LGBTQIA2S+ hikers are coming together for our first winter outing! North Branch Nature Center (NBNC) is located on a 28-acre preserve of forest and fields nestled in a gentle bend of the North Branch of the Winooski River, just two miles from downtown Montpelier. Weather permitting, we will snowshoe around the trails. Hiking is our backup plan in the event that there isn't snow or too little to snowshoe. After snowshoeing or hiking, we will gather for some hot drinks to warm back up! 

We encourage participants to bring their own snowshoes if possible. NBNC has some snowshoes to borrow, but has limited sizes for adults. 

Trail info: We will cover about 1.2 miles of trail, including NBNC's new Universally Accessible trail (0.3 miles). The trails are mostly wide and flat. For more information and to view the trail network, visit NBNC's wonderfully detailed trail map page: https://northbranchnaturecenter.org/trailmap/

Trail surface: Compacted crushed stone as well as compacted dirt. However, trail surface varies in the winter and when wet. 

Accessibility: Participants using wheelchairs, mobility equipment, or strollers may need all-terrain tires or adaptive/motorized equipment for the surface type and grade after the 0.3 miles of Universally Accessible trail. 

Although this is an affinity space for the queer community, we welcome allies of all ages! Participants under 18 should be accompanied by an adult. 

While leashed dogs are allowed on site, North Branch Nature Center's policy is no dogs during a program. So please leave furry friends at home for this one!