Hike 2 NEHH Peaks (Killington and Pico) in the Green Mountains

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Read the entire description before you RSVP and answer all questions that are part of the RSVP. Failure to answer them will result in your removal from this event.

If you RSVP from a mobile device the questions may not show up - be sure to use a computer to update your RSVP so you can answer them (go back to the event page, click change "RSVP", click "YES", then answer them.

Your safety, and the safety of the group, is the most important thing. If you underestimate the demands of this event; overestimate your experience, knowledge, skills or abilities; or come unprepared you put yourself or others at risk – consider this before you decide to participate.

This is a combined trip with the AMC (Appalachian Mountain Club). The AMC requires a signed liability waiver for participation so ALL participants will need to read the waiver (read it by clicking here (http://files.meetup.com/492954/AMC%20Liability%20Release.pdf)) before you arrive and sign it at the trailhead in order to participate.

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What we're doing

The plan is the take the Bucklin Trail to Killington Peak (4,235’) and the continue on the Long Trail north to the Shelburne Pass trail to Pico Peak (3,957’) ending at Shelburne pass. Along the way we’ll pass over Snowden peak (3,592’) as well. If the weather is clear, on top of Killington we’ll be able to see the Adirondack, Green and White Mountains, and there should be nice views from the top of Pico as well. The majority of the hike will be below tree line.

See also Saturday’s hiking and sledding trip to Mt. Ellen and Abraham

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What to bring...

Be sure to look at the gear information listed below - you will need things like warm layers, wind protection, goggles, snow shoes, and traction (especially for the Killington Spur trail towards the summit of Killington) I will update everyone if weather conditions dictate that we bring more than what is described here. If you don't know what to wear and/or bring with you or have any questions contact me.

Click for a list of items needed for a winter day hike (http://files.meetup.com/492954/Winter_Day_Hike_Clothing_and_Gear_List.pdf). Do not rely on others to have extra items to share with you at the meeting spot or on the trail. If you don't have the required items you put yourself and everyone else at risk. You should know how to use all of your equipment - test and adjust it prior to this trip.

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Trip Summary

We start as a group, hike as a group, and finish as a group. Our pace will be that of the slowest hiker. This trip isn't for you if you are faster than the group and don't want to stay with us, if you want to head off on your own, or if you are slower than the group and expect us to constantly wait for you. This hike will be

On this moderate pace (~1.5 MPH) out and back trip we will hike about 10.3 miles and climb about 3,300 feet. It should take an average hiker about 9 and a half hours to complete this trip (this does not include time for rest breaks).

This event is considered to be Intermediate because of the pace, distance, and elevation gain. We could alter our plans because of fatigue, weather, and/or other conditions and there is no guarantee that we will complete the entire event as described here (i.e. we might not reach the summit).

I did my research using the Green Mountain Club's "Long Trail Guide", a trail map, and the Internet. You need to become self-reliant by becoming familiar with the route, terrain,

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Weather

Mountain weather is subject to rapid changes and extreme conditions. Dangerous weather conditions will cancel - I will post an update and/or send an email to all confirmed participants a day or two ahead of time. We will assess travel and weather conditions during the hike and make changes to our planned trip as necessary.

Click here (http://www.mountain-forecast.com/peaks/Killington-Peak/forecasts/1291) for the weather forecast

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Directions

We will meet in along the parking lot on Route 4 at Sheldon Pass (right across from the Inn at the Long Trail; it’s also about 1.4 miles west of Vt. 100 North near the Killington Access Rd) in VT. Since this is where we will finish we will leave a few cars here and then circle back to the where we will start the hike at Brewers Corners on Wheelerville Road. According to Google Maps this spot is about 162 miles from Boston and it should take about 2 hours 45 minutes to drive there.

Click here for directions While carpooling is encouraged you are responsible for coordinating your own rides. Use the comments section below to communicate with others who may also be looking to share a ride. If you do share a ride be sure to share the expenses - suggested donations per person are $25 from Boston MA, $20 from Salem/Nashua NH, and $10 from Concord NH