Moonlight Hiking Fun on Wildway Passage Trail

Wildway Passage Trail with moonlight sparkling on new snow. A rustling wind whipping through the treetops as the temperature dropped. Nine nighttime hikers toasty warm marveling at the luminescent snow-covered trees. Posing for a picture with moon above, photographer on the snow below. Crowded around a table for drinks and talk in the jam-packed Westport Hotel and Tavern. Stay tuned for the next Moonlight Hike!

The new powdery snow is great for skiing. Check out the trails. We’ve heard the Split Rock Wild Forest Trails still needs to have branches cleared—some are pretty tough. The Ancient Oak Trail is ready to go as are most of the CATS trails.

Pok-O-Moonshine Back Country Ski Exploration

Here’s an upcoming hike—it sounds challenging: On Saturday, February 14, David Thomas-Train will lead a “Pok-O-Moonshine Back Country Ski Exploration.” Meet at the Observers’ trailhead at 9:30 to explore roads west of Poke-O. David describes this as an “arduous, 3-4 hour ski trip for those with at least intermediate skills to manage steep, narrow terrain.” This is a cooperative project with Friends of Pok-O and local ADK chapters.

Chris Maron
CATS Executive Director

Winter Hiking and Other Events (www.essexonlakechamplain.com)
Moonlight Hike Fun (www.essexonlakechamplain.com)
Volunteer Vacation Crew Completes Three Trail Projects (www.essexonlakechamplain.com)
Wildway Passage Trail Success & New Owl Prowl (www.essexonlakechamplain.com)

About Champlain Area Trails (CATS)

Champlain Area Trails (CATS) is a non-profit organization, begun in 2009, which creates and maintains hiking and cross-country ski trails in the Champlain Valley that link communities, connect people with nature, and promote economic vitality. In its short history, CATS has developed 35 miles of trails that when added to existing trails, gets it half-way toward the long-envisioned goal of a 30-mile trail loop between Westport and Essex. CATS will extend its trails to neighboring towns and eventually connect them to trails in the Adirondack Mountains, Vermont, and Quebec. Learn more on the CATS website.