can’t be that hard, even some of the shortest ones can be treacherous.

In “20 Favorite Fall Foliage Hikes,” we did our best to provide ratings that take into account not just how long a hike is but how difficult. A 10-mile trail run on Windmill Ridge can be as difficult as a 2-mile hike up a steep section of Deer’s Leap.

We intentionally left off Mount Mansfield and Camel’s Hump –perhaps two of the more crowded fall favorites. Do those two if you haven’t, and then see how many of our 20 you can tick off.

And, for heaven’s sake, put your cell phone away and heed Frank Vandervort’s subtle messages as you hike.

—Lisa Lynn, Editor

The author, hiking up the Aunt Jenny Trail in the Moosalamoo National Recreation Area. Photo by Angelo Lynn

NEWS THE SEARCH FOR STEADY EDDIE

WHEN A HIKER WENT MISSING NEAR KILLINGTON, VERMONT’S HIKING AND RESCUE COMMUNITIES JOINED FORCES TO LOCATE HIM.

BY LISA LYNN

On July 10, Robert Kerker left the Inn of the Long Trail. His plan was to hike north on the Long Trail. He had a reservation at the Norwich Inn for July 14.

Kerker, 67, whose trail name was Steady Eddie, had already hiked more than half of the Appalachian Trail. He’d had a career as a computer scientist with IBM and knew Vermont from his time at the language school at Middlebury College.

Kerker had been hiking for months at a time and was on his way to finish his last segment of the Appalachian Trail, from Bear Mountain, N.Y., to its terminus in Maine. “Kerker was experienced and carrying all the right gear, including a transponder,” said Drew Clymer, the Search and Rescue Coordinator for the Vermont Dept. of Public Safety. But the transponder was never activated.

On July 26, Clymer got a call that Steady Eddie was missing. As Clymer discovered, the hiker had never checked in at the Norwich Inn nor had his family heard from him. That’s when the search started.

“My first call was to the Green Mountain Club and that network was amazing,” said Clymer. “Every hut keeper, every trail steward and every hiker on the Long Trail and the Appalachian Trail (which the GMC helps to manage) began spreading the word that Steady Eddie was missing.”

Clymer’s next call was to Murray McGrath, the innkeeper and a former member of Killington Search and Rescue (and now a member of Rescue Inc.) who owns the Inn at the Long Trail. Kerker had stayed there the night of July 9th and McGrath himself had served him a beer. He left the next day.

“It’s incredible how the people who hike and who manage this trail network began to all work together to help find Steady Eddie,” Clymer recalls. “It was like a coconut telegraph. Suddenly everyone on the trail was looking for him.” McGrath gave Clymer a list of 10 people who had left the Inn around the same time as Kerker, heading north. Clymer began to call them, one by one.

“It’s hard when someone goes missing on a long hike such as the AT.

A lot of people who do these things want to be self-reliant. Some say, “F-it, I’m not going to check in. My hope was that Kerker had befriended some locals and holed up in a barn somewhere to wait out the weather.”

But as Clymer spoke with Kerker’s family, a different picture emerged, one of a conscientious hiker. Someone who would only set up camp along the trail or near it. Someone who put in not a lot of mileage but a consistent number of miles each day, “come hell or high water,” Clymer said. Steady Eddie.

It was a hiker who goes by the trail name Clean Plate who provided the breakthrough. “Clean Plate was positive that he had spent the night of July 10 at the Stony Brook shelter, about an 8-mile hike from the Inn at the Long Trail, with Steady Eddie. Clean Plate left early the next morning, crossed the Stony Brook bridge with no problem but then, with the rains swelling the next small tributary into a roar, Clean Plate decided to set up camp for two days and wait until the rain subsided.

That rain was responsible for the catastrophic flooding of July 11 and beyond. As the National Weather Service reported: A localized rainfall total of 4.43” in Killington resulted in significant flash flooding. The

abnormally high antecedent soil moisture contributed to greater runoff and a higher incidence of flash and river flooding on 10-11 July 2023, just as it had when Irene struck Vermont in August 2011.

Clymer, along with Lieutenant Anthony French, the search and rescue lead for the Vermont State Police, headed to Stony Brook. “We came to the tributary and I could start to piece together what might have happened. The first two steps into it were shallow but with the flood waters, the third step would have been up to his chest.”

They followed the tributary to Stony Brook. In Stockbridge, about a mile and a half downstream, from

the Stony Brook bridge they found a Patagonia jacket, then Kerker’s body. His backpack was still strapped to his chest and his waistband buckled.

“This was a tough one,” says Clymer. “Kerker knew what he was doing but the conditions were extreme.” Still, it's a cautionary tale Clymer hopes other hikers can learn from.

“Perhaps the biggest thing if you are doing a long hike is have a regular schedule of check-ins – say every Tuesday at noon, or on a shorter hike, a text every day or so. And let people know where you are and where you are planning to be next,” he says.

The second bit of advice is one Clymer says mountaineers know but not everyone heeds: “The summit is optional, returning is not.” In other words, be flexible and have a Plan B if Plan A is looking at all sketchy.

The last is this: “Always unbuckle your backpack chest and waist strap if you are wading across even the smallest stream,” he says. Clymer himself walked the streams that carried Kerker. “In normal conditions, they might have been over my boot. During the floods, they were jacking and we found Kerker’s body three feet above the water line.”

It was the second fatality attributed to the July floods.

Robert Kerker, who went by Steady Eddie as he hiked the Appalachian Trail, was headed north from the Inn at the Long Trail (below) on July 10. He was last seen at the Stony Brook shelter the next night. Photos courtesy Vermont State Police.

Just like you, members of our team enjoy the great outdoors too!

Don’t let hand or wrist injuries, or chronic knee, hip, shoulder or foot and ankle pain keep you from getting out on the trails. We provide comprehensive treatment and rehabilitation.

Top medical care close to home. Our physicians:

Nicholas Antell, MD; Brian Aros, MD; Ciara Hollister, DPM; John Macy, MD; Joseph McLaughlin, MD; Kevin McNamara, DPM; Bryan Monier, MD; and Erin Pichiotino, MD.

Last year moxie riders, Roxy Bombardier, Lisa Meyer, Bryan Monier, MD with daughter, and John Stuart.

GEAR

THE NEW SOCKS IN TOWN

THIS FALL THERE’S A SOCK REVOLUTION HAPPENING, AND VERMONT IS

For 20 years, Darn Tough has been the go-to sock for pretty much every athlete and outdoorsperson in Vermont—and far, far beyond. Made in Northfield, Vt. Darn Tough socks have become a leader worldwide thanks to their durability and lifetime guarantee.

But hold on. Now there are new players in town. Literally. Two new sock brands are launching in Vermont and there are some high-performing new socks coming from other established brands.

DARN TOUGH GOES WIDE OPEN

This fall, Darn Tough will be launching online sales for its new brand, Wide Open Socks. “Sock patterns and standards don’t exist for wide legs and feet, so we’re creating them,” Ric Cabot, the founder and president of Darn Tough commented. For two years, the Darn Tough team has been working on

and boot. They will have unique colors and designs to fit a range from Women’s 4.5 to Men’s 14.5. Every pair will be backed by Darn Tough’s Unconditional Lifetime Guarantee. The socks will be available online beginning this October at wideopensocks.com and at retailers starting in spring of 2024. Pricing will be comparable to Darn Tough’s current models. No test products or images were available at press time.

GORDINI GOES FROM HANDS TO FEET

Founded in 1956, Gordini might be best known as the glove company that launched leather and down mitts. The independently-owned skiwear brand (it also makes goggles) is headquartered now in Essex Junction, Vermont and this fall launches … you guessed it… performance socks including the Burke

do fit like gloves – thanks in no small part to the Italian knitting technology that Gordini uses – and they don’t bunch up. OrbitKnit ribbing allows the merino wool socks to expand and still hug the calf or arches, without actually stretching the threads. The SoleKnit dual layers allow for moisture wicking on the inside of the sock with a durable exterior. Though we were not able to test them in cold weather, we found the socks incredibly warm – those who run hot might find ones like the Sterling too much so. But come time to put them to the test on the slopes, the padded shin panels and instep protection are going to be bonuses.

BRIDGEDALE GOES MOUNTAIN BIKING

Based in Northern Ireland, Bridgedale made waves (sorry, more bad puns)

with cyclists when they first came out with the 100% waterproof Storm Sock. Folks either loved or hated it. We happen to love it. Now, the company has developed a mountain bike-specific sock. Working with a team of 15 volunteer testers, the designers came up with a mid-calf merino wool sock with such things as extra padding to dampen underfoot vibration, extra protection for the Achilles heel and ankle and a heel band that harnesses the sock in place around your ankle and heel so it doesn’t slip forward on your foot. The socks also have an unusual feature: They are asymmetrical, designed so there’s a left foot and a right foot (so just don’t lose one). The socks come in three weights and both men’s and women’s sizing and will be coming out in the spring of 2024.

Darn Tough Wide Open (rendering only)

THE LESSON OF THE LONG TRAIL

THERE'S A REASON THE AUTHOR TRAVELS FROM MICHIGAN EACH YEAR TO SECTION HIKE THE LONG TRAIL. HERE'S WHY.

BY FRANK VANDERVORT

Iwant nothing so much as for the Tennessee Talker to shut up!

I had just begun to think that we might have the hut to ourselves for the night when he walked in from the trail, dumped his pack with a clatter, and produced a cell phone. From his pants pocket? From his pack? I don’t know. He banged away at the keys then put the phone to his ear and proceeded to yell into it for most of the next hour, talking to his “Mama.” Given his age, she must be an old woman; apparently, one hard of hearing.

For each of the past four summers I’ve been spending a week section hiking Vermont’s Long Trail with my friend, Frank Weber. The drive from Michigan and back takes a full day each way. That leaves us five days on the trail. This means that just as our aging bodies begin to acclimate to the strains of the hike, just as our shoulders get used to the pack’s straps, just as our legs begin to get used to walking up and down this rollercoaster of a trail, it’s time to climb back into the car for the schlep home.

We left from the Battell Shelter this morning. After covering 13 miles yesterday, my body is sore—shoulders, back, hips, legs, feet. Everything. After we walk awhile, the kinks begin to work themselves out, the soreness dissipates, then we hit our stride. Although the morning air is cool, I start to sweat. After two hours of all uphill hiking hauling a forty-pound pack, we reach Mt. Abraham’s 4,000-foot summit a little after 8:30.

We tarry. Mount Abraham is the southernmost summit of the Monroe Skyline, a series of peaks along a ridge that stretches north for 30 miles. We know that the rest of the day will be as demanding as these first couple hours. There is no reason to hurry along. If, when we started hiking this trail a few years ago, we were the sort to focus on making distance or bagging peaks, we have become the sort that prefer a slower pace, to appreciate the process more than the achievement. This slowness is part of what I’ve come for, this escape from desk and computer, to pause, to absorb the trail’s natural beauty, to replenish.

Besides, the morning sky is clear and blue and the views from Abraham’s peak are unending in every direction. The serrated ridges of the Green Mountains recede north and south for as far as we can see. Far to the east, the peaks of New Hampshire’s White Mountains are visible while to the west, Lake Champlain wears a wide-brimmed cap of clouds that runs the length of its namesake valley.

After we rest awhile, sipping water and mopping sweat, we start down Mount Abe’s north slope. Then it’s Lincoln Peak

These 3,500- to 4,000-foot peaks are the “truncated remnants” of the mountains they once were. He points out that in their youth the peaks of this ridgeline were as tall as the Rockies or the Himalaya. Still, hiking this ridge is like hiking across the blade of a gigantic buck saw. After each of peak, we walk down, down, down before immediately walking up, up, up again.

This is certainly nothing like hiking near my home in southeast Michigan where the trails are the envy of pancakes everywhere. Nor is it anything like the hikes I’ve taken in the West, Glacier or Yellowstone or the Grand Teton National Parks where, with undulating switchbacks, the trails are well-groomed superhighways by comparison to these washed-out, root-crossed, rock-strewn ankle busters. As a friend who has done a good bit of hiking in the East once said to me, “There, when the trails go up, they go straight up.”

