RECREATION

Hiking

Kingdom Trails has over 100 miles of trails to explore. A Kingdom Trail map can be purchased at Kingdom Trails.  If a more vigorous workout is more your style, then take a hike up Burke Mountain. The view from the top is well worth it!     Kingdom Adventures Mountain Guides provides instruction in rock and ice climbing, mountaineering, first aid training, and more.

{ Biking }  { Fishing & Kayaking }  { Golfing }  { Hiking }  { Horseback Riding }  { Ice Climbing }  { Skiing }  { Snowmobiling }  { Snowshoeing & Ski Joring }  

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Bald Mountain Trails

Located in the Town of Westmore, Bald Mountain is the third highest peak in the Northeast Kingdom and provides one of the best views of the region from its recently restored fire tower. The summit of Bald Mountain is accessed by three hiking trails: the Telegraph Trail, the Mad Brook Trail and the Long Pond Trail, although the Telegraph is seldom used and is in disrepair. The two most heavily used trails, the Mad Brook (north) and Long Pond (south) Trails, are maintained by the Westmore Association, the Northeast Kingdom Conservation Service Corps and volunteers with the Green Mountain Club. The recent acquisition by the State of Vermont of the summit property on Bald Mountain, including the Fire Lookout’s Cabin, Tower and much of the upper Mad Brook Trail, and its subsequent inclusion in the Willoughby State Forest led to significant restoration work on the Mad Brook and Long Pond Trails in recent years as well as the complete renovation of the historic summit fire tower. Bald Mountain, Long Pond Trail: Approaching the summit of Bald Mountain from the southwest, Long Pond Trail begins approximately 350-feet east of the Long Pond fishing access on Long Pond Road, 2 miles east of Vermont Route 5A. The blue-blazed trail leaves the parking area and follows a gated logging road, bearing right at a junction and climbing moderately to an open log landing. After it leaves the far right corner of the log landing the trail soon turns left into the woods where it again follows an old woods trail for a short distance before turning eastward onto a well-worn path. The trail continues through open hardwoods, crossing some small streams and then climbing more steadily into the subalpine spruce-fir forest. After climbing several steep pitches and passing some rock outcroppings the trail soon emerges on the mountain summit. SUMMARY: Road to summit, approx. 2.1 mi.; 1250 ft. ascent; 2 1/2 hr. (Rev. 1 1/4 hr.). Bald Mountain, Mad Brook Trail: This trail approaches the summit of Bald Mountain from the north, beginning at the gated terminus of the Mad Brook Road in East Charleston. A small parking area nearby provides space for only a limited number of vehicles but hikers should keep the gated road and the neighboring driveway clear. The trail follows the graveled drive beyond the gate for roughly 1/2 mile before passing a private home and entering an open meadow. Continuing straight through the meadow the trail soon enters a mixed forest where it follows an open woods road, climbing easily and then turning west where it briefly descends to the base of Bald Mountain and the first of two nearby stream crossings. From here the trail climbs gradually around a large switchback and then more steeply up the mountain. Frequent examples of recent trail work are evident for the next mile. SUMMARY: Road to summit, approx. 3.0 mi.; 1415 ft. ascent; 2 3/4 hr. (Rev. 11/2 hr.).

Westmore, VT  

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Haystack Mountain

At an elevation of 2712 feet, Haystack Mountain is located just outside of Willoughby State Forest in Westmore. The low, but rugged, peak is aptly named for its abrupt sides that climb steeply from all directions. The peak is accessible by two trails, the North Trail and South Trail, and offers excellent local views towards Long Pond, Bald Mountain and beyond in several directions. North Trail: Approximately 0.6 miles past the boat access at Long Pond, the North Trail on Haystack begins at a small parking area on Long Pond Road. Parking is limited, so please take care to keep the road clear. From the trailhead, the trail climbs moderately through open hardwoods for some time before ascending steeply onto the summit knoll and intersecting one of several short spur trails. To the right, a spur trail leads to a western lookout with views of Long Pond, Lake Willoughby and beyond. Continuing straight, North Trail soon reaches the summit (marked with a large rock pile) and the junction with the South Trail. SUMMARY: trailhead to Haystack summit, approx. 1.0 mi., <1 hr. (Rev. 1/2 hr.) South Trail: This trail leaves the summit of Haystack Mountain and soon reaches two lookouts, one to the east and one to the south. Continuing down the trail quickly drops into mixed woods and follows moderate grades back to Long Pond Road. From here, it is a short walk back to the North Trail parking area (approx. 1.2 mi.). SUMMARY: Haystack summit to Long Pond Road, approx. 1.0 mi., <1hr. (Rev. 1/2 hr.); Haystack Loop: North Trail to South Trail w/ Long Pond Rd. walk, approx. 3.0 mi., 2 hrs.

Long Pond Road, Westmore, VT  

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Kingdom Adventures Mountain Guides

Kingdom Adventures Mountain Guides (KAMG) provides instruction in rock and ice climbing, mountaineering, avalanche education, and wilderness first aid training. International trekking opportunities are also available in partnership with other guide services.

Route 114, East Burke, VT 05832 
802-274-4112
kamountainguides@gmail.com | http://www.kamountainguides.com

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Mt. Hor

Elevation 2648 feet. Parking and trailhead for Mt. Hor are on CCC Road off of Route 5A about 1/2 mile south of the Southern end of Lake Willoughby. Follow the dirt road for about 2 miles to get to the trailhead. The summit offers near views of several ponds in the valley to the west and a distant view of the Green Mountains. From the two Lake Willoughby overlooks you'll have views of the lake below and distant views of the White Mountains, Owl's Head and Mount Orford. For an even longer hike, connect to the Moose Mountain Trail.

Westmore, VT  

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Mt. Pisgah Trails in Westmore

Westmore is located just 15 minutes from Burke and is home to several mountains and great hiking trails including Mt. Pisgah. Don't forget to bring a camera to capture the spectacular rewards of your journey upwards. There are two overlooks near the summit: one offers a near view of the Passumpsic Valley and distant view of the Southern White Mountains, the other a near view of Bald Mountain and the Northern White Mountains. From the overlooks north of the summit, there are partial views of the Green Mountains and Lake Memphremagog, with Willoughby Lake directly beneath. The trailhead and parking for the South Trail of Mt. Pisgah are located on Route 5A about 1/2 mile south of the southern end of Willoughby Lake. The climb for the South Trail is 1480 feet. From the summit you can connect to the North Trail of Mount Pisgah or the East Trail (Hedgehog Mountain) or head back down the way you came. The trailhead and parking for the North Trail are located along Route 5A 1 mile south of Long Pond Road and about 2 1/2 miles north of the southern end of Willoughby Lake. The North Trail offers a climb of 1530 feet with a 2.2 mile hike. From the summit you can connect to the South Trail of Mount Pisgah or the East Trail (Hedgehog Mountain) or head back down the way you came. The trailhead for the East Trail is located in Westmore about 1.8 miles up Long Pond Road (on the right side) which is off of Route 5A. The East Trail offers a climb of 900 feet with a 2.2 mile hike. The trail connects to the Mount Pisgah North and South Trails. The view from the top is a stunning vista of mountains and the lake below.

Route 5A, Westmore, VT  

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Village Sport Shop

Sporting goods, clothing, and gear for 4 seasons of recreation. Bikes, kayaks, skis, equipment, rentals, and more.

511 Broad St., Lyndonville, VT 05851 
802-626-8448
villagesportshop@gmail.com | http://www.villagesportshop.com