About this Event
Did you know Bethel has miles of new accessible, multiuse trails? Great mountain biking turns and a disc golf course? Want to find out where they are and how to acccess them?
This multipart class includes an indoor overview with maps and an orientation, and a chance to get out and explore the woods. Join one or all!
We'll start indoors with an overview of our parks and trails. Find them on a map, learn what they offer, and see where you can access them. Those who are ready to get outdoors can join one of three guided hikes/snowshoe trips on different loops. See the full agenda and trail info below.
Signup info: Please reserve a spot for each section of the class that you want to join. You are welcome to join multiple hikes, but we need to plan for space.
Professor: Chris Fors, Bethel Green Links Project Manager and Bethel Conservation Commission member
Chris is the Project Manager for Bethel Green Links, a grant-funded project to build new trails, improve trail and outdoor recreation accessibility, and more. He is also a member of the Bethel Conservation Committee.
Restrictions or Requirements: Anyone can attend the indoor overview. Those joining the hike/snowshoe should be comfortable with the length and terrain in the chosen hikes (see agenda below).
Materials or Prep: Dress for the weather and the terrain! See the full agenda below for info on the three trail routes and what you'll need. As of now, we expect the trails will still be snowy. We will update students on conditions as the date gets closer.
- Snowshoes (recommended, pending weather); you may also want ski poles
- Warm, waterproof boots
- Water bottle, snack
- Warm winter layers (socks, snow pants, coat, gloves, hat)
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About Bethel University - Vermont
Bethel University Vermont (BU) is a free community pop-up university based in Bethel, Vermont, created by the . We offer free classes and meet-ups by the community, for the community, during the month of March each year. Learn more about Bethel University and check out more free class and event listings at .
Agenda
🕑: 11:00 AM - 11:45 AM
Trail Overview (Indoors)
Info: Meet in the classroom for a short introduction to Bethel's village trails, parks, and rec areas. Check out maps and learn about our newest accessible, MTB, and other trails.
🕑: 12:00 PM - 01:00 PM
Carla's Meadow & Accessible Path (easy, ~1.5 mi)
Info: The first hike/snowshoe will head down to the Bethel Athletic Fields. Check out a new, accessible walking path. Walk the short Carla's Meadow trail along the river and discover a birding/nature paradise. Terrain is mostly flat and open; approx 1-1.5 miles total.
🕑: 01:30 PM - 02:45 PM
Bethel Woods Mid Loop (med-hard, ~1.5 mi)
Info: The second hike will head up into the Bethel Woods -- a beautiful forest and trail network behind the White River Valley School and Bethel Rec Center. The Mid Loop trail includes an uphill hiking trail, with a return along the MTB-friendly Outer Loop. Be prepared for a climb, with several hundred feet of elevation gain on newly built trails. The downhill section has steady switchbacks.
🕑: 03:00 PM - 04:30 PM
Bethel Woods Outer Loop (hard, ~2.5 mi)
Info: The final hike of the day will cover the full Outer Loop, a 2.5-mile trail built to accessible mountain bike standards. It's full of fun curves and switchbacks, with lots of up -- and then down.
Event Venue & Nearby Stays
White River Valley Middle School, 273 Pleasant Street, Bethel, United States
USD 0.00