Four hours after leaving Mount Abe, we reach Stark’s Nest, a shed-roofed warming hut that is part of the Mad River Glen Ski area. In those hours, Frank and I have spoken few words. After 40 years of friendship, long silences are not uncomfortable. The hut has large windows that afford terrific views, a table with a few books scattered across its top, and a single chair. Outside, there is a comfortable deck with a built-in bench. The afternoon is warm, in the mid-seventies. We arrive soaked in sweat and hungry. We off-load our packs, draw water from the rain barrel that sits on the deck and relax awhile before we set about making our staple lunch—freeze dried macaroni and cheese fortified with tuna fish.

Frank tends to heating water while I explore and snap a few photos. There is a good view of Camel’s Hump a dozen miles off to the north. A few clouds ornament the sky above and around its pointed summit, hints of gray at their edges suggest the possibility of a light rain.

(3975’), Nancy Hanks Peak (3812’), Cutts Peak (4022’), Mt. Ellen (4083’), General Stark’s Mountain (3662’).

Writing in 1977, the geologist Neil Jorgensen explained that the “ancestral” mountains that were the precursors

to ones we are traversing today “first appeared about 440 million years ago.” They are the oldest mountains in New England. “Today’s Green Mountains,” he explains, “are merely the deeply eroded roots of a very old mountain range.”

As we eat, other hikers stop in. Some are out just for the afternoon and have walked up from the ski area. Others are backpacking, some thru hiking, some out for the weekend. We talk with each of them for a bit, sharing stories of the trail. Enjoying the afternoon’s warm sun there on the deck, we linger. Drink water. The breeze rises. Then falls. Then rises again. The afternoon air is redolent of the spruce and balsam that grow to the edge of the ski run and to the hut. We had planned to walk a few more miles; intended to spend the night at the Birch Glen Shelter north of Route 17. But without saying anything, at some point we both know that we will be staying the night here.

Friends for 40 years, the two Franks (the author at right) on their section hike of the Monroe Skyline.

Photo by Frank Vandervort

When, finally, we speak it out loud, we promptly stake our claim to a spot inside the hut, inflate our air mattresses and unfurl our sleeping bags. The afternoon is lovely. The weather could not be nicer. The hikers who pass through are invariably in a good mood. Some of the day-hikers have young children with them. They talk a few minutes, fill their water bottles, then, like well-mannered guests, they take their leave, disappearing into the trees and down the trail, some north, some south. During the intervals between these visitors, we enjoy long stretches of solitude punctuated only by the sound of the wind and birdsong and the echo of an occasional car passing along the two lane that runs through the valley below.

I sit for a long stretch and develop a deep familiarity with the contours of a single piece of granite protruding from the grass, then a single tree. This is some of what I’ve traveled this distance for, to be awed by a single vein in an ancient rock, to be enchanted by the curve of this bough, to be lulled by the sound of mountaintop wind. I reconnoiter the area, walk a way back into the closegrowing evergreens to piss, then out behind the hut to take in the view across the Champlain Valley. The lake’s cloud cap slowly dissipates as the afternoon

"If when we started hiking this trail a few years ago, we were the sort to focus on making distance or bagging peaks, we have become the sort that prefer a slower pace, to appreciate the process more than the achievement. This slowness is part of what I’ve come for, this escape from desk and computer, and the noise of everyday life, to pause, to absorb the trail’s natural beauty, to replenish.

stretches on. The sun inches to the west as afternoon fades by imperceptible increments into evening. Each increment feels drawn out, luxurious, indulgent.

Eventually, we muster enough energy to start fixing dinner.

That is when the Tennessee Talker shows up. After he finally hangs up on “Mama,” he begins to yammer at us. Maybe his mother isn’t hard of hearing, after all, I think. His voice is loud, grating, like a drunk talking over the din of the bar. Maybe I’m oversensitive because of the quiet of the languid afternoon.

After what seems like an eternity, he goes into the warming hut to set up his sleeping rig. Then he returns with a

stove and fixes his dinner. Still talking. Non-stop. He will not shut up! He is a thru hiker, one that is clearly longing to interact with people. But the more he goes on, the more we pull back. His occasional question is met with a one- or two-word answer from one or the other of us, sometimes not much more than a grunt. We are not quite rude, but we really do not want to talk with him. Finally, he goes back inside and messes around with his gear for a long time.

A waxing gibbous moon ascends in the east, climbing above the curving ridges of a far-off line of mountains into a pale green sky. Camel’s Hump gradually loses its definition, becomes a triangular

silhouette on the horizon, its dark peak jutting up amid bands of pink and yellow light cast by the setting sun. Down in the valley, people have begun to turn on lights in their homes, their windows amber pinpoints in the deepening night.

With the Talker inside, the day’s quiet—its deep sense of peace and contentment—returns. Just before 8:00 p.m., I walk around back of the hut. The clouds that hung over Lake Champlain have melted entirely away. The sunset is a layer cake of color—yellow atop tangerine atop red.

Perhaps the lesson of the Long Trail, the reason I come back here year after year, is that hiking this nearly centuryold trail is not about what you bring with you – cell phones, or companionship, or chat – but about what you find here: a single vein in an ancient rock, the curve of a bough, the whisper of wind, yourself.

I summon Frank. Without speaking, we watch the brilliant orange ball of the sun slip slowly, silently behind the Adirondacks. The landmass below us is mostly dark, indistinguishable. With no clouds hanging above it now, Lake Champlain’s surface reflects the diminishing light as if it is lit from within. The valley is the nave of a great cathedral and standing here I feel a deep connection to this place.

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20

FAVORITE FOLIAGE HIKES

THIS FALL, FOLLOW VERMONT’S PEAK FOLIAGE AS IT GOES FROM NORTH TO SOUTH AND SEE HOW MANY OF THESE 20 HIKES — FROM EASY TO EXTREME – YOU CAN TICK OFF.

Kristen

Fall starts with a change in the light. Each year, it catches us by surprise, as though the earth were being catapulted into the heart of winter.

The maple trees notice it first. Bright green leaves burn to orange at the tips. The colors start to change along the ridgelines and wash down the mountainsides like wildfire, bursting with promise: snow is almost here.

By late September, you can hike up any ski trail and find spectacular views. And, generally speaking, good ski glades make for good foliage.

But if you want to find the best of Vermont’s reds and purples, look for a hike that starts low enough to take you through a hardwood forest (the more open, the more reds and oranges you’re likely to see) and ends with a broad vista.

Dr. Abby van den Berg, a researcher for the University of Vermont, has spent the last 20 years studying the biochemical mechanisms by which trees such as birch, ash and maples produce fall color.

Native species such as the American beech, paper birch, gray and yellow birch produce brilliant yellow and orange leaves. Others, among them the sugar maple, also produce brilliant reds. “We still don’t fully understand why trees produce these red pigments, but we know they tend to appear in places where the leaves are directly affected by sunlight,” says van den Berg. For example, a tree

standing on its own will have leaves that are red or orange toward the outer reaches of its foliage, with a swath of yellow close to the trunk.

“Often, stepping onto the trail in that northern hardwood forest, you’re in an envelope of yellow,” says van den Berg. “Even if you’re hiking through a stand of maples, you may only see red leaves at your feet. But then, you climb higher and if you look back at the ridge or hillside you just climbed, you’ll see those signature fiery reds.”

“Look for a landscape that has a lot of dark evergreens for contrast,” says van den Berg. “And don’t be afraid of a cloudy day. Sometimes low-hanging clouds bring the best light for those richer hues.” Unlike the yellow and orange pigments, which are always present in a leaf, the reds are made new in fall, even as the leaf nears the end of its life—the last gasp of summer. “What we’re seeing are new pigments being formed in a dying organ at the time of its death,” says van den Berg.

Or, as a skier might see it, the promise of what is about to begin so be ready to come into snow or ice near the summits, especially on peaks such as Mount Mansfield or Camel’s Hump. Also, keep in mind that as you climb in altitude, the foliage will change and what might be a gorgeous foliage hike in mid-September will be over by mid-October. One way to extend foliage season is to head to

southern Vermont later in the season. Here, north to south are some of our staff’s all-time favorite foliage hikes. Note that we left out the two most popular, Mount Mansfield and Camel’s Hump, in favor of some less-trafficked and lesserknown options. —Abagael

Giles

HOW HARD A HIKE?

We’ve rated these routes based on elevation gain, trail condition and distance. Keep in mind: these ratings are approximate and geared toward an above-average fitness level and don’t bite off more than you can chew.

Easy = *

Moderate = **

Difficult = ***

Extreme = ****

NORTH

1. KINGDOM HERITAGE TRAIL, CANAAN ** - ****

In 2013, the Kingdom Heritage Trail was established, linking together several trails to form a network of over 20 miles of hiking trail on former timber land. You can do the full 20 miles but you don’t have to. For a taste of the area and stunning views of the Nulhegan Basin,

take the Bluff Mountain Community Trail from Island Pond to Lookout Junction and the Lookout Trail. That’s a moderate 2.6-mile hike that lollipops its way through the Brighton State Forest with a variety of hard and softwoods. Upper Lookout Trail to the summit is steep and has metal handholds so be prepared. The trail also connects to the Gore Mountain Trail and Middle Ridge trails, which offer limited views. The trail system is managed by the Green Mountain Club and the Northwoods Stewardship Center.

Getting there: From Island Pond head north on VT 105 for 0.3 miles. Turn left onto Curran Avenue and continue for 0.2 miles. Turn right onto Mountain Road. Trail: Bluff Mountain Community Trail, 2.6 miles. Map: Stop in at the Northwoods Stewardship Center to pick up trail maps or at the Green Mountain Club. Difficulty: Moderate

2. MOUNT PISGAH, WESTMORE **

Lake Willoughby, one of Vermont’s deepest lakes, is surrounded by steep mountains and those slopes erupt with color come fall. The hike up Mt. Pisgah ends with views out across the lake’s clear, deep waters all the way to the slopes of Burke Mountain and Jay Peak.

From a parking area near the southern end of Lake Willoughby on Route 5A, the trail starts on old logging roads and climbs ever upward through mixed hardwood forests to a series of footpaths that lead to

Lake Willoughby's steep hillsides and the cliffs make for stunning foliage. Hike up Mt. Pisgah for a view down on the whole lake. Photo by S. Bagcilar

two vistas; one facing north and the other facing west. Look out at the cliffs of Mt. Hor, which rises a steep 1,400 feet from the water across the lake and look north for views of Lake Memphremagog, Owl’s Head and Bear Mountain.

Trail: The North Trail (4.4 miles round-trip); Map: Green Mountain Club’s (GMC) Northeast Kingdom Hiking Trail Map Difficulty: Moderate.

3. BELVIDERE MOUNTAIN, EDEN **

If you’re looking to beat the crowds, this is a great hike with a fire tower as a prize when you reach the summit.

From the parking lot on Rte. 118, head north on the Long Trail through deciduous forest, crossing Frying Pan Brook. Climb steeply through maple and beech until you reach the saddle and a 0.2-mile spur to the summit (3,340 ft.). There, you will have stunning views to the east and if you climb the 50-foot fire tower, which was restored in the 1990s, a 360-degree view of the northern Green Mountains and New Hampshire’s Mt. Washington. You will see also the nearby Cold Hollow Mountains, which are covered mostly in deciduous trees and usually offer up spectacular foliage.

For the adventurous, try a challenging 7.9-mile loop, connecting the Frank Post Trail, the Long Trail and the Forester’s Trail. Stop for lunch at Tillotson Camp, a

The flat, rocky outcrop that delivers these views is just a 1.8-mile hike, one way. At the top, the vast expanse of the New Discovery State Park, Groton State Forest, Lake Groton and Kettle Pond unfold below. While this trail is often popular on weekends, go during the week and you could have it to yourself.

