CARRABASSETT VALLEY — The Carrabassett Valley Outdoor Association is planning an afternoon hike, cookout and cookie swap Dec. 6. The hike will take about two hours along the AT into Jones Pond. Hot beverages, grilled chicken, burgers and holiday cookies will be served indoors after the hike.

Participants will meet at 1 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 6 at the AT parking lot off Rte. 27, past the transfer station, the sanitary district and the CVOA shooting range.

There will be two hiking routes, the 4- to 4.5-mile trek along the AT and a shorter hike along the Stratton Brook Road on flatter terrain. Hikers will all end up hiking together for the last half hour into Jones Pond. The pond offers spectacular views of the Bigelow Range.

If there's enough snow on the ground, participants will snowshoe in. If not, they'll hike. The ground should be frozen by then, but plan on warm clothes and waterproof boots as there are a couple of small streams to cross, Nancy Perry, a CVOA member, said. A walking stick is recommended.

The trail is an easy-moderate hike —climbing and falling as it weaves through the woods. There are a few moderately steep sections along the route. The CVOA advance team (Linda Trueworthy, Rick Chenard, Lucille Eastman and Perry) has already been in, clearing brush and logs from most of the trail.

The trail from Stratton Brook Road is an easy hike, mostly flat, hard-packed road.

After the hike, attendees will adjourn to Nancy Perry's house on West Mountain for a cookout and cookie swap. CVOA will be supplying hamburgers, hot dogs, chicken and baked beans as well as an assortment of hot beverages… cider, toddies, cocoa. Those attending are asked to bring $5 to help defray the cost or bring two to three dozen cookies. Those there will sample the cookie offerings and then pack up a doggie bag of takehome treats.

If you're not hiking, you can still join the group for the party, between 4 and 4:30 p.m.

Let organizers know if you can make it by contacting Nancy Perry at nperry24420@roadrunner.com or by calling 237-2410.

For more information, check out the CVOA Web site at: www.carrabassettvalleyoutdoorassociation.com.