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Day Hikes on the Appalachian Trail

Program Number: 11801RJ
Start and End Dates:
8/25/2013 - 8/30/2013; 9/8/2013 - 9/13/2013;
Duration: 5 nights
Location: Fairlee, Vermont
Price starting at: $599.00 - Price may vary based on date, departure city
Program Type: Walking/Hiking Activity Level: n (see description)
Meals: 15; 5 Breakfasts, 5 Lunches, 5 Dinners    
Meal Options: Vegetarian    

Grab your favorite boots, your day pack, and set out for the Appalachian Trail amid the beautiful hues of late summer in New England. Daily small group hikes help you learn about this famous trail that runs more than 2,000 miles from Georgia to Maine -- affectionately known as America’s narrowest national park.




Highlights

• Hike along selected sections of the AT in Vermont and New Hampshire, exploring the lore and culture surrounding this most famous of trails as you go.
• Experienced hike leaders teach sound hiking practices, safety tips, and love of the wild.
• Spend the evenings learning about the human and natural history of Northern New England through special programs.



Activity Particulars

Hiking 4-6 hours per day over uneven, sometimes rocky terrain, including forest paths with roots and rocks.



Coordinated by Camps of the Aloha Foundation.




Fairlee

Situated in the Upper Connecticut River Valley on the shores of beautiful Lake Morey, this is a gateway to exploration and adventures in thousands of acres of forests, bluffs and gently rolling countryside.
Accommodations
Conference center cabins with 3-4 bedrooms, two baths in each cabin, and a living room on 1,000 acres of forest on shores of Lake Morey. Light chores required.
Meals and Lodgings
   Ohana Camp of the Aloha Foundation
  Thetford, VT 5 nights
 Ohana Camp of the Aloha Foundation
Type: Cabin
  Description: Ohana camp sits on a hilltop on the shores of Lake Fairlee. The views are spectacular, the cabins are delightful and the food is top notch! In the Hawaiian language, ohana means family, community, a circle of good friends. So the camp we call Ohana brings families and friends together to refresh and celebrate their ties, and build new ones with others who enjoy living simply for a time in the out-of-doors, and sharing all that nature has to offer. Enjoy the ammenties of our 110 acres that includes tennis courts, horseshoes, basketball court, numberous gardens, a library and walking trails. www.alohafoundation.org/ohana
  Contact info: 341 Quinibeck Road
Thetford, VT 05058 USA
phone: 802-333-3460
web: www.alohafoundation.org/ohana
  Room amenities: Rustic cabins have 2-4 bedrooms most with shared bathrooms. Each cabin contains showers with on-demand hot water, field stone fireplaces for warmth, a small kitchen with stove and fridge and a porch with a wonderful view. Furniture is rustic and beds are very comfortable!
  Facility amenities: Our historic Main Hall, with a massive field stone fireplace, has a large wrap around porch for relaxing and taking in the incredible views of Lake Fairlee, the Middle Brook Valley and the surrounding hills and mountains. Below the Main Hall you will find a cozy library filled with books on local lore and nature. And to the other side is our gameroom complete with ping pong, fooseball, shuffleboard and most lawn games imaginable. Historic cabins have been recently renovated with new baths and kitchenettes. Each cabin has a field stone fireplace in the living room. There is no auxiliary heat - just the warmth of the fireplace. Each cabin has a porch. The site is a typical New England landscape, filled with uneven terrain, woods and open, grassy hillsides. There is a need for walking up and down hills at this site.
  Smoking allowed: No
  Bathroom: shared baths
  Check in time: 4:30 PM
  Check out time: 11:30 PM


Travel Details
  Start of Program:
At the Center in Thetford VT after 3:30PM. You will be staying at Ohana Camp of the Aloha Foundation that night.
  End of Program:
At the Center in Thetford, VT 11:00 AM. You will be staying at Ohana Camp of the Aloha Foundation the night before.
  Required documents:
The Road Scholar Health & Safety Form is required.
  Parking availability:
Free Parking
Transportation
To Start of Program
  Location:  Thetford, VT
  Nearest city or town:  Fairlee, VT
  Nearest highway: I 91
  Nearest airport:  Manchester NH
  From End of Program
  Location: Thetford, VT
    (Additional transportation information same as above)
Travel Details
 

