The Long Trail of Vermont

The Long Trail is known as Vermont's "footpath in the wilderness," and it is 273 miles long, stretching from the Canadian border to the Massachusetts-Vermont state line. The Trail was constructed by the Green Mountain Club (GMC) between the years 1910 and 1930. It follows the ridgeline of the Green Mountains from beginning to end and crosses Vermont's highest peaks. It is regarded by those associated with long distance hiking as the oldest long distance hiking trail in America, and is considered by many as one of the primary inspirations for the planning and development of the Appalachian Trail, which coincides with the Long Trail for one hundred miles in the southern third of Vermont.

As this backcountry trail winds its way from Canada south to the Massachusetts-Vermont state line, it climbs rugged mountain peaks, passes pristine ponds, edges alpine bogs, traverses hardwood forests, and crosses swift mountain streams. The terrain is as varied as the Trail is long - steep in some places, muddy in others, and rugged in most. Hikers and backpackers, whether beginners or old timers, will enjoy the varied aspects of the Long Trail’s terrain as it passes through the heart of Vermont's backwoods.

In addition to the Trail itself, there are approximately 175 miles of side trails connecting to or crossing the Long Trail. There are also nearly 70 primitive shelters to provide camping/sleeping spots, and some protection from the elements, for those enjoying their wilderness journey along the trail. As you can see, the Long Trail offers many hiking opportunities for the day hiker, weekend explorer, and the long distance backpacker.

The Long Trail is clearly marked with white blazes measuring 2x6 inches. Double blazes usually mark important turns, trail intersections are usually marked with signs, and side trails are usually marked with blue blazes..

The Long Trail Guide is the official guide to the Long Trail and its network of side trails. This guidebook and the Green Mountain Club's companion publication Day Hiker's Guide to Vermont, which includes trails outside the Long Trail System, cover the vast majority of hiking trails in Vermont. These publications can be purchased from the Green Mountain Club on their website http://www.greenmountainclub.org/category.php

Find the gear you’ll need for your experience on the Long Trail at the Campers Glory camping supply store http://www.campersglory.com/

Great Smokey Mountains National Park Volunteers

The Great Smokey Mountains National Park is not only a wonderful national park but also a fantastic national treasure. It is the only major national park without an entrance fee, and it was founded and established with that feature to remain intact for all perpetuity. Many of our more scenic national parks now charge a fee of $25 per vehicle, not so with the Great Smokey Mountains National Park.

Without the entrance fee, the Park depends on volunteer organizations to help meet the maintenance and operation costs of this year-round park. These volunteer organizations help raise funds and/or provide assistance at the visitor centers.

Two of these outstanding not-for-profit park partner volunteer organizations are the Great Smokey Mountains Association and Friends of the Great Smokey Mountain National Park.

The Great Smokey Mountain Association has been supporting the educational, scientific an historical efforts of the Parks since 1953. In 2011, the Association has planned to provide over $3 million dollars worth of assistance. Some of the projects marked for assistance this year include saving the hemlock trees, historical demonstrations, environmental education, and constructing the Park’s first history museum.

The Friends of the Great Smokey Mountain National Park assists the Park Service by raising funds, public awareness, and providing volunteers for various Park projects. They organized in 1993 and have raised over $20 million dollars for Park programs and projects. These funds help protect the wildlife, improve trails and camp sites, maintain backcountry shelters, support educational programs for school children, and preserve historic park structures.

These volunteer organizations are quite necessary if the Park is to retain and maintain all of its infrastructure, natural resources, and historic structures. If you have an interest in helping or learning more, please visit these sites below.

To join the Great Smokey Mountain Association, visit their web site at: http://www.thegreatsmokymountains.org/

To join Friends of the Great Smokey Mountain National Park, visit their web site at: http://friendsofthesmokies.org/

Campers Glory

Come to the Smokies for Holiday Magic

The holidays and the Smoky Mountains come together for a season of fun and excitement! Starting in November and going all the way through February, Winterfest lights up the Smokies with a dazzling display of lights and decorations that are a wonder to behold. With special events, spectacular shows, and the wonderland of Dollywood all decked out for the holidays, there's no place like the Smokies for a great winter getaway. The Winterfest kick-off celebration begins on November 7th in Sevierville, followed by Pigeon Forge on November 8th, and Gatlinburg on the 9^th of November.

Other exciting upcoming events for the holidays in the Great Smokey Mountains include:

Gatlinburg Trolley Ride of Lights - Gatlinburg, Nov 09 - Jan 30
Winterfest Trolley Tour of Lights - Pigeon Forge, Nov 10 - Jan 14
Festival of Trees - Gatlinburg, Nov 22-26
Great Smoky Arts & Crafts Holiday Show - Gatlinburg, Nov 22 - Dec 04
Mountain Top Conference - Pigeon Forge, Nov 28 - Dec 01
Fantasy of Lights Parade - Gatlinburg, Dec 02
Christmas Parade - Sevierville, Dec 03
Larkins Christmas in the Smokies - Pigeon Forge, Dec 08-10
New Years Eve Ball Drop - Gatlinburg, Dec 31
Wilderness Wildlife Week - Pigeon Forge, Jan 07-14, 2012

There are special events going on in the Great Smokey Mountains National Park during the holiday season, too. Here is a listing of upcoming events:

Sorghum Molasses Making Demonstrations at Cades Cove
November 4-6
November 10-13

Festival of Christmas Past at Sugarlands Visitor Center
December 10

Oconaluftee Visitor Center Old-Time Music Jam
November 19, 1-3 pm

Take time to enjoy all the wonders of this magical holiday season in the Great Smokey Mountains.