There are lots of places to camp, including paddle-to sites on Kettle Pond. Getting there: from VT-232 take the New Discovery State Park road leading to Osmore Pond and the parking lot is off the road. There is a second lot farther up if that is full.

Trail: Owl’s Head, 3.6 miles. Map: Groton State Forest. Difficulty: Easy

5. SMUGGLER’S NOTCH-STERLING POND, JEFFERSONVILLE **

Smugglers’ Notch, the dramatic rift through the heart of some of the tallest peaks along the Green Mountain spine, is a leaf peeper’s dream. As early as midSeptember the steep slopes covered in birch and maple are awash in orange and yellow. While the hiking and even the ski trails leading to the summit of Mt. Mansfield are packed at this time of year, you can find fewer crowds and even better leaf peeping if you head up the Spruce Peak side of Route 108.

To get to Sterling Pond, you’ll hike up and out of the Notch, climbing steeply

cozy four-sided GMC shelter with a view that overlooks a pond along the way.

Trail: The Long Trail (5.8 miles round-trip); Map: Green Mountain Club’s Long Trail Map; Difficulty: Moderate.

4. OWL’S HEAD, PEACHAM *

One of the most photographed scenes in Vermont – rolling hills, vibrant foliage and ponds tucked in the folds of ancient granite – is just a short hike. The last part is up stone steps built by the Civilian Conservation Corps in the 1930s.

While the crowds head to up Mt. Mansfield, you can often get even better views of foliage in Smuggler's Notch by hiking the Long Trail to Elephant's Head (above) and up to Sterling Pond. Photo by Angelo Lynn

It's only a 1.8 mile hike up to Owl's Head to get this view of Kettle Pond and Groton State Forest below. Photo by Adobe Stock

through glades above the Spruce Peak base area. On the Long Trail, head up past Elephants’ Head Buttress, a 2,500foot granite cliff that is a mecca for rock climbers across the state. Be sure to stop at the top of the cliff to take in the view, which reaches all the way down the Notch to the slopes of Stowe and looks up at the Chin of Mt. Mansfield.

Once at the pond, you’ll find a shelter, the occasional loon and a 1.4-mile trail around the pond. If you spend the night, hike a little farther to the top of Madonna Peak and take in sweeping fall foliage views from the top of Smugglers’ Notch Resort over the Lamoille Valley and north to Jay Peak, with views of the Adirondacks in the distance.

Trail: Sterling Pond Trail (2.2 miles round-trip) or The Long Trail (6.8 miles round-trip). Map: GMC’s Mt. Mansfield and the Worcester Range; Difficulty: Moderate

6. HUNGER MOUNTAIN, WATERBURY CENTER ***

While everyone wants to climb Mt. Mansfield, Vermont’s highest peak, locals often head across the valley to the Worcester Range to hike. From the ridge of the Worcester Range, you can see Mt. Mansfield, Camel’s Hump and, if it’s clear, all the way south to Killington.

From the parking area on Sweet Farm Road, follow a blue-blazed trail

that climbs through open maple and beech forests and up the western flank of Mount Hunger (3,586 ft.). Expect plenty of orange and red hues on this

hike. The trail is steep and rocky, but the views from the bald summit, cleared by a long-ago forest fire, feature a 360-degree foliage extravaganza. All told, you can spot

at least five ski areas from this summit, including Killington on a clear day. For added challenge and views, hike three miles north across the ridge to Hogback Mountain and descend via the Skyline Trail (1 mile), to a second vista at Stowe Pinnacle. Descend for 1.4 miles from there to the Stowe Pinnacle Trailhead, through beech and maple forest. Plan to shuttle a car.

Trail: The Waterbury Trail (4.2 miles round-trip); Map: GMC Mt. Mansfield & The Worcester Range Hiking Trail Map Difficulty: Difficult

CENTRAL VERMONT

7. MONROE SKYLINE, WAITSFIELD ***

The Monroe Skyline separates the Mad River Valley from the Champlain Valley and when you summit one of several peaks along the way you will be treated to vistas of color and views west to the Adirondacks and Lake Champlain.

If you can do this as a one-way hike, leave a car at Sugarbush and shuttle to the parking area at the top of Appalachian Gap on Route 17 (adding 3.1 miles to the trip) or ride the Single Chair from the base of Mad River Glen to the Stark’s Nest warming hut.

The Long Trail goes from General Stark Mountain (3,662 ft.), past Glen Ellen Shelter, to Mt. Ellen (4,083 ft.),

Emily Johnson backpacks the Monroe Skyline in early fall. Photo by Brian Mohr/EmberPhoto

the top of Sugarbush North. The third highest peak in Vermont, Mt. Ellen has great views of fiery foliage on Camel’s Hump, the Worcester Range and Mt. Mansfield. After two more craggy peaks (among them Castlerock Peak, 3,812 ft.) with stunning views of the Mad River valley and Sugarbush’s famously endless yellow birch and sugar maple glades, descend to Lincoln Peak (3,975 ft.) and hike down via the Jester Trail, or download on the Super Bravo lift to Sugarbush’s Lincoln Peak courtyard

Trails: The Long Trail (5.8 miles oneway); Map: The Green Mountain Club’s Camel’s Hump and the Monroe Skyline Map Difficulty: Difficult

8. BATTELL TRAIL TO MOUNT ABRAHAM, LINCOLN ***

If you want a workout that will have you gasping at the views as well as catching your breath, take the Battell trail up to the Long Trail and the Battell Shelter. The route then follows the Long Trail north up some steep grades of exposed bedrock before reaching more open views at the summit. After chilly weather, watch for icy patches on the steeper ledges just below the summit.

Looking north, you can see, Mount Mansfield, Mount Ellen and Camel’s Hump. To the south are Mount Grant, the Breadloaf Wilderness and even further south, Killington. The summit of Sugarbush South (Lincoln Peak) is just a half-mile to the east along the Long Trail.

Getting there: From Lincoln, travel north on Quaker Street. Turn right at Alder Hill Road and continue onto US Forest Road 350. After two miles, parking is on the right. An alternative route is to go to the top of Lincoln Gap, park and take the Long Trail for two miles to the summit; it’s slightly shorter and less steep.

Trail: Mount Abraham via the Battell Trail is a 5.8-mile round trip but with a 2,500-foot elevation gain. Map: GMC’s Long Trail. Difficulty: Difficult

9. SNAKE MOUNTAIN, ADDISON/WEYBRIDGE **

It’s a shame that someone ever changed the name of Grand View Mountain, as the hill that rises 1,287 feet from the farm fields of Addison County was once called, back to “Snake,” its original moniker.

“Grand View” was the name Jonas Smith gave to a hotel he built on the summit in 1870. For marketing purposes, he changed the name of the mountain from Snake, in hopes of luring stagecoaches up the long driveway.

No matter the name, there are still grand views at the top west to Lake Champlain and east to the Greens, as well as a small cranberry bog.

It’s a relatively easy 5.6-mile round trip hike from the parking area at Snake Mountain Road, though at times the trail is difficult to follow. In the fall, watch for migrating snow geese that often congregate just to the west in the Dead Creek Wildlife Refuge.

Trail: Snake Mountain, Wilmarth Woods Trail, 5.6 miles. Map: Snake Mountain Wildlife Management Area (Vt. Dept. of Fish and Wildlife). Difficulty: Easy to moderate.

10. MOUNT MOOSALAMOO, SALISBURY **

A classic hike with views of the Champlain Valley and Lake Dunmore, the trails around Mount Moosalamoo in the Moosalamoo National Recreation Area can make for an exciting day hike or an overnight trip.

For the most scenic way to the summit, start at the Silver Lake/Falls of Lana trailhead parking lot just 1/8 mile south of the Branbury State Park entrance. The trail passes falls that plunge 40 feet or more before it crosses the north branch of Voter Brook and climbs via the Aunt Jenny Trail to the Oak Ridge Trail at 2.5 miles, a gain of 1,530 feet.

The summit of Mt. Moosalamoo is 0.4 miles farther on the Oak Ridge Trail, but don’t rush up. The Aunt Jenny trail goes past Rattlesnake Cliffs with spectacular views of beautiful Lake Dunmore, Fern Lake and Silver Lake, as well as the Champlain Valley, Adirondacks and peaks to the south.

Other hikes, or mountain biking, along Chandler Ridge and camping at Silver Lake’s designated sites or the Moosalamoo campground can make this area good for multiple day excursions.

Trail: Aunt Jenny Trail to Oak Ridge

Trail, 5.8 miles. Map: Moosalamoo Association. Difficulty: Moderate

11. BRAINTREE MOUNTAIN, BRAINTREE **

Cutting between Randolph and Rochester, the Braintree Range has four peaks —Round Top, Twin Peaks, Skidoo, and Braintree. The last tops out at 3030 feet (hence the nickname, 30-30).

If you’re looking for big views, great foliage and few crowds, Braintree may be the answer. The Ridgeline Outdoor Collective has cleared and mapped a number of trails in this area and there’s a kiosk and trailhead off Riford Road. From the trailhead, take the Haul Road up to the Bell Gates cabin (a winter warming hut for backcountry skiers) and from there, there’s a skidoo trail up to the summit.

Trail: Haul Road to summit trails, approx. 5 miles. Map: Head to The Gear Shop in Randolph to pick up one of the Ridgeline Outdoor Collective maps of the area. Difficulty: Moderate.

12. DEER LEAP, MENDON.

This is an easy day hike that includes portions of the Long and Appalachian trails, as well as a side trail that leads to stunning views of Pico Mountain from the Deer Leap Cliffs. The cliffs are a popular rock-climbing area as well.

The hike starts on the north side of US 4 in Mendon and follows the blue-blazed Sherburne Pass trail until a junction at .5 miles. Continue on the Appalachian Trail

Photographer Christopher Diegel made this self portrait at sunset atop Hunger Mountain. Photo by C.H. Diegel

until another junction for the Deer Leap Trail just a few steps further, which will bring you to the cliffs.

Trail: Deer Leap Overlook Trail

Length: 2 miles. Map: Green Mountain National Forest Difficulty: Easy to moderate.

13. KILLINGTON-PICO LINK, KILLINGTON **

At 4,235 feet, the second tallest mountain in Vermont features sweeping views north to Mount Mansfield and south to Ascutney, Okemo and Stratton Mountain.

Start the day with an easy ride up Killington’s K1 gondola to the summit.

From there, hike north on The Long Trail through boreal alpine forests, with sporadic views through the krummholz of lower foliage. After hiking over Snowden Peak (3,592 ft.) and Ram’s Head (3,600 ft.), you’ll head right at Jungle Junction, past Pico Camp to the summit of Pico Mountain (3,957 ft.) for a beautiful view. Retrace your steps to Killington and take the gondola to the main base area. While it’s a 7-mile drive from Killington to Pico, the hike is a short 2.75 miles.

Trail: The Long Trail (5.4 miles round-trip); Map: GMC Killington Area with Ascutney and Okemo Map Difficulty: Easy to moderate

SOUTH

14. WHITE ROCKS CLIFFS TRAIL, WALLINGFORD **

While the Moosalamoo National Recreation Area is bigger and better known, Vermont’s other National Recreation Area, the Robert T. Stafford White Rocks National Recreation Area, spans 22,6524 acres and includes an overlapping section of the Long Trail and the Appalachian Trail.

But it’s a side trail to the AT, the White Rocks Cliff Trail, that has the big views. The quartzite cliffs that give the trail their

name look west to the Taconics and the Adirondacks.

The trail begins at the White Rocks picnic area on the Keewaydin Trail, passes Bully Brook before joining the trail to the cliffs (which are visible from Route 7). For those who want a taste of winter, the White Rocks Ice Beds trail leaves from the same parking area and is a short (0.4 mile) hike to a pile of boulders which cache pockets of ice that can last late into the summer.

