Top Highlights for Green Mountain Club in The Long Trail
Green Mountain Club in The Long Trail
The Long Trail stands as America's oldest long-distance hiking trail, predating the Appalachian Trail by decades. Built between 1910 and 1930 under the vision of James P. Taylor, this 272-mile corridor runs along the main ridge of Vermont's Green Mountains from the Massachusetts state line to the Canadian border, summiting every peak exceeding 4,000 feet in elevation. The Green Mountain Club, established in 1910, maintains this trail system as founder, sponsor, and protector, managing 70 backcountry campsites and coordinating with the Vermont Department of Forests, Parks and Recreation, US Forest Service, and private landowners. The trail's historic significance and technical trail building standards make it a pilgrimage route for serious backpackers and a foundational experience in American hiking culture.
Hikers pursue three primary Long Trail experiences through Green Mountain Club certification programs. End-to-end thru-hikers complete all 272 miles for official recognition, typically over 3–4 weeks of continuous hiking or across multiple seasons through section hiking. Side-to-side hikers tackle 88 supplementary trails totaling 166.1 miles, accessing remote peaks, shelters, and alternative ridge routes while building comprehensive route knowledge. Day hikers and overnighters use sections strategically, and the trail's 100-mile overlap with the Appalachian Trail in southern Vermont creates opportunities for integrated long-distance hiking experiences. The Green Mountain Club Visitor Center provides route planning, current trail conditions, and access to the extensive Long Trail Guide.
Early fall (September–October) delivers optimal conditions with cool temperatures, minimal insect pressure, and spectacular foliage, though shelters book months in advance. Spring mud season (March–May) challenges hikers with saturated trails and eroded sections, but fewer crowds reward patient adventurers. Summer (June–August) brings warm temperatures and longer daylight hours, balanced against higher humidity and significant insect presence. Weather remains highly variable at elevations above 3,500 feet, requiring three-season gear and emergency provisions year-round. Consult the Green Mountain Club for current trail conditions and seasonal closures before finalizing trip dates.
The Long Trail embodies a regional hiking ethos rooted in Vermont's conservation heritage and community stewardship. The Green Mountain Club's 10,000-member base includes former thru-hikers, local trail maintainers, and seasonal volunteers who preserve this corridor as a shared cultural resource. Shelter registers and trