There has been a lot of excitement surrounding the renovation of Bolton Lodge and Bryant Cabin, both located in Bolton Valley. We are working with several partners including Vermont Land Trust, Friends of Bolton Valley Nordic & Backcountry, the Catamount Trail Association, and Vermont Department of Forests, Parks, and Recreation to restore these historic structures. The amount of community support behind this project has been wonderful, especially in the Bolton area. In February, Green Mountain Club volunteers hosted a ski race and auction fundraiser at Bolton Valley to support the renovations and in March we celebrated of the protection of Bolton Valley Nordic & Backcountry with a day of skiing and snowshoeing on area trails.

Restoration of these historic cabins are an important part of the Green Mountain Club’s effort to bring hiking back to the Bolton area. We are in the final stages of fundraising for the cabin restorations with over $15,000 left to raise. The total project is anticipated to cost upwards of $100,000 and will involve replacing roofs, patching walls, new wood stoves, new staircases, new composting privies (outhouses), and an incredible amount of professional and volunteer labor. Future plans include improving side trails in the area to make the cabins more accessible. When restored, both cabins will be available for overnight use for a fee. Work on this project will begin in July, 2016.

Recently, our Executive Director, Michael DeBonis, wrote a story about the history of the cabins and the importance of the renovation project in the Burlington Free Press’ History Space:

The Long Trail News of December 1928 included a vivid description of the new lodge: “Probably the best constructed and most inviting camp yet built on the trail has just been completed by the Burlington Section. It is designed after the cottages of Wales and Ireland, four feet of cobble stone at the base, white stucco above, and a four-sided roof with round corners. Red and black shingles, trimmed irregularly, give the effect of a thatched roof. Green on the door and window frames adds a bright touch. The interior measures 15 by 25 feet, with bunks for twelve. The floor consists of flat stones set in cement. It is warranted porcupine proof. The view from the front is of surpassing beauty, with Couching Lion (Camels Hump) in the center of the picture. A few yards away is a spring, and a little farther the tumultuous Joiner Brook.”

We hope you enjoy the article and we are so grateful to all of our partners and supporters who are making this project possible. If you are interested, you can donate and be part of this historic project.