RoySwkr
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http://www.windmillhillpinnacle.org/images/map7_whpa.pdf
To reach the Holden trailhead, ignore your GPS which may lead you over impassible roads and use the access routes in this brochure:
http://windmillhillpinnacle.org/images/accessmap12.pdf
If coming from Putney, the road you want doesn't have a sign but is across from Mill St.
I always feel I'm more in the middle of nowhere driving narrow tree-shaded roads in rural areas that the wide gravel roads in logging country even if nobody lives there. This place is a good example - thanks to some wrong turns I saw plenty of them. The Holden family acquired their property in the 1700s and kept it for 200 years before selling to a land trust, and the trail was once a town road over the mountains. I never found out if there were ever any windmills. The gate at the parking area contains samples of rocks found on the mountain, and there is a loop nature trail with brochures at the trailhead with the info repeated on the posts. Watch out for horse manure on the trail.
The first half mile to the junction is about as steep as it gets, the right fork to the summit is more gradual with some downhill before making a final ascent to the ridge. Turn L on the ridge trail .1 mile to the summit which contains a cabin converted to a leanto available by reservation. There is an expansive W view across VT. The nature loop continues S on the ridge trail then takes a connector back to the first junction.
An even easier hike is available up Putney Mtn further S on the ridge, a ledgy summit used for hawk watches. The whole ridge is maybe 13 miles and would probably be a nice hike with a car spot.
http://windmillhillpinnacle.org/images/PMA_Trails_1.pdf
To reach the Holden trailhead, ignore your GPS which may lead you over impassible roads and use the access routes in this brochure:
http://windmillhillpinnacle.org/images/accessmap12.pdf
If coming from Putney, the road you want doesn't have a sign but is across from Mill St.
I always feel I'm more in the middle of nowhere driving narrow tree-shaded roads in rural areas that the wide gravel roads in logging country even if nobody lives there. This place is a good example - thanks to some wrong turns I saw plenty of them. The Holden family acquired their property in the 1700s and kept it for 200 years before selling to a land trust, and the trail was once a town road over the mountains. I never found out if there were ever any windmills. The gate at the parking area contains samples of rocks found on the mountain, and there is a loop nature trail with brochures at the trailhead with the info repeated on the posts. Watch out for horse manure on the trail.
The first half mile to the junction is about as steep as it gets, the right fork to the summit is more gradual with some downhill before making a final ascent to the ridge. Turn L on the ridge trail .1 mile to the summit which contains a cabin converted to a leanto available by reservation. There is an expansive W view across VT. The nature loop continues S on the ridge trail then takes a connector back to the first junction.
An even easier hike is available up Putney Mtn further S on the ridge, a ledgy summit used for hawk watches. The whole ridge is maybe 13 miles and would probably be a nice hike with a car spot.
http://windmillhillpinnacle.org/images/PMA_Trails_1.pdf
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