GOSHEN — After 40 years of providing groomed Nordic skiing opportunities, Blueberry Hill Inn in Goshen has turned in its grooming equipment and is returning to a simpler model of providing recreation opportunities to outdoor enthusiasts. For the 2013-2014 season Blueberry Hill will provide ski and snowshoe opportunities on trails that will remain ungroomed.
The wide, well marked trails take winter outdoor lovers over a variety of terrain in the mixed hardwood forest of the Moosalamoo region of the Green Mountains, including the popular Hogback and Romance mountains. No trails fees will be charged but donations are gratefully accepted to help support year-round maintenance and provide a warm place to return to and gather with friends. Soup and other lunch items will be available, as will snowshoe rentals.
“It is simply a matter of economics,” Blueberry Hill officials said. “The majority of the trails are part of a special use permit with the U.S. Forest Service. Many of the bridges were wiped out in recent storms, especially Irene, and the replacement of the bridges which meet specifications required of the Forest Service is just out of reach and is not sustainable.”
Blueberry Hill Inn began a relationship with the Forest Service in 1972, and has developed and maintained a 50K network of trails that have provided some of the best cross-country skiing in the east for 42 years. Blueberry Hill Inn will continue to work with the U.S. Forest Service to determine the best way to continue to maintain and secure the use of these trails for future generations to enjoy.
Blueberry Hill officials say feedback has been good, as people seem to appreciate the diversity of winter recreation opportunities available in the Moosalamoo Recreation Area. With nearby Rikert Nordic Center having recently invested in 5K of snowmaking and improved trail systems, Blueberry Hill’s ungroomed trails for skiing and snowshoeing will complement the outdoor recreation offerings in the area.
Blueberry Hill will host an open house on Saturday, Jan. 4.