Trail: White Rocks Cliffs Trail, 3.2 miles. Map: Green Mountain National Forest/White Rocks Cliffs Trail. Difficulty: Moderate

The hike between Killington peak (at top) and Pico delivers folage at every elevation. To make it easier you can take the gondola to the summit and start the hike from there. . Photo by Chandler Burgess

While Mount Moosalamoo may be the ultimate destination, take the Aunt Jenny Trail to Rattlesnake Cliffs for these views of Lake Dunmore and the Adirondacks to the west. Photo by Angelo Lynn

15. MOUNT ASCUTNEY VIA WEATHERSFIELD TRAIL, WINDSOR*

The Weathersfield Trail climbs through Ascutney State Park past waterfalls under hardwood canopy, passing scenic outlooks and unique geological features. At the summit of this monadnock, the watchtower rewards hikers with views of New Hampshire’s White Mountains and the Berkshires in Massachusetts.

To get to the trailhead, take exit 8 off I-91 to Vermont 131 west. Drive 3.3 miles to Cascade Falls Road and turn right. Bear left at the fork and continue to a right turn .3 miles later. Drive up a short, steep hill to the parking lot and the Ascutney State Park information board. Trail: Weathersfield Trail, 5.7 miles; Map: Mt. Ascutney State Park. Difficulty: Moderate.

16. BROMLEY MOUNTAIN, WINHALL ***

Southern Vermont’s stretch of Green Mountain National Forest has vast tracts of undeveloped land that the Long Trail traverses. But often there are few views, until you come to the peaks of ski mountains such as Bromley.

To get to Bromley’s summit views follow the white-blazed trail south from the trailhead on Rte. 11 that heads along Bromley Brook through mixed hardwood forests that should yield great yellow color with red and orange underfoot.

The trail climbs steeply after 1.6 miles and at 2.3 miles, you’ll pass a spur for the Green Mountain Club’s Bromley Shelter. The trail eventually opens onto Bromley’s Run Around ski trail. Follow it to the summit for 360-degree views with Magic Mountain to the west, Stratton to the south, Killington to the north and Mt. Equinox to the west. The Bromley Ski Patrol hut is open to hikers during the fall and summer.

Trail: The Long Trail (5.4 miles round-trip) Map: GMC Manchester Area Hiking Map with Stratton & Bromley Difficulty: Moderate.

17. WINDMILL RIDGE, ATHENS ***

There are not too many trails in Vermont where you can run along a ridgeline without facing steeps ups and downs.

Thanks to the Windmill Hill Pinnacle Association, you can run or hike from Grafton to Putney on lands that have been conserved or offer easements. There’s even an overnight shelter you can reserve. The highest point, the Pinnacle, is only 1,683 feet but it has big views Mount Snow and Stratton.

From the parking area at Old County Road off Brookline Road, take the Athens Access Trail to the Hemlock Trail. Heading south, the Hemlock Trail

connects to the Jamie Latham Trail and follows the ridgeline to several gorgeous viewpoints: Paul’s Ledges (with views out across quintessential Vermont rolling hills and farms) and then the Pinnacle. That’s about a 10-mile round trip but with spur trails leading off the ridge there are options to do one-ways if you have a shuttle.

Trail: From the Athens Access trailhead to Pinnacle is 10 miles, round trip. Map: Windmill Hill Pinnacle Association. Difficulty: Moderate

18. STRATTON MOUNTAIN FIRETOWER, STRATTON *

If you want to climb a fire tower, peer down on the largest pond along the Long Trail and get a 360-degree view of four

states, take this hike up Stratton.

While there are several routes that can get you there (among them, a gondola ride), all offer great foliage views. For a wilder experience on a hiking trail, opt for the longer Long Trail ascent up the mountain’s undeveloped back side. Once you reach the summit, take in the views over the ski area, then hike down approximately 50 feet on “Mike’s Way” to the old fire tower, erected by the Civilian Conservation Corps in 1934, which marks the true summit. Climb to the top of the tower for one of the best views in southern Vermont.

Trail: Stratton Mountain Trail (7.6 miles round trip), The Wanderer Trail and Stratton Ridge Trail (5 miles round-trip); Map: Green Mountain Club Manchester Area. Difficulty: Easy to Moderate.

19. MOUNT OLGA, WILMINGTON *

The summit of Mt. Olga offers some of the best views in Southern Vermont thanks to an historic fire tower at its summit that was last used as a lookout in 1974.

The hike has a gentle grade and is a great option for families. It’s also the former home of Hogback Mountain Ski area, which operated from 1946 to 1986. The ski area land is now conserved and known as Hogback Conservation area.

From the trailhead at Molly Stark State Park, the trail climbs for about a mile, first through hardwood forests and then through evergreen, where it ascends steeply to the summit.

Trail: The Mount Olga Trail (2-mile loop); Map: Molly Stark State Park; Difficulty: Easy.

20. GLASTENBURY MOUNTAIN,  BENNINGTON. ****

For the biggest, best views of wilderness in Vermont you need to be ready to make an overnighter. The Long Trail to the fire tower on Glastenbury Mountain is steep and you will be well away from roads and towns so come prepared. There are several campsites along the way.

The reward: a view from the firetower over more than 36 square miles of uninterrupted forest and 12 peaks that reach over 3,000 feet. Glastenbury itself rises 3,748 feet. You can loop back on the West Ridge trail. The well-marked trailhead is on Route 9, 5.2 miles east of Bennington and 15.8 miles west of Wilmington. Trail: Appalachian/Long Trail, 21 miles. Map: GMC’ Long Trail. Difficulty: Extreme.

Windmill Ridge may not be as tall or as steep a hike as many but it offers great trail running and open views from multiple spots. Photo by Ben Kimball

A reward for a 21-mile hike in the Glastenbury Wilderness is this fire tower view. Photo Brian Morh/EmberPhoto

3 All-Access Foliage Trails

Around Vermont organizations such as Vermont Adaptive and the Kelly Brush Foundation have made a big push to make existing trails more accessible. This past summer The Driving Range, the nation’s first purpose-built accessible mountain bike trail network opened in Richmond. But for those who just want to get out to see the foliage, these trails, which are easily accessed by most wheelchairs, are great ways to see Vermont’s brightest colors at their peak.

BARNES CAMP LOOK, SMUGGLER’S NOTCH, STOWE

The views into the cliffs and fiery foliage of Smuggler’s Notch are hard to beat from any vantage. But perhaps one of the best views is from the purpose-built 660-foot long, 5-foot wide boardwalk. From the parking area at Barnes Camp on Route 108, the boardwalk traverses a bog and beaver dam. Elephant’s Head, the rocky protuberance that helps make Smuggler’s Notch so dramatic, is right there.

ROBERT FROST TRAIL, RIPTON

If there is anything more Vermont than hiking along a trail with fiery-colored mountains looming in the distance, golden birch and red maple leaves overhead and a stream trickling alongside, it might be to encounter a poem by Robert Frost posted on a stake alongside that trail. That’s the case at the Robert Frost Trail in Ripton. Located just across Route 125 from the poet’s one-time home (while he taught at Middlebury College) the first third of a mile is on a boardwalk that crosses a bog and river before becoming a crushed gravel surface. The trail pays homage to the poet with multiple poems posted at various points along the way.

THUNDERING FALLS BOARDWALK, KILLINGTON

Here’s a chance to do a small section of the Appalachian Trail and to get a view of a 140-foot waterfall. The Thundering Falls Boardwalk was built by the Green Mountain Club to cross a wetland. A series of gravel-paved switchbacks get you up to the waterfall, which feeds into the Ottauquechee and Kent Brook. The parking area is off River Road Fork, a spur road off Route 100 that runs past the original town of Killington.

The boardwalk from Barnes Camp provides one of the best (and most acccessible) views into Smuggler's Notch. Photo Adobe Stock

1

BEST ADVENTURE SHOT WINNER

It's not easy picking the winners of this year's contest —both the stories and the photos were that good. Congratulations to our top category prize winners who will each receive a $100 gift certificate to Pet Food Warehouse. And 2024's contest is now open at vtsports. com/dogs2024/.

THE ADVENTURE DOGS OF 2023

OUR ANNUAL ADVENTURE DOG CONTEST IS A TRIBUTE TO THE BEST FRIENDS WHO HIKE, BIKE, PADDLE AND ROMP WITH US THROUGH ALL FOUR SEASONS. HERE ARE THE WINNERS.

ADVENTURE

1. KANOOTI, STOWE

“Kanootti was an unexpected addition to our family,” writes Sheila Goss who entered Kanooti late in the game for last year’s contest. “I had lost my beloved adventure partner of 12 years unexpectedly, Gryphon, in June 2022, and the hole in my heart, and the space in my canoe needed to be filled. Kanootti carries on Gryphon’s legacy with love and honor! She has taken right to canoeing, and loves learning about all the wildlife we see on our daily outings. She has been canoe camping for our fall excursions to the Adirondacks and the Northeast Kingdom. I am so fortunate to have the support of family and friends that follow us on our Vermont Paddle Pups social media pages, as I adjust to the “new normal” without Gryphon. The encouragement and help as Kanootti becomes an integral part of our family have been essential to her success. So many adventures await her!"

2. CHARLIE, MONTPELIER

“Charlie, my 3-year-old Labradoodle, and I are working through all the NE67 4,000 footers,” writes Nicole Martin. “We have hiked the five in Vermont (Mounts Mansfield, Ellen, Abraham, Camel’s Hump, and Killington) and have completed 44 of the 48 in New Hampshire, with another 14 in Maine to go! He has hiked to the top of Mount Washington with me and is a little mountain goat. He likes to be off leash, running up boulders and rock ledges, climbing slabs of rock and saying ‘hi’ to our fellow hikers, canine and human!”

3. SOJA, WESTMORE

Laura Malieswski adopted Soja from For the Love of Dogs Vermont in April of 2020. She is now 10-11 years old and still very active. Malieswski writes: “She loves running, hiking, playing in the water, rolling in the grass and rolling in the snow. We hike or run together just about every day. She waits for me while I swim and afterwards enjoys her own playtime in the water. She’s friendly with everyone she meets including greeting kayakers/ boaters as they enter and exit the water. One of her favorite games is finding rocks in the water. I toss in a fist-sized rock, she uses her paws to bring it into shallower water and sticks her head in to pick it up. She is very proud of her rock finding abilities. She’s a great adventure sidekick.”

4. RUNNER UP: HOLLY, WEST DOVER

It’s great when your dog is raring to go on a hike. It’s even better when they actually enjoy carrying their own gear. Holly, Jessica Wurzbacher’s 2-year-old Greater Swiss Mountain Dog is “Happiest when she can carry her own gear on a hike,” writes Wurzbacher. The breed is known for its hardiness in the Alps where it was bred to herd cattle and sheep and be a working draft dog.

It’s hard to capture the allure of exploring the outdoors. But if the expressions on the faces of these canines could speak, they would say volumes about the places they go and adventures they have pursued.

BEST ACTION SHOT

1. THATCHER, WHITE RIVER JUNCTION

Helene Sisti named her Golden Retriever “Thatcher” for the stream behind the house in Waterbury where she lived when he was adopted. Sisti writes, “Thatcher was sometimes mistaken for a “pandemic pup,” as I took him home 8 weeks after he was born on Easter in April 2020, but planning for him was years in the making. Thatcher is now 3 and a dog for all seasons, she says. “He loves to leap in the tall grass, chew sticks, romp in the snow. He is also a great paddle boarder. He finally got to ski with me this past winter when I skinned up Ascutney on a powder day. Thatcher is a great co-pilot and handles the corners very well when riding about town in my Rav4.”

2. KONA, SOUTH BURLINGTON

Julie MacDougall’s Labradoodle

Kona is still a puppy. Though just 10 months old Kona already goes everywhere with his family. “He goes hiking, biking, skiing, and canoeing. He loves evening cuddles in the tent,” MacDougall says.

3. LARRY FRYE, JUNIOR, WAITSFIELD

Karl Ueberbacher’s Australian Cattle Dog (Blue Heeler), Larry Frye Jr. , was a rescue from Georgia who arrived in Vermont in December 2021. “He was underfed and woefully undercoated. He was miserable that first winter. But with a Vermont diet, change of

Capturing a good shot of a dog in action is just about as easy as well, capturing a dog. While most of our adventure dogs are always on the move. These images of our pups either in action or on about to embark on something, rose to the top.

