For the latest news and to find out about current trail conditions visit our blog.
Millstone Hill Reopens for Summer Season Saturday May 10, 2008
Come and try out the New Fellowship Ring Trail
A five mile long expert trail in the new Canyonlands area designed and built in collaboration with Hans Jenny of The Fellowship of the Wheel
The heavy winter snow pack has melted at last and the trails are drying out. Our volunteers have been feverishly raking the 65 miles of trails now ridable at Millstone Hill. On Saturday May 10th, virtually all of our trail network should be cleared and open for riding. There may be a few wet spots, so please ride carefully and avoid doing damage to the trails by bypassing the wettest of areas.
There’s lots new this year. First and foremost is the New Fellowship Ring expert trail, which is ready for riding but will be opened officially in June. This is a joint effort by the Millstone Trails Assoc. and Hans Jenny of the Fellowship of the Wheel. When complete this trail will be over 5 miles long and is part of a major expansion of the trail network into the Canyonlands Area, which extends our trails into the town of Williamstown. Now riders of all levels will have an incentive to ride the Grand Canyon Trail, one of our most scenic, which was first opened last year with a limited network of moderate trails. The Fellowship Ring is an expert only trail, with great flow and lots of challenging twists and turns and includes some dramatic ledge sections and an exciting new lookout.
On September 7th Millstone Hill will be hosting THE MILLSTONE GRIND a new EFTA sanctioned long distance race. Riders will have a choice of a 17 or 35 mile course, making this an excellent training race for the Vermont 50. More details to follow and watch for the new Millstonegrind.com web site.
Our Lodging and campground facilities are also being upgraded. A New campsite area has opened in a secluded area close to the Lodge, adjacent to the trails. We have installed a number of outdoor showers here and at the original campsite area adjacent to the Touring Center. The Recreation Cabin, located above the Touring Center, now has a full kitchen, a fourth bedroom and a really sweet outdoor shower. Millstone Hill offers lodging choices for every budget, and all are trailside!
Millstone Hill
59 Little John Road
Webstervile, VT 05678
802.479.1000 p
802.479.3578 f
millstonehill@aol.com
milltonegrind.com
10:00 am expert/elite
11:00 am novice/sport
Categories (women and men):
juniors, novice, sport, expert, elite, clidesdale, single speed
Racers can choose from a 17 or 35 mile race on an 8.5 mile circuit of classic Vermont terrain with two feed zones.
On site camping, lodging
post race meal included
About Millstone Hill
Millstone Hill is Vermont's newest and most talked about non-motorized Recreation Center. Our 1500 acres of unique terrain, with over 30 miles of scenic trails, provide access to dozens of Historic quarry sites. At Millstone Hill there is something for every outdoor enthusiast:
- Over 20 miles of challenging single track mountain bike trails already ranked one of Vermont's Five Best Mountain Bike Networks.
- Over 20 miles of scenic hiking trails leading to spectacular 'grout' pile lookouts.
- Miles and miles of abandoned rail beds and old quarry roads providing moderate trails for relaxed biking.
- Dozens of scenic and romantic picnic sites.
One hundred years ago, Millstone Hill was the site of over 50 small independent quarry operations, fueling Barre's dramatic 19th century growth and prosperity. Virtually every square foot of Millstone Hill was cleared and quarried. During the 20th century, as quarry operations consolidated, these smaller independents closed down. Gradually the quarries filled with water and the forests returned. What was a virtual moonscape was reclaimed by nature.
In 2005 over 1500 acres of Barre's historic quarry lands were, for the first time ever, opened to the public. Miles and miles of recreation trails have been giving access to several dozen historic quarry sites. In summer hike bike or picnic on some of Vermont's most unique terrain. While enjoying our spectacular scenery and our amazing 'grout' pile lookouts, learn about Central Vermont's fascinating granite heritage.
Millstone Hill Touring Center
422 Websterville Road
East Barre, Vermont
Office: 802-479-1000
Shop: 802-479-3263