UPDATE: The parking lot on Fort Franklin Road is solid ice. Approaching the parking lot from the south/Leaser Lake seems to be the better approach. That road is clear and dry. The road on the north side of the mountain is a gravel road, and while it has been cindered, it is quite icy. The trail is mostly solid ice, as well. Traction devices will be a must tomorrow so definitely bring those along. It’s not supposed to get above freezing anytime soon, so I do not expect conditions to improve.

This will be the 50th year that the club will visit our shelter on New Year's Eve. We will meet at Fort Franklin Rd. and walk 2 miles on the Appalachian Trail to the Allentown Shelter where we will eat lunch. Wear blaze orange since we will be walking on State Game Lands. At the shelter we will enjoy snacks and friendship, so feel free to bring goodies to share around the shelter's picnic table. After a suitable time for socializing, we will hike 2 miles back to our cars. Bring lunch, water and an extra layer of clothing to stay warm at the shelter. No dogs or alcoholic beverages. Steady rain or snow on morning of hike cancels this event.