White River Junction VT or Hanover NH

 

From Bus Terminal

 
 

Service:

 

Taxi
Big Yellow Cab
phone: 802-281-8294
Advanced Reservations Required

 

Per Person/One Way:

 

55.
Prices are subject to change.
 

Travel Time:

 

25 minutes 
 

Distance:

 

20 miles
   

Taxi service is available from White River Junction VT and from Hanover NH. Cost is approx. $55 and can be shared. 802-281-8294. Participants must reserve 24 hours in advance and identify themselves as participants for a discount. Bus and Train available to White River Junction VT Vermont Transit Bus 1-800--552-8737 Amtrak 800-872-7245
 

Manchester NH

 

From Airport

 
 

Service:

 

Public Transportation
Vermont Transit Company
phone: 800-552-8737

 

Per Person/One Way:

 

17.
Prices are subject to change.
 

Travel Time:

 

2 1/2 hrs. 
 

Distance:

 

85 miles
   

Vermont Transit Bus Company serves Manchester Airport and delivers participants to White River Junction, VT or Hanover NH. www.greyhound.com
 

Washington DC/NYC

 

From Train Station

 
 

Service:

 

Public Transportation
Amtrak
phone: 800-872-7245
Advanced Reservations Required

 

Travel Time:

 

NYC - 5 Hours 
   

Amtrak serves White River Junction VT. from Washington, DC and New York City. www.amtrak.com
 

Logan Airport, Boston

 

From Airport

 
 

Service:

 

Public Transportation
Dartmouth Coach
phone: 180-063-7012 x3
Advanced Reservations Required

 

Per Person/One Way:

 

$38.00
Prices are subject to change.
 

Travel Time:

 

2 hours 
   

www.dartmouthcoach.com Dartmouth Coach is a terrific and convenient bus service that will take you from your terminal at Logan Airport to Hanover, NH. Our staff will pick you up in Hanover and bring you to Ohana (about a 15 minute drive). Please let us know if you will be using this option and the bus you will be arriving on. Advanced reservations highly recommended.
 
Driving Directions
  East Ohana Camp is located on the shores of Lake Fairlee, in Thetford, Vermont. Thetford is on the banks of the Connecticut River, 15 miles north of White River Junction on Interstate 91. Hulbert Outdoor Center is easy to reach from the East by taking I-89 in Concord NH. to I-91 north in White River Junction, VT. Take Interstate I-91 North to Exit 14, Thetford, Vermont. Turn left off the exit ramp, onto Route #113. Follow Route #113 through Thetford Center and into Post Mills, VT (5.5 Miles). Take a Right onto Route #244, just after Baker's General Store. Go only 1/2 mile, and then bear right onto Robinson Hill Road. Continue about 1.5 miles past the cemetery and Airport, to the top of the hill. Turn Left at the stop sign onto Quinibeck Rd. After a short distance there will be tennis courts on your right and two stone pillars with a gate bearing the Ohana Camp Sign on your left. Turn into this driveway. The Office will be on your right - please stop and check in.
  North Ohana Camp is located on the shores of Lake Fairlee, in Thetford, Vermont. Thetford is on the banks of the Connecticut River, 15 miles north of White River Junction on Interstate 91. Hulbert Outdoor Center is easy to reach from the North by taking I-91 south.to Exit 14, Thetford, Vermont. Turn right off the exit ramp, onto Route #113. Follow Route #113 through Thetford Center and into Post Mills, VT (5.5 Miles). Take a Right onto Route #244, just after Baker's General Store. Go only 1/2 mile, and then bear right onto Robinson Hill Road. Continue about 1.5 miles past the cemetery and Airport, to the top of the hill. Turn Left at the stop sign onto Quinibeck Rd. After a short distance there will be tennis courts on your right and two stone pillars with a gate bearing the Ohana Camp Sign on your left. Turn into this driveway. The Office will be on your right - please stop and check in.
  South Ohana Camp is located on the shores of Lake Fairlee, in Thetford, Vermont. Thetford is on the banks of the Connecticut River, 15 miles north of White River Junction on Interstate 91. Hulbert Outdoor Center is easy to reach from the North by taking I-91 north in White River Junction, VT.to Exit 14, Thetford, Vermont. Turn left off the exit ramp, onto Route #113. Follow Route #113 through Thetford Center and into Post Mills, VT (5.5 Miles). Take a Right onto Route #244, just after Baker's General Store. Go only 1/2 mile, and then bear right onto Robinson Hill Road. Continue about 1.5 miles past the cemetery and Airport, to the top of the hill. Turn Left at the stop sign onto Quinibeck Rd. After a short distance there will be tennis courts on your right and two stone pillars with a gate bearing the Ohana Camp Sign on your left. Turn into this driveway. The Office will be on your right - please stop and check in.
Elevation Note: Exception would be for those who choose to hike some of the higher peaks.

