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The "outdoors" thread

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drumbumocdp
Posts: 3229 - Karma: 1,098
Hey guys, well ski season is just about over for most of us in this forum. Its that time of year where we try to find other things to keep us entertained.

One of my favorite things to do in the spring/summer is to get out side and find cool spots to hang out. Weather it be finding a cool waterfall to sit under, a kick ass view, a new lake to canoe on... well anything.

New England is big, but hopefully enough people will check this so that we can share our favorite out door spots. I live in CT and go to school at CCSU. Today im going to Meridian to climb up to this old tower type thing. Its right by the park, and is about a 30 min hike up. There is a kick ass view, and some cool cliffs to just hang out on.

Mar 26 2012 9:46AM
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drumbumocdp
Posts: 3229 - Karma: 1,098
Ragged Mountain in Meriden, CT is also a breath-taking place to hike in central Connecticut. The West Peak is reportedly the highest elevation point within 35 miles of coastline on the entire East coast. You can park for free at Hubbard Park, and after a hike to the top, you will find Castle Craig Tower. The stone observation "castle" was donated to the town at the turn of the 20th century. If you're not already wiped out from the hour hike to the top, you can climb the stairs up the 32 foot tower and see New Haven, Long Island Sound, and the rest of the Metacomet Ridge. Those who are not able to hike can drive up the windy road open from 10 am to 5 pm all summer.
Mar 26 2012 9:51AM
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heitsy
Posts: 201 - Karma: 73

VT is filled with great places to hike. My personal favorite is White Rocks in Wallingford, VT. You can do a nice little 3 hour round trip with an awesome view from the top. The trail also connects to the AT/LT, so you see a lot of through hikers.

I bike in the summer too and the best place to do that in southern VT is Pine Hill Park in Rutland, VT. This place has miles and miles of perfectly manicured, single track trails. It's maintained really well and I've never seen it crowded. Honorable mention for biking trails goes to the STAB (Sport Trails in the Ascutney Basin) network of trails in Ascutney, VT. These trails are more technical than the ones at PHP, but just as fun and located in a beautiful section of woods.

Another thing I love to do when it's hot is cool off at swimming holes. There's a dope one under the bridge right by Simon Pearce glassworks in Queechee, VT. It's got a rope swing that you can easily huck a double backflip off and is always pretty warm.

If you ever get up to Vermont, check out a few of these places. They're a ton of fun.

Mar 26 2012 1:15PM
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SkierX
Posts: 16253 - Karma: 538
White Rocks is a kick ass hike. Stellar views and heading down to the Ice Beds is awesome on a hot day.

I ride Pine Hill 3-4 times a week. Went four times last week with the warmth. Trails are awesome. Super flowy. Few more technical trails mixed in (Stegosaurus, 999, Broken Handlebar, Lonely Rock) but for the most part it's about railing berms and buffed out singletrack.

I flatwater kayak too. It's great to just pull your kayak up to some random spot and have your own private beach and enjoy some beers while sitting in the sun.

Going to miss doing these things while I'm laid up with shoulder surgery this summer.
Mar 26 2012 1:43PM
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207
Posts: 8969 - Karma: 3,846
hell yeah, i saw that this winter looks like so much fun queechee is illin go to the cabot place too
Mar 26 2012 1:50PM
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drumbumocdp
Posts: 3229 - Karma: 1,098
I actually spend a lot of time in the rutland area so ill be sure to check that out when im around those parts. Im not sure what town its in, but there is a zen garden not far from rutland that i love hanging out in... ill try to find the town name
Mar 26 2012 4:57PM
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.squirrely.
Posts: 7563 - Karma: 7,546
so much dope hiking in the white mountains. anyone on here climb a 48 4000s? im at like 25 im gonna try to get a bunch more this year. lot of good waterfalls and cliffs and river in white mtn area too
Mar 26 2012 5:29PM
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SkierX
Posts: 16253 - Karma: 538
You talking about the place in Hubbardton? Pretty cool place.
Mar 26 2012 5:58PM
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emilyskis
Posts: 326 - Karma: 119
there's sick biking all over vermont.
like saxon hill, sleepy hollow (bummer about the land argument though)and the catamount center in the burlington area.
Killington has some great biking in the off ski season and not to mention Kingdom trails which i cant say ive gotten to yet but its definitely in the plans for the summer.

Singletrack.com is a great resource if you're into biking.
Mar 28 2012 10:23AM
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heitsy
Posts: 201 - Karma: 73

Bummer about the shoulder surgery. I was about to say we should meet up for a PHP session. Good luck with rehab.

Attagirl: I've heard kingdom trails is insane. Trying to get up there this summer. The northeast kingdom is so far though...

Mar 28 2012 2:03PM
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SkierX
Posts: 16253 - Karma: 538
I'd be down to ride sometime prior to May 3, which is when my summer abruptly ends.
Mar 28 2012 2:05PM
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1337
Posts: 31054 - Karma: 29,231
threads!
Mar 28 2012 2:56PM
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attitash46
Posts: 296 - Karma: 694
Im president of the UCONN Outing Club so were always doing stuff in the area.
Check out mt. Carrigan in the Dry River Wilderness of NH near North Conway, 360 panaramas from a fire tower on top.
Also if you have never been caving i highly recommend it and if anyone wants to go PM and the club/I have all the gear for it
Mar 28 2012 3:16PM
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skodeo7
Posts: 14949 - Karma: 9,234
I bike down at Fort Rock in Exeter quite a bit. Any other NS'ers head down there? I also fly fish on the Three Rivers in the seacoast area all year long. I'm curious if any of you guys head out there at all.
Apr 13 2012 10:31AM
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SkierX
Posts: 16253 - Karma: 538
Riding at Pine Hill today around 5-5:30-ish. Should be glorious. Weather is stupid nice today and the trails are super awesome right now.

Now if only I wasn't so out of shape and did not have to spend so much time in the granny gear...
Apr 13 2012 10:36AM
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