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/