Equipment Requirements: Clothing that is suitable for hiking. hiking boots, hat, sunscreen, day pack, waterproof bag for camera, binoculars, extra clothes, waterbottle, rain gear, hiking pole or poles if you use them (recommended).
The prices listed for commercial services and facilities that are not included in the program cost, such as airport shuttles or extra nights lodging, are subject to change without notice. Since Road Scholar cannot guarantee the accuracy of these prices, we strongly suggest contacting the companies directly for the most up-to-date information.


Daily Schedule

Day 1: Afternoon Arrival/Evening Welcome
(Sunday, August 25)
   
 Afternoon: 3:30 - 5:00 pm - check into room and Road Scholar registration.
 Dinner: Dinner in the dining hall.
 Evening: Welcome, orientation and review of the week.
   
Accommodations: Ohana Camp of the Aloha Foundation
Meals Included: Dinner

Day 2: First hike on the Appalachian Trail in Vermont. Get to know your accomplished A.T guides on this hike. They will be able to answer questions on history and the surrounding natural world. As well as anything you need to know about the outdoors.
(Monday, August 26)

Note: Today we will stomp in around Woodstock, VT on our hike. We will take our time and be sure that we have the right gear and everyone is feeling good.
   
 Breakfast: Breakfast in the dining hall. Fresh baked treats by our chef.
 Morning: Introduction to Basics of Hiking and we will begin our day hike on the Vermont section of the A.T. Not much elevation change today.
 Lunch: Hearty bag Lunch
 Afternoon: Hike returns at 4:00
 Dinner: Bountiful dinner served buffet style in our beautiful dining hall. Local produce from our gardens or neighboring farms.
 Evening: Evening Program Willem Lange, author, "thru-hiker," humorist and commentator for National Public Radio
   
Accommodations: Ohana Camp of the Aloha Foundation
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 3: Hike the Appalachian Trail in New Hampshire. We will head to the White Mountains for a hike up Mt. Smarts (3,240') and/or Mt. Cube. (2,909')
(Tuesday, August 27)

Note: Smarts Mountain: Offers a taste of boreal forest. Standing alone and often buffeted by high winds. With its open quartzite ledges on Lambert Ridge and old fire tower on the summit, Smarts affords plenty of interesting views across the surrounding countryside. Mt. Cube: With open ledges on its north and south peaks, commands views both back down the valley towards Hanover and ahead to the White Mountains beyond. The pinkish-gray summit rocks are quartzite and good for lunch.
   
 Breakfast: Breakfast in the dining hall with fresh baked goods from our chef.
 Morning: Explore the Appalachian Trail in New Hampshire with a choice of hikes- both with excellent views.
 Lunch: Hearty bag Lunch
 Afternoon: Continue day hike Return between 4:00 and 5:00
 Dinner: Bountiful dinner served buffet style in our beautiful dining hall. Local produce from our gardens and neighboring farms.
 Evening: Evening Program with Ben Kilham, Bear Biologist. Ben is known as "Mother Bear Man" as seen in three National Geographic Films about his work.
   
