Requests for Pinnacle Trail Hikers
As Pinnacle lands—the Holden Trail in particular—become a more popular destination for schools and other large groups, we ask hikers to follow the guidelines below. By controlling the number of people on the trail at the same time, we hope to enable all visitors to experience the beauty and serenity of our natural world.
- Groups of 15 or more are asked to contact Tony Coven at 802-387‐6650.
- Large groups are encouraged to break into groups of 4‐8 while hiking to allow hikers to experience the many wonders that Pinnacle has to offer.
- Please observe a strict low‐impact, carry‐in/carry out, leave‐no‐trace policy.
- An outdoor fire is permitted upon request only at the Pinnacle summit, with prior authorization from Westminster Town Fire Warden Cole Streeter, 802‐722‐3178. Please carry in your own firewood.
Visit Trails & Maps to learn about the Pinnacle’s 26-mile trails system.
Please remember that trail conditions may be slippery. Avoid staying out too long or relying on cell phones, which may not always work.
Our free maps and programs are a great way to introduce Pinnacle lands to friends, relatives, or neighbors. Your personal touch can make all the difference in opening up a new world of wonder and delight to nature lovers from near and far.
This website is the best place to check for news, upcoming events, and other information. Please send your trail photos, hiking tidbits, or trail challenges to [email protected] so we can know what’s happening on Pinnacle lands and where we need to make improvements.
May you enjoy every lovely moment on our trails!
Accessibility Day
Upcoming Events
Follow WHPA on Facebook and Instagram and subscribe to our emails to hear about upcoming events. Click here for a map showing WHPA Access Points.
Saturday, Oct. 7, 2023, 11 a.m.: Accessibility Day
This is an opportunity for adults who have difficulty walking to get a vehicle ride to a beautiful site on the ridgeline for lunch. This free program’s popularity and need for 4-wheel drive type vehicles make advance registration a must for riders. Hikers do not need to preregister. Bring water and a bag lunch, and dress for chilly weather. Meet at the Old Athens Road turnaround by 11 a.m. For information and to register, call Tony Coven at 802-387-6650.
Saturday, Oct. 21, 2023, 1-3 p.m.: Bald Hill Hike
Vanessa Stern, a former WHPA board member, will lead an autumn walk on Bald Hill along the gorgeous Saxtons River. The 55-acre Bald Hill Reserve (conserved by WHPA) and the adjacent Bellows Falls Union High School Forest and Basin Farm trails total over 300 acres. RSVP to Vanessa Stern by email or call 802-463-4948. Please wear good hiking footwear and bring water. We'll meet at the 232 Covered Bridge Road kiosk in Westminster, VT.
Saturday, Nov. 4, 2023, 12:30-4 p.m.: Athens Dome Hike
Board member Camilla Roberts will lead a fall hike on Athens Dome to explore the historic soapstone quarries complex, including several quarries, cellar holes for the workers and draft animals, the infamous “yellow boarding house,” and the pitsaw to prep slabs for transport to Cambridgeport. Meet at the Athens Town Office in Athens, VT, at 12:30 p.m. to carpool to the starting point (where parking is limited). Bring water, snacks, and good hiking footwear. Weather dependent. Email Camilla Roberts to register, or call her at 802-869-1388.
Highlights from Past Events
Saturday, July 22, 2023: Walk to Champion White Ash Tree
WHPA board members led a walk to the Champion White Ash tree on Pinnacle land in Westminster. Almost 10 years ago, the tree had a circumference of 205.2 inches and a height of 113 feet, thereby beating out two other Westminster giants for the honor of being the largest white ash in Vermont.
Sunday, May 7, 2023: Spring Wildflower Walk
Sarah Waldo and Lisa Chase led a spring wildflower walk on Pinnacle land. If you’d like to learn about Vermont wildflowers before or after the walk, check out our online spring wildflower guide.
Saturday, April 22, 2023: WHPA Annual Meeting
All WHPA members and supporters were invited to attend our annual meeting on Saturday, April 22, 2023, held in person at the Congregational Church of Westminster West (44 Church Street). Board president Jennifer Latham shared news and updates on our conservation work and announced the Volunteer of the Year award. We also screened a short documentary about the late Libby Mills.
Saturday, March 11, 2023: Tracks and Trees with Lynn Levine
Participants learned to think like the animals they are tracking and connect with the forested landscape. Also, Lynn gave tips on identifying trees in the winter.
For decades, Lynn has been an environmental educator, a tracker, and a consulting forester. She has written six books about the forest. Lynn has taken thousands of people into the woods. All workshop participants were provided with their own copy of Lynn's book, Mammal Tracks and Scat: Life-Size Pocket Guide.