1 BEST ACTION SHOT WINNER

seasons and a thick coat, he now loves winter and prepares for it year-round with his favorite game of Aerobie,” writes Ueberbacher. He adds that “Larry's quote is ‘Herding is life, but Frisbee is pretty fun, too.’”

4. RUNNER UP: STELLA, FAIRFAX

Stella is a rescue pug Chihuahua mix from Texas who came to owner Mark Hitchcox just over two years ago. “She’s adapted quite well to Vermont, and she pretty much goes wherever we go, be it biking, hiking, canoeing or kayaking,”

he says. “This spring we took our camper on a trip that swung through Pennsylvania. We’d heard a lot about PA’s rail trails and we wanted to try them out. That said, we also didn’t want to leave Stella behind in the camper when we did, so my wife Shelly found a backpack that allowed Stella to accompany us. This pic was taken about halfway through a ride on the Pine Creek Rail Trail. We weren’t sure she’d like riding in a backpack, but from her expression I’d say she was okay with it! “

BEST PORTRAIT SHOT

Sometimes when a dog looks at you just so, you have a feeling they may be smarter than humans. And perhaps they are: after all, they are the ones leading us up mountains or along trails. These portraits seem to capture the thought bubbles that must be bursting between their furry ears.

1. SOPHIE, KILLINGTON

Kate Oster’s Bernese Mountain Dog, Sophie loves all sorts of outdoor activities in the mountains. "Since I got her she loves hiking all around Killington; especially hikes at Pico," says Oster: “She’s also a great dog to take mountain biking! We go out on nice little short and slow rides to get her used to following my bike and she absolutely loves it, especially when there’s a stream she can hop in along the way!!"

2. JOEY, NEW LONDON, NH

“Jo-Jo Henry Julien Baker (or as we call him, Joey) is our best bud and our little prince. Run, hike, paddle: He does it all!” says his owner, Brandon Baker, who works at the outdoor gear shop, Omer and Bob’s in West Lebanon, N.H. “Joey was especially in his element on a camper van trip last summer,” Baker writes. “He recently turned 6, and we are superbly thankful for the awesome friend and companion he has become. While still imperfect (all rescues are) he is an integral part of our family and a part of nearly every memorable adventure we have in the outdoors."

3. MOKI, EAST HAVEN

“Moki is one of my best friends,” says Evangeline Garcia about her 16-month old Aussiedoodle. “Being an Aussiedoodle, she is full of high energy and wants to move and play all the time. She is the best companion on outings either exploring , fishing, hiking, or walking in our woods with me. She loves the lake at camp but hasn’t quite mastered her swimming skills. Other canine friends can become exhausted with her zest for running, fetching, or playing. If the car is leaving, she wants to be right there, sitting quite majestically looking for her next adventure. She truly believes she is a princess. Every day is full of outdoor experiences and adventures with this gentle pup.”

4. RUNNER UP: CHARLEY, WAITSFIELD

Brigitte Richey’s Golden Retriever, age 5, is a rescue from Mississippi who is living life large in Waitsfield and loves to hike at Sugarbush.

1 BEST PORTRAIT SHOT WINNER 2 3

THE CLIMBING ADVOCATE

Name: Mischa Tourin Age: 38

Family: Wife, Claire, daughter Hazel 3, and son Rowan 1

Lives in: Underhill

Primary Sports: Rock climbing and ice climbing

Occupation: Rock and ice climbing guide and outdoor educator

Native Vermonter Mischa Tourin has travelled the world, but after satisfying his wanderlust, he returned home to become an invaluable part of the climbing community and a member of the board of CRAG Vermont, the state’s climbing association. Climbing helped Tourin overcome his fear of heights, and as a rock-climbing guide and outdoor educator, he helps others conquer their fears too.

How long have you been rock climbing?

I’ve been climbing for 25 years. Before Petra Cliffs opened, I climbed at the Burlington Rock Gym which was actually in Essex. My dad was a rock climber and when I was 13 or 14, he decided that my brother and I should know that there was more to climbing than indoor walls, so he hired a guide and took us out on Cathedral Ledge in New Hampshire. It was a multi-pitch climb. I was really scared but I was hooked.

Did ice climbing come after that?

That came later, maybe ten years ago, when I was living in Colorado. I was working in wilderness therapy, and I’d have eight days on and six days off. My friends and I would go exploring in our off time and we ended up ice climbing in Ouray.

When did you join CRAG Vermont?

When I moved back to Vermont from Colorado, I really wanted to connect with the local climbing community and see how I could pitch in. I had heard about the opening of Bolton Dome and wanted to be part of that, so I started going to CRAG Vermont meetings.

It was a much smaller organization at that point and if you showed up at enough meetings, they’d convince you to join the board. That happened in

2017. I started seeing all the things I could do like help with the website and the climbing festival. People saw that I had energy, so I became vice president in 2019.

How does Vermont compare to other places you have climbed?

With the Adirondacks on one side and Whites on the other, Vermont has this humble reputation as being a little bit of a backwater, local crag. There is some truth that our cliffs are smaller than our neighbors’, but there has been a lot of good development and a really good community here. People are now realizing that Vermont has a lot of really great climbing.

A lot of our routes are schist which used to characterize what people thought of Vermont climbing. But in 2019 CRAG Vermont worked to open Lone Rock Point in Burlington which has overhung, really hard limestone. CRAG just recently signed a memorandum of understanding with the state to be a recreation corridor manager for Black Mountain in the Northeast Kingdom which has perfect granite cracks.

We’ve started opening up a lot more climbing around the state, which has diversified our offerings.

Given your description of rock, how important is it for a climber to have a knowledge of geology?

You don’t need it, but it helps because the way you read different rocks can lead to different climbing styles. Some places have perfect splitter cracks, like the granite of Yosemite or the Wingate sandstone in parts of Utah, making parallel fissures that are perfect for hand jamming. Schist tends to be lower angle with little quartz crimps which only have room for your toes or fingertips,. Limestone usually has steep walls with big overhung pockets.

I’ve read that you’re afraid of heights. Is that really true?

I was. That’s why I started climbing; to overcome that. I pass along to the kids I work with that the way to grow is to expand your comfort zone and scare yourself a little. There is a lot of growth when you have fear and anxiety. I’m still afraid of heights when I step outside of where I’m comfortable, but I’ve expanded that zone quite a lot and I’ve climbed 2,000-foot rock faces.

Do you have a favorite place to climb?

Definitely Black Mountain in Averill. It’s as far as you can get from civilization

in Vermont and it’s right next to the Silvio Conte Wildlife Refuge and the Atlas timber lands where the state has an easement. CRAG spent many years going through the process to be the climbing recreation manager there which means we can officially represent climbers and do what is needed for access. The mountain has amazing granite cracks.

Can you tell us about your most memorable climb?

I do some route development and my favorites climbs are the ones that people do a lot, not necessarily the hardest ones. I developed a 5.3 route at Bolton Dome. It’s probably the easiest route in Vermont, but I cleaned it off and climbed it with my dad who was 77 at the time and hadn’t climbed in a few decades. I also did it with my wife when she was 20 weeks pregnant. We didn’t have a name for the baby yet, so we called it Little Wolf and named the route that. Now that our daughter is "Hazel," she’s climbed it on her own.

Tell us about your business, Sterling Mountain Guides. I’d been working in education for about a decade, first in wilderness therapy and then at a therapeutic alternative high

After overcoming his own fear of heights, Mischa Tourin helps his kids and others conquer their fears through climbing. Photo courtesy Mischa Tourin

school in Colchester. I’m still at that high school and I love working with those students. Three summers ago, I started guiding rock climbing in the summer and really loved it, so I opened my own guide service in 2021. It started as just a summer thing but now I work two days a week at the school which gives me more time during the school year for guiding.

What is involved in being a certified AMGA Single Pitch instructor?

You have to take a three-day course and then pass a two-day exam. I did that eight years ago and every few years you have to get recertified. This year, I took the Rock Guide Course which is ten days so now I’m certified as an Apprentice Rock Guide and can guide up to Grade II multi-pitch climbs.

What led you to become a wilderness first responder and NOLS educator?

I took the NOLS class early on and that’s what inspired me to see guiding and outdoor education as a career path. I’d done a lot of work with youth and wanted to do more of that outside. I took the wilderness first responder class after that because for pretty much everything I do – backpacking with teenagers or guiding – you really need to be able to respond to medical emergencies. It’s one certification that everyone who works outdoors should have.

Tell us about this September's Vermont Climbing Festival.

This is the fifth year of the festival although in 2020 it was virtual because of Covid. We’ll be at Cochran’s again September 22-24 and we’ll have a ton of clinics at reasonable rates. I’m really excited that we’ll have Maureen Beck, an adaptive climber who has just one hand, as our keynote speaker. She was a board member before she went out west and became famous as a Paralympian and sponsored by North Face. She has a hilarious social media account and we’ve been hoping to get her back here as a speaker for years.

Will there be competitions at the Festival, too?

We’ll have all kinds of events including the Donny Wall Dyno competition. A dyno is a dynamic movement which requires you to jump to reach the next hold. Usually, you fully disconnect and use upward momentum to make the leap. Competitors have a minute to complete as many as possible and get

more points for the harder ones.

We’ll also have a competition featuring my invention – the Crack Wrestling Machine - which is a little bit like arm wrestling, except you’re using a jam and you can use all kinds of holds including finger stacks, ring locks, hand jams, fists, and butterfly stacks. There will be a DJ playing in the background and it’s a whole lot of fun to watch. This year we’ll also be having a Moth story

hour hosted by one of our local legends, Bill Patton.

What else happens?

There are clinics for everyone from beginners up to advanced climbers who want to learn to self-rescue. There will also be yoga, and talks on establishing new routes, trail building, geology, and peregrine falcons. We usually have around 300 people.

There are a lot of locals but there are also climbers coming from all over the Northeast and even further. It’s a mix of all sorts. We’ve got everyone from high school students to senior citizens.

We’ve done some work to make the festival more accessible and with Mo speaking, we’ll also have a paraclimbing clinic. We would like to make the cliffs more accessible to people who are not able-bodied. Sometimes, the hardest part of climbing is the trail on the way in.

How challenging has the weather been for climbing this summer?

It’s been a really challenging season. This winter wasn’t good for ice climbing either and this wet, wet summer has been hard. Rock is not enjoyable when it’s wet. Even if it rained the day before, the rock may still be wet. What really kills ice climbing are those warm thaws which reset everything and between the less icy winters and this wet summer, it’s been hard. Climate change has not been great for us

What’s next for CRAG VT?

We’ve really been working to expand where our focus is. We’ve been in a cycle where most of our climbers have been from Chittenden County and northwest Vermont, so a lot of our work has been there and some of the climbers in southern Vermont have felt left out. We’ve been connecting with them to figure out where they have access issues and where we can help.

There are some interesting projects for access to climbing in southern Vermont. We also feel as though we’ve underrepresented bouldering. Richmond Mountain Trails opened a large adaptive bike trail called the Driving Range in Bolton and CRAG pitched in $5,000 for the development of a multi-use, 55-car parking lot that will open access up to the Pinneo Brook bouldering area.

Last year, we got our first grantfunded trail building project for stairs at the Bolton Dome. We want to harden the trail and make the area more sustainable, less susceptible to erosion, and easier to access.

We’re continuing to build community and to look for new places where access issues need to be solved. At some point we’ll run out of cliffs to open to the public. There are more that we are interested in, but these days, we are really focusing on building community.

—Phyl Newbeck

Tourin, a board member of CRAG Vermont, on The Awesomist at Bolton Dome. Photo by Travis Peckham

What makes it so sweet?

• Beautiful, scenic routes with views of the Green Mountains and Adirondacks.

• A mix of trail (10%), paved (45%), and dirt roads (45%) for the half marathon; all paved for 3-mile fun run.

• USATF-certified course that is well supported, with rolling hills and foliage views.

WELL ORGANIZED, GREAT SWAG, INSPIRING MUSIC ON COURSE, POST-RACE BREAKFAST

TOP FINISHERS RECEIVE VERMONT MAPLE SYRUP!

RACE & EVENT GUIDE VERMONT SPORTS

LISTING YOUR EVENT IN THIS CALENDAR IS FREE AND EASY. VISIT VTSPORTS.COM/SUBMIT-AN-EVENT OR E-MAIL EDITOR@VTSPORTS.

COM. ALL AREA CODES ARE 802. ALL LOCATIONS ARE IN VERMONT, UNLESS NOTED. FEATURED EVENTS, IN YELLOW, PAY A NOMINAL FEE.

RUNNING/HIKING

SEPTEMBER

2-3 | Jay Peak Trail Running Festival

With 7 races for all abilities --everything from a kids' race and 5K to a 53K ultra — there is something for everyone. /jaypeaktrailrun.com/

8-9 | RAGNAR Trail, Ascutney A 3-day camping, running, weekend adventure. Teams of 8 run roughly 120 miles—in three repeating loops—on wilderness trails that wind through forests, valleys, and mountainsides. You’ll run day, and night, and day again, sleeping (yeah right) in a temporary tent city known as Ragnar Village. runragnar.com/ragnar/trail

9 | Bacon & Brew, Dummerston This 4 mile walk/run starts at Kampfires Campground and tours some beautiful backroads complete with cornfields, hidden valleys, and maple sugar farms. It loops back to Kampfires where the hugely-popular Baconfest party will be underway with food trucks. Whetstone Station beer and more. Enjoy the post-race party trifecta: bacon, brews, and blues music! bb4miler.com/

9 | Groton Forest Trail Run, Groton

The marathon course is about 26.5 miles with 5,000 ft. of elevation gain. This course is approximately 60% technical single track, 10% multi-use trail, and 30% dirt road. In addition to Big Deer, Little Deer, and Owls Head this course features loops around Kettle and Osmore Ponds. The 25k course has 3200 ft. of elevation gain. The new 10k course has 1100 ft. of elevation gain. /ultrasignup.com/register.aspx?did=102638

17 | Westmore Mountain Challenge, East Charleston. One day, 5 mountains. 26 miles: Moose-Hor-Pisgah-HaystackBald. Take in the beautiful and stunning scenery of northern Vermont at peak fall foliage in this friendly, fun and challenging mountain marathon event. Registration spots limited. Proceeds benefit NorthWoods Stewardship Center. westmorechallenge. northwoodscenter.org

17 | Trapp Cabin Races, Stowe

Run a 5K, 10K, or half-marathon at the beautiful Trapp Family Outdoor Center. This perennial favorite is also an important fundraiser for Green Mountain Adaptive Sports. greenmountainadaptive.org

17 | 20th TAM Trek, Middlebury, A trail race and fun run to raise funds for the Trail Around Middlebury (TAM). The Middlebury Area Land Trust (MALT) started building the TAM in 1989 and its 19 miles now encircles the village.maltvt.org/ tam-trek

30 | Footprints Trail Run, Craftsbury

More than a race, this trail run gathers runners together who are committed to climate action. A point-to-point trail race with 5 and 10 mile options. You'll start at the Craftsbury Outdoor Center and wind through a mix of singletrack, ski trails, and dirt roads. The race will finish at the Craftsbury Farmer's Market. ultrasignup.com/register.aspx?did=102769

OCTOBER

1 | 2nd Annual Three Peaks Mountain Race, Bolton Valley Choose between the 10 or 25k race during peak foliage season high in the Green Mountains. Scenic vistas and a kaleidoscope of color will greet you as you move up and down a combination of work roads, cross country trails, raw ski slope climbs and some newly built lift-accessed mountain bike trails. boltonvalley.com/events-calendar/2ndannual-three-peaks-mountain-race/

1 | Leaf Peepers Half Marathon & 5K, Waterbury, The course makes a loop through downtown Waterbury and then rolls along the Winooski River through Waterbury and Duxbury. The majority of the course is well maintained dirt road after a few miles of pavement at the start, finishing on a short section of trail along the Cross VT trail. The 5k course is similar scenery. leafpeepershalfmarathon.org

7 | Fly to Pie Marathon, Newport Run, bike, or hike a full marathon mostly over "vista riddled: dirt roads through "The Gut" of the Northeast Kingdom during fall foliage. With shorter options of 17 miles, 13.5 miles and 10K. We finish at Parker Pie in West Glover with all the pizza you can eat and some great beer, including Hill Farmstead. Shuttle back to the start provided by Jay Peak. This is one of the toughest and most spectacular marathons East of the Mississippi. kingdomgames.co/fly-to-piekingdom-marathon/

14 | Devil's Den Ultra, Bradford The course is a rugged 6-mile loop with 1,600 feet of climbing per loop on Wright's Mountain. Run multiple laps for 30-hours, 12-hours, or just one 6-mile loop. To be an official finisher of the 30-hour length, runners must complete a 50K, 12-hour runners need to be an active participant for the entire 12-hours, and 6-milers need to finish the loop within 5 hours. Top male and female finishers for each length will receive the Devil's Skull, all finishers will receive a finisher medal and 100 mile finishers will receive a buckle. racemozey.com/devilsden-ultra-1

15 | Heady Trotter 4 Miler, Stowe Perfectly timed at the end of leaf season, before the snow starts, this race is a flat, chip timed event running through the heart of Stowe greatamericanbreweryruns.com/headytrotter-4-miler

15 | Trapp Mountain Marathon, Stowe

A challenging half and full marathon distance trail run at beautiful Trapp Family Lodge. ironwoodadventureworks.com/ trapplodgemountainmarathon

22 | Champlain Islands Marathon and Half Marathon, South Hero

The certified marathon and half-marathon begin near the house where Clarence H. DeMar, seven-time Boston Marathon Winner, once lived. The half-marathon course is out and back on the west shore of South Hero and Grand Isle. Flat to rolling. The entire course is paved. Gmaarun.com

28 | Union Bank Field House 5K, 10K, Half-Marathon, Shelburne. Beginning and ending at Shelburne Field House, the half marathon is a loop course on a combination of dirt and back roads including, running past Shelburne Farms, with beautiful views of Lake Champlain and the Adirondacks. The 5K and 10K courses are both out-and-back. racevermont.com

29 | The Hills Are Alive 5k Trail Run, Milton- This trail run is around the Arrowhead Golf Club in Milton and includes the legendary "Laura's Tears" section: s-turns, small hills, and an overall fun but manageable challenge. All finishers are awarded a unique, one-of-a-kind "Woodal" for their efforts. Costumes are encouraged. post race party will feature prizes and awards .facebook.com/events/2461624217385586

NOVEMBER

5 |Vermont 10 Miler, Stowe Run a scenic,and challenging course along Stowe's backcountry roads and the Stowe Recreation Path. This event is the final stop of the 3-race New England 10 Miler Series. newengland10milerseries.com

5 | The Middlebury Maple Run, Middlebury. A great fall cap to your race season! The half marathon course promises scenic rolling hills into the farmlands around Middlebury and Weybridge with spectacular views of the Green Mountains and Middlebury College. Course is a mix of paved and gravel roads with a short stretch on a gravel trail. Run the full 13.1 miles, or split it in a 2-person relay. Bring the kids for a 3-mile fun run around Middlebury! middleburymaplerun.com

CYCLING

SEPTEMBER

1-4 |Green Mountain Stage Race,

Four stages of great racing return once again this year. These include a challenging strong woman/man ITT, an exciting circuit race, an epic road race with a finish every climber dreams of winning at the summit of Appalachian Gap (Vermont's highest fourseason road). gmsr.info/

9 | Kelly Brush Ride, Middlebury

Ride one of the supported routes (10, 20, 50, or 100 miles), or the brand-new 32-mile gravel ride. Can't make it? Ride from anywhere with our virtual option. Participation helps to make active lifestyles possible for people with spinal cord injuries. kellybrushfoundation.org

9-10 | VMBA Day Series, Burke Group rides, after parties with Zero Gravity and tours of local chapter trails. . vmba.org

10 | Cabot Ride the Ridges. Cabot Great rides on routes up to 100K, runs, walks, and community enthusiasts. Register for a ride that best fits you, start at the Cabot Common, and witness beautiful Vermont scenery. ridetheridges.com/

17 | Tour de Farms, Shoreham

Rain or shine, enjoy panoramic views and beautiful back roads while visiting local farms in Shoreham and Orwell, Vermont. Most farm stops along the way will have multiple food producers who will offer you a taste of something they are known for. Don't forget to bring a fork, spoon and a bowl for tasting the samples! You might also want to bring cash in case you'd like to purchase products along the way—a farm van delivers your purchases to the finish. acornvt.org/ tourdefarms

21-24 | Fox US OPEN, Killington, The Fox US Open returns with their signature brand of open class racing; featuring pro/am Downhill, Enduro and Dual Slalom, as well as Next Gen Youth Downhill and the USO Best Whip invitational. usopen.bike/

23 | VSECU Point to Point, Montpelier

Ride your bike and raise money for the Vermont Foodbank, and help end hunger in Vermont. Rides are 10, 30, 60, and 110 miles, each with fully stocked aid stations, basic first aid, and support and gear drivers. After, join us on the State House lawn for music, local bites, local brews, and fun and games for the whole family. Put the fun in fundraising and help meet our $150,000 fundraising goal! thepointtopoint.org

30 | Hungry Lion Bike Tour, Whiting

A 25 -mile gravel ride, or 35-, 50-, and 75-mile road rides through the beautiful backroads of Southern Vermont and Western Massachusetts. Fully supported with rest stops, sag service, and a great after party. Helps the local Deerfield Valley Lions’ Club feed its neighbors. Hungrylionbiketour.com

30 | Franklin Forty Gravel, Highgate Center

The route starts at the award winning Choiniere Farm in Highgate, Vt. The farm has cross country running and skiing trails as well as a mountain biking skills course. Following low-traffic gravel and paved roads that roll through undulating farm country. On part of the course you'll cruise along the newly opened Lamoille Valley Rail Trail. Lake Carmi is also on the route if you want to stop for a quick swim. Two loops: 17 and 43 miles. friendsofnorthernlakechamplain. org/bike-for-the-lake-savethedate

30 | Peacham Fall Fondo, Peacham

Join Wahoo cyclist Ian Boswell and his local community on a 50-mile route featuring the Northeast Kingdom's best gravel. Entries are limited. Local bakers sell pie by the slice, bands, food and fun after. peachamfallfondo.com/

OCTOBER

8 | The Grindstone, Barre

Centered in the unique, post-industrial granite landscape of Barre, this kind gravel grinder will take you places you didn’t imagine could exist. Join us on a journey to hidden corners of the deepest reaches of Central Vermont, where only the most storied travelers emerge unscathed. Ride 20-25 miles on Saturday with the GravelDads followed by dinner, beer and live music. Or save your legs for the 30K, 65K or 100K rides on Sunday. bikereg.com/ grindstone

8 | Circus Ride, Braintree

An adventure ride in prime fall foliage! Between the smooth gravel sections, lay some rowdy woods road segments. The woods roads will require solid bike handling skills, focus, and strong legs. They are rocky, and muddy with multiple lines to choose from. A minimum tire size of 40mm or bigger is STRONGLY suggested, or a crosscountry mountain bike would be well suited for this route bikereg.com/circus-ride

14 | Gravel Moxie, Braintree

Do a 50, 30 or 10-mile family fun ride. Enjoy the backcountry of Lamoille County while riding some of the best gravel in the Green Mountains. Start and finish at Lost Nation at 87 Old Creamery Road in Morrisville. Supports Copley Hospital's new Waterbury facility. copleyvt.org

14 - 15 | Maxxis Eastern States Cup: Downhill Finals, Killington A racer’s top 8 results will determine the ESC DH Series champion, with these finals giving a 125% series points bonus. killington.com

21 | Grateful, Newport

Grateful is a multi-course event mixing single track, gravel and cyclocross! There's a 5k cyclocross, 1k time trial sprint and 20k XC epic. Ride them all or ride the ones that work for you! Staggered starts and mixed grouping features both a sprint and a 15-mile timed tour. Also a 5K or 20K run. There is no podium, just fun, adrenaline and your own version of speed. Live music, food and drink available at the most gorgeous race venue in the state, the Top-of-theWorld wedding barn. mstf.net/events/ grateful2023

WATERSPORTS & OTHER

SEPTEMBER

9- 10 | She Casts: Women's FlyFishing Weekend, Woodstock Join the Woodstock Inn's Orvis Endorsed Guides to support Orvis’ 50/50 On the Water initiative to bring more women to the sport of fly fishing. Equipment provided. www. woodstockinn.com/do/events/she-castswomens-fly-fishing-weekend

15-16, USARA Adventure Race National Championship, Smuggler's Notch Resort The best teams from across the nation come together to compete in a non-stop, 30-hour adventure race put on by the Green Mountain Adventure Racing Association. usara.com/2023championship-details

16-17, Spartan North American Championship, Killington

Compete in the Ultra 50K, Beast 21K & Sprint 5K. Expect steep slopes, off-trail descents and massive climbs at this legendary venue. killington.com

22-24 | Vermont Climbing Festival, Richmond

Join CRAG VT at Cochran's Ski Area and on the cliffs of Bolton for a weekend of camping, climbing, workshops, clinics, competitions, speakers, music & more. cragvt.com

BATTENKILL BICYCLES 1

99 Bonnet St.,  Manchester Ctr, VT 802-362-2734 |

battenkillbicycles.com

IKE SHOPS

AROUND THE REGION

advertising section

Manchester's bicycle shop since 1972, Battenkill Bicycles is a Trek and Specialized dealer offering advice and sales to meet all your cycling needs. The service department offers tune-ups and repairs for all brands. Come rent a bike or get information about local group rides. Battenkill Bicycles is the number one e-bike seller in southern Vermont and an authorized e-bike service center.

2

BERKSHIRE OUTFITTERS

RR 8, 169 Grove St., Adams, MA 413-743-5900 | berkout@bcn.net

A full-service bike shop at the base of the Mt. Greylock State Reservation. We also border a beautiful 12-mile paved rail trail. We carry Jamis, Rocky Mountain and G.T. We offer sales, repairs and hybrid rentals for the rail trail.

BOOTLEGGER BIKES 3

60 Main St. Jeffersonville, VT 802-6448370 & at 82 Main St., St. Albans. 802.782.8747 bootleggerbikes.com

A full-service shop near Smugglers' Notch and a new shop in St. Albans. We offer new, used and custom bikes as well as custom-built wheels for mountain, road, gravel, fat bikes, bikepacking and touring. Rentals offered at our Cambridge Junction shop on the Lamoille Valley Rail Trail. Bikes are a passion here.

4 THE BOOT PRO

44 Pond St.

Ludlow, VT 802-228-2776

thebootpro.net

A full-service bike and ski shop staffed for sales & service of mountain bikes, gravel bikes, e-bikes, kids' bikes. Mountain bike & e-bike rentals and guided rides, too. Bike clothing and accessories. On the corner of the Okemo Access Rd.

BRADLEY’S PRO SHOP SKI & SPORT 5

2012 Depot St. Manchester Center, VT 05255 802-367-3118  | bradleysproshop.com

Bradley’s Pro Shop Ski & Bike is the premier bike shop in Southern Vermont! We are located in Manchester Center. Always known as your go-to ski shop we are now your go-to bike shop. We have one of the best bike mechanics in Vermont on staff, Dan Rhodes. Many of you know of his reputation as a master bike mechanic. Dan runs all aspects of our bicycle operations. We carry the full lineup of Cannondale and GT bikes—mountain bikes, gravel, e-bikes, BMX and hybrids. We are a full-service operation with sales, service, accessories and rentals including e-bikes. We offer a great bike tune-up price so be sure to bring your ride in. THINK DIRT!

6

THE GEAR HOUSE

16 Pleasant St., Randolph gearhouseVT.com

shop located in the center of Vermont, we offer Rocky Mountain, Salsa, Bianchi, KHS, a rotating inventory of used outdoor gear, and full service repair shop. Randolph has newly revived mtb trails that combine classic oldschool singletrack with machine built zones. Start the 12/12a loop from the shop for 38 miles of well maintained pavement, or map countless gravel rides from town. The shop is also home to ROC's trail hub featuring topographical and printed maps. Stop by and plan your next adventure!

CHUCK’S BIKES

45 Bridge St. Morrisville, VT 802-888-7642 | chucksbikes802.com

Putting smiles on peoples faces for over 40 years thru low cost and top tier professional service on all bikes. New bikes by Transition, Marin, Devinci, KHS, Jamis, iZip & Norco. Oh my the inventory! Mon.-Wed, & Fri 10-5, Sat & Thurs 10-2. Be well by being smart.

EARL’S CYCLERY & FITNESS

2069 Williston Rd., So. Burlington, VT 802-864-9197 | earlsbikes.com

Earl’s Cyclery has been serving Vermont’s cycling and fitness needs for more than 65 years. With over 12,000 square feet, Earl’s has the largest selection of bikes from Trek, Norco, Giant, Electra, Bianchi, and more. The service center at Earl’s has professionally trained technicians who are certified to work on all makes and models of bicycles. Whether you need a flat tire fix, or a suspension rebuild, the service staff is ready to help. Estimates are free! Stop on by or give us a call!

EAST BURKE SPORTS

439 Route 114 East Burke VT 802-626-3215 eastburkesports.com

The original home to Kingdom Trails. Located in the heart of town, we pride ourselves in expert knowledge and friendly customer service. A full-service shop awaits you and your repair needs. We have 100 rental bikes with an enormous selection of clothing, parts, and accessories. Hours: 9 - 6 daily.

EQUIPE SPORT

8749 VT RT 30, Rawsonville, VT 21 S Access Rd, West Dover, VT 802-297-2846 | equipesport.com

Sales, Service and Rentals of mountain and gravel bikes. Carrying brands from GT, Rocky Mountain, Santa Cruz and Jamis. Stop in to either of our locations near Stratton and Mount Snow. Open 7 days.

10

74 Main St., Middlebury, VT 802-388-6666 | froghollowbikes.com

Take advantage of the most advanced and courteous service in our region, with quick turn-around in our service shop downstairs. Upstairs, we offer the best in new and used road, mountain, lifestyle, and children’s bikes and new gear. We carry brands that offer superior products that balance innovation and performance with reliability and value.: Mon. - Sat. 9:30 - 5:30.

12

GREEN MOUNTAIN BIKES

105 N. Main Rochester VT

800-767-7882 | greenmountainbikes. com

Located in the heart of the Green Mountains, we are surrounded by terrain that calls to mountain and road bikers alike. Whether you ride twisting trails or back-to-back gaps, we service, sell, and rent all styles of bicycles, featuring Kona, Jamis, Juliana, Raleigh, Santa Cruz, Transition, and Hinderyckx bikeshand crafted by our own Rochester boy Zak Hinderyckx. So STOP READING and RIDE YOUR BIKE! Hours: 7 days a week, 10 – 6.

13 HANOVER ADVENTURE TOURS

713 US 5 N., Norwich, VT | 802-359-2921

hanoveradventuretours.com

Electric and acoustic bike retailer selling and renting Magnum, Yamaha, Izip and Cannondale bikes. With an expertise in electric bicycles, we live and breathe outdoor exploration through our offering of e-bike rentals, sales, and tours including doorstep delivery and a full-service shop (all bikes welcome). Over 100 electric bicycle rentals, demos, and tours available for individuals and large groups, short and long-term.

HIGH PEAKS CYCLERY

OLD SPOKES HOME 18

POWERPLAY SPORTS 22

TYGART

2733 Main St., Lake Placid, NY 518-523-3764 | highpeakscyclery.com

The Adirondacks' source for cycling and outdoor gear and adventures since 1983.RIDE THE ADIRONDACK RAIL TRAIL. Lake Placid to Tupper Lake and Beyond. Paddle. Bike. Hike. Fish. E-Bikes. Guides. Shuttles. Tours Adventure.

15

HITCHHIKER

394 Mountain Road Ste. 6, Stowe, VT | 802-585-3344 hitchhikerbikes.com

We are Stowe's local bike shop. Located adjacent to the Cady Hill trails in the Baggy Knees shopping center. We are your source for all things MTB and gravel. We have you covered with everything from sales and service, to clothing, parts, and accessories! In store you'll find bikes from Rocky Mountain, Cervelo, Otso Forbidden, Chromag, and more!"

16

LAMOILLE VALLEY BIKE TOURS

19 Creamery St., Johnson, VT | 802-730-0161 | lamoillevalleybiketours.com

331 North Winooski Ave., Burlington, VT 802-863-4475 | oldspokeshome.com

Vermont’s best selection of professionally refurbished used bikes and new bikes for touring, bike packing, commuting, fat biking, and simply getting around town. A non-profit, Old Spokes Home uses 100% of its revenue to run programs creating access to bikes in the community.

OMER & BOB’S 19

20 Hanover St. Lebanon, NH 603-448-3522 | omerandbobs.com

The Upper Valley's bike shop since 1964. Offering mountain bikes, gravel and road bikes, hybrid bikes, e-bikes, and kids bikes from Norco, Specialized, Trek, and Electra. Featuring a full service department, bike fitting, mountain and e-bike demos, and a kids trade-in, trade-up program. Hours: Mon.-Friday, 9am5:30pm, Sat., 9am-5pm

ONION RIVER OUTDOORS

20 Langdon St. Montpelier, VT 802-225-6736 | onionriver.com

35 Portland St. Morrisville, VT 802-888-6557

powerplaysports.com

North Central Vermont's Trek and Giant Dealer nestled in the heart of bike country. Selling new and used bikes for every budget and every type of rider from beginner to expert. We service all manner of bike and sell tons of accessories and apparel. Bike rentals for the Lamoille Valley Rail Trail just 200 yards down the road.

RANCH CAMP 23

311 Mountain Road, Stowe, VT 802-253-2753 | ranchcampvt.com

57 Pond St. STE 1, Ludlow, VT (802) 228-5440

Info@tygartmountainsports.com, Tygartmountainsports.com

We are a full service bicycle sales and service center offering a variety of bikes from Cannondale, Scott, and Kona. We also offer a full line of tools, clothing, and accessories. We have 4 Park Tool School Certified technicians with a combined 52 years of industry experience offering a full range of services including in-house suspension work and full build-outs.

VILLAGE SPORT SHOP 27

Trailside, 2099 Darling Hill Rd. East Burke, VT 802-626-8444|

villagesportshop.com

Ranch Camp is Stowe’s mountain bike base lodge and your hub for bikes, gear, and culture! Ranch Camp offers a full-service mountain bike shop, tap room, and fresh-casual eatery, featuring sales and demo bike from Specialized, Ibis, Yeti, Evil, Revel, and Fatback. Looking for top of the line mountain bikes and components? Got ‘em. How about local brews from new England’s finest purveyors of craft libations? You bet. And if you need a thoughtfully crafted grab-and-go meal for your ride, or a place to sit down and refuel afterwards, Ranch Camp has you covered. Best of all, Ranch Camp is situation trailside with its very own public access entrance into Stowe’s iconic Cady Hill trail network.

Established in 1978, we are a family-owned, passion-driven sporting goods store serving customers for four seasons of adventure. Strongly focused on bike and ski, we have highly skilled knowledgeable technicians and sales staff to assist in all needs of purchase, rental and service. With a location trailside on the world-renowned Kingdom Trails, we’re here to make your adventures happen!

Located trailside on the 93-mile Lamoille Valley Rail Trail! Lamoille Valley Bike Tours has been getting riders out on the rail trail with local knowledge and friendly service since 2016. We offer E-bike and Bike tours, rentals and sales and a new Rail Trail Bike Shuttle service. We carry E-bikes, bikes and gravel bikes from Diamondback, Batch Bicycles, Cannondale, Izip and Surface 604 with a wide selection of used E-bikes available for sale. We offer private consultations and a try-before-youbuy customer experience. We service Bosch and Shimano E-bike systems. Come visit us at our fully stocked Trailside Bike Center at mile 55 on the Lamoille Valley Rail Trail

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MOUNTAINOPS

4081 Mountain Road, Stowe, VT 802-253-4531 mountainopsvt. com

ORO is Central Vermont's premier bike, car rack and outdoor gear shop. Friendly and knowledgeable sales and service. We carry Specialized, Niner, Rocky Mountain, Salsa, Surly and Yuba, and a large variety of clothing and accessories including Giro, Smith, Club Ride, Patagonia, Terry and more. Visit our website to learn about our clinics, events and bike rental program!

OUTDOOR GEAR EXCHANGE 21

37 Church St., Burlington, VT 888-547-4327 |gearx.com

SKIRACK 24

85 Main St. Burlington 802-658-3313 | skirack.com

Locally owned and operated since 1969, Skirack provides the best selection of outdoor gear for running, downhill & cross country skiing and snowboarding. We specialize in all things bike and e-bike: service, rentals, car racks, expert fitting and knowledge. Head to Skirack.com for updated hours and more information.

WATERBURY SPORTS 28

46 South Main Street, Waterbury, VT

802-882-8595 | waterburysportsvt.com

A full service bike shop selling Trek and Giant bikes in one of Vermont's most convenient locations. Nestled in downtown Waterbury a short distance from the Perry Hill MTB trails, WBS services all bikes and can handle any repair you might have. We also have a fleet of demo bikes and an excellent selection of parts and accessories. Open 7 days a week!

WEST HILL SHOP 29

STARK MOUNTAIN 25

We offer bikes along with fast, friendly service. Dealers of Niner, Scott, Devinci and Jamis, we carry a large assortment of mountain and gravel bikes including a 60bike demo fleet. Our techs have years of experience and our local trail knowledge is second to none. Our converted 1893 barnturned-bike-shop houses a huge selection of bike and lifestyle clothing and parts and accessories. Looking for a more mellow ride? Rent one of our cruisers for a trip down the Stowe Rec Path right from our parking lot!

Voted Best Bike Shop 2021 by MTBVT, OGE is an award-winning, premier bike shop with knowledgeable, friendly, and honest staff. We offer a wide range of gravel grinders from Marin, BMC, and Niner. Our selection of mountain bikes from Marin, BMC, Niner, Pivot, Rocky Mountain, Transition, SCOR, and Yeti will blow you away. Plus, we offer super affordable kids' bikes, commuters from Batch Bicycles, and fat bikes. We also have consignment bikes as well as a demo fleet. Our efficient service department is capable of everything from tuning your vintage road bike to servicing your new mountain bike and offers full Fox shock service. Browse our gear shop to get fully outfitted for bike packing, touring, or fat biking to the slopes for a multi-sport day—indeed any conceivable adventure—while you're here. Come see us downtown on Church St!

9 RTE 17, unit b   Waitsfield, VT 802-496-4800

Find us on Facebook

Located at the lowest spot in the Mad River Valley so you can coast in when you break your bike on a ride! 21 years of advice,directions and fixing anything that pedals. Thinking about a Yeti? Come ride one of ours,we have been selling Yeti since 2006! Hours: Tues-Fri 9-6*, Sat 9-4, and Sunday 10-2. *Closes at 5 on Thursdays for the Shop Ride.

49 Brickyard Lane, Putney, VT 802-387-5718

westhillshop.com

Right off I-91 Northbound! Proud to be a tier-1 Specialized shop, and one of the longeststanding independent shops in the region, with bikes also from Banshee, Cannonade, Devinci, Evil, Transition, and Salsa. Our curated garment selection from Patagonia, POC, and Specialized is based on what we have chosen for our own use in all of Vermont’s glorious conditions. The WHS service department is widely recognized as one of the best in the region. Call about walkin service availability on Fridays and Saturdays. Ask us about custom wheels, suspension service, and set-up.

ENDGAME

Iwas born and raised in Vermont, in the glory of maples. Driving to Colorado for my freshman year of college, not only was I feeling the general ache of leaving home, I was also dealing with the specific sorrow— worse than saying goodbye to Ma and Pa—of missing the hardwoods and their phantasmagorical foliage. What have the Rockies got to offer? Blue spruce? Dark brooding firs?

My first weekend in the West, I cruised into the high country without an agenda, ending up on Kebler Pass, a dirt road that weaves through some of our planet’s largest organisms. Populus tremuloides, the quaking aspen, grows in clonal colonies, which means each stem in a grove—even a grove spanning 100 acres!—is genetically identical, connected by an immense underground root system. Nobody’s sure of the exact stats on the Kebler aspen groves, but researchers suspect they might be world-record big. What I witnessed that weekend—a wash of gold extending over entire mountainsides, an infinity of leaves—was proof enough.

That astounding vision inspired a dream, a fantasy, a crazy idea. What happens when you intentionally lose yourself in the labyrinth of an ubertree, a mega-body? What happens when you pull a hammock out of your pack, rig it 30 feet above the deck between two pale chalky branches, and ease into the lazy daze of an autumn afternoon?

What happens when, having dozed off, you wake at dusk to coyotes howling and woodpeckers drumming and deer browsing the ferny understory? Do you perceive, in an instantaneous epiphany, that these animals, like you, are akin to the mites and other micro-critters that reside on a human’s eyelashes—that you are all so very small? Does your mind explode from the joy of recognizing this smallness, the bliss of being grasped by such hugeness?

These are not rhetorical questions. At least they don’t have to be.

Hammock, sleeping bag, foam Thermarest pad—check. Harness, carabiners, extra slings, Prusik loops, ATC for rappelling—check. Coil of rope donated by a buddy who actually understands knots and anchors— check. Dubious skillset but the grit and gumption to (hopefully) get the job done—check-a-frigging-roo! Quasiprepared and totally excited, I stepped from the dusty Kebler road and, at long

SLEEPING IN THE TREES

FORGET THE TENT, PULL OUT THE HAMMOCK, STRING IT HIGH IN THE TREES AND YOU WILL SEE THE WORLD DIFFERENTLY.

BY LEATH TONINO

last, a decade after graduating from college, entered the sun-shot intricacies, the shade-dappled mysteries, in search of my perfect hanging campsite.

It’s worth noting that this was September, the month that foliage peaks in much of lofty Colorado. Of course, Vermont’s foliage usually peaks in October. Are you catching my drift?

If time and funds are available, you can make a vacation trip out West and still be home to catch the New England rainbow. I’m a maniac and have been known to chase leaves like the surferdudes in the famous film Endless Summer: Hang ten, bro—endless autumn!

Bushwhacking south from the road, I was rewarded with a dozen squirrels, a great horned owl snoozing on her midday roost, and precisely zero hammock-worthy limbs within my reach. Alas, I don’t own a crossbow, slingshot, or potato cannon and was thus dependent on a skinny bicep and an iffy sidearm to launch my gear into the canopy. Furthermore, I refused to settle for just any uber-tree, just any two-bit, run-of-the-mill mega-body.

According to a Forest Service webpage on aspen ecology: “The members of a clone can be distinguished from those of a neighboring clone often by a variety of traits such as leaf shape and size, bark character, branching habit, resistance to disease and air pollution, sex, time of flushing, and autumn leaf color.” This final trait—color—was my guide. Certain groves remain green into late fall, whereas others pop their gold early. A casual visual survey, I figured, ought to steer me directly into the heart of a particularly beastly botanical beast.

I eventually found my beast—found

myself stumbling around inside it, giggling and gleefully swearing, neck craned—a few hours before sunset. White columns scratched black with bear-claw calligraphy. Stout pillars supporting a gilded ceiling reminiscent of ornate church domes in Venice and Rome. A thousand stems, ten thousand stems, ten bazillion stems. I would have liked to make a rough tally, pace a perimeter, jot notes, but the slanting light and chill in the air insisted otherwise. Licketysplit, I had to empty my pack, sort my tangled equipment, review the art of the Prusik hitch (slides up a rope, bites tight if loaded, costs a fraction of a mechanical ascender), and commence the shitshow.

Er, the safe and methodical climb. Yes, that’s right. Absolutely my style.

Jack Turner, in his book Teewinot, writes: “I’ve always wanted to hang a hammock high in an aspen grove and live among the leaves.” This coming from a member of the elite Exum Mountain Guides, a grizzled alpinist who has spent decades in the Greater Ranges, i.e. the astonishingly epic landscapes that you’d assume would render deciduous forests boring. But no, the murmuring, vibrating, mesmerizing aspens compel attention in a way that icy slopes and soaring granite buttresses cannot. For the aspens are alive—are a vast encompassing life. Those ethereal zones above treeline, albeit thrilling and savagely beautiful, present us with the heavens, not the earth.

I thought about this once the awkward, arduous battle (twigs in the hair, fumbled Nalgene, spastic flailing galore) was complete and, whew, I was suspended in my nylon aerie. Far from comfortably suspended, due to

the harness I planned to wear all night and the severe wedgie it caused, but suspended nonetheless. A couple stories off the ground. Sweat drying. Tiny spiders keeping me company, traversing invisible filaments, playfully mocking me with their graceful mobility.

Peanut butter sandwich for dinner— check. Airplane bottle of Scotch for dessert—check. Baby in a crib, cozy and drowsy, hushed by the lullabye of a leafrustling breeze—check-a-frigging-roo! My heavy eyelids closed and opened, closed and opened. Drifting at the edge of consciousness, I delighted, despite the persistent wedgie, in the image of stars through foliage, a glittering universe beyond cracks in the evershifting crown.

And then, seemingly a mere fifteen minutes having passed, the dawn chorus roused me, warblers and nuthatches flitting near my head, perching beside my toes. My spine was kinked. Frost had silvered half my sleeping bag. I pounded a cold instant coffee, dismantled camp, and rappelled. Not out of something, but deeper into something.

Looking back on that unique adventure, I realize now that the Kebler aspens dwarfed me, indeed, but better yet they gave me a sense of embeddedness and immersion, a sense of how habitat holds us. My hypothesis is that the average outdoorsy person’s love of nature has less to do with scenery and sporty fun and whatnot than it does with being embraced by an environment. Locating a niche, a place within the broader place. Appreciating the wilderness that surrounds and sustains.

I was born and raised in Vermont, in the glory of maples, and to my dying day I will celebrate that glory—nay, will loudly and proudly declare it to be the glory, the quintessence of autumn splendor, the ultimate arboreal wow. But as bioregional poet Gary Snyder has noted, being committed to a place doesn’t preclude a person from being “promiscuous” with other exotic landscapes. There’s no denying it: I sleep around.

Libertine? Hardly. I’d prefer to think of myself as an explorer, a guy questing after new horizons, new perspectives.

Contributing editor Leath Tonino lives in Ferrisburgh, Vt. and is the author of, most recently the essay collection, The West Will Swallow You. A version of this essay also ran on outside.com.

String a hammock between two trees and camp closer to the stars. Photo Adobe Stock

HELP THE VERMONT FOODBANK FIGHT HUNGER!

Saturday, September 23, 2023, at the State House Lawn in Montpelier

Did you know that two in five people in Vermont have experienced hunger in the past year?

Register now for the Point to Point, powered by VSECU—an annual bike riding event and fundraiser for the Vermont Foodbank. There will be rides from 10 to 110 miles and music, food, fun, and games for everyone. We look forward to seeing you there.

Every dollar we raise provides a meal for a Vermont family, so sign up today to support a good cause and help us reach our $150,000 fundraising goal.

www.thepointtopoint.org