Accommodations: Ohana Camp of the Aloha Foundation
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 4: Zero Mile Day. Enjoy a leture on the history and lore surrounding the Appalachian Trail plus learn basics (and beyond) of map reading. Free afternoon visiting the local sights!
(Wednesday, August 28)
   
 Breakfast: Breakfast in the dining hall with fresh baked goods from our chef.
 Morning: History and Lore of the Appalachian Trail Basics of Map Reading
 Lunch: Lunch in Dining Hall
 Afternoon: Free afternoon to explore local area- we can suggest much to do including visiting King Arthur Flour, the Monthshire Science Museum, Vermont Institute of Natural Science...to name a few.
 Dinner: Bountiful dinner served buffet style in our beautiful dining hall. Local produce from our gardens and neighboring farms.
 Evening: Slide show presentation and talk by A.T. thru-hiker Austin Borg.
   
Accommodations: Ohana Camp of the Aloha Foundation
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 5: New Hampshire A.T. Hiking up Mount Moosilauke (4,802'). Our highest ascent, but with easy and moderate options to get to the top.
(Thursday, August 29)

Note: The Gentle Giant, Moosilauke has been climbed by locals for nearly 300 years. At the base of the mountain on the east is the Moosilauke Ravine Lodge, which, along with 4500 acres of the Baker River watershed is owned by Dartmouth College. The mountain has a long history of use as a hiking destination, source of timber, and winter playground. The summit is bare and has wonderful 360 degree views of the rest of the Whites, Vermont, and even into the Adirondacks on a good day.
   
 Breakfast: Breakfast in Dining Hall with fresh baked goods from our chef.
 Morning: Start Day Hike - here we come Moosilauke!
 Lunch: Bag Lunch
 Afternoon: Continue day hike Return 4:00-5:00pm
 Dinner: Celebration dinner served buffet style in our beautiful dining hall. Congratulations to one and all!
 Evening: Final evening program - complete with wit and history!
   
Accommodations: Ohana Camp of the Aloha Foundation
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 6: Lunch and departure
(Friday, August 30)
   
 Breakfast: Breakfast in the dining hall.
 Morning: Morning Birding Hike on Ohana property with local birding expert.
 Lunch: Bag Lunch to take on your way as we depart.
   
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch

Free Time Opportunities
  
  Thetford, VT Discover New England
The official web site for The New England States and an excellent source of information for anything in New England. For additional information, visit www.discovernewengland.org/
  Hanover Area Chamber of Commerce
Hanover Area Chamber of Commerce PO Box 5105, Hanover, NH 03755 Email address: han.area.chamber@valley.net For additional information, visit www.hanoverchamber.org/
  Vermont Dept. of Tourism and Marketing
Vermont Dept. of Tourism and Marketing 6 Baldwin St., Drawer 33 Montpelier, VT 05633-1301 To order your travel packet by phone, call our toll-free number: 1-800-VERMONT or order through the web site. Phone: 802-828-3676 E-mail: info@VermontVacation.com For additional information, visit www.VermontVacation.com
Important information about your itinerary: Every effort has been made to ensure the accuracy and completeness of the information featured on this website. Itineraries are based on our best information at this time. Circumstances beyond our control may require us to adjust itineraries or other details. We regret any inconvenience this may cause and appreciate your understanding. Information will be sent to you from your Program Provider approximately three weeks prior to the program start date. The prices listed for commercial services and facilities that are not included in the program cost, such as airport shuttles or extra nights lodging, are subject to change without notice. Since Road Scholar cannot guarantee the accuracy of these prices, we strongly suggest contacting the companies directly for the most up-to-date information.

Suggested Reading List


A Walk in the Woods


Author: Bill Bryson


Description: "The Appalachian Trail trail stretches from Georgia to Maine and covers some of the most breathtaking terrain in America–majestic mountains, silent forests, sparking lakes. If you’re going to take a hike, it’s probably the place to go. And Bill Bryson is surely the most entertaing guide you’ll find. He introduces us to the history and ecology of the trail and to some of the other hardy (or just foolhardy) folks he meets along the way–and a couple of bears. Already a classic, A Walk in the Woods will make you long for the great outdoors (or at least a comfortable chair to sit and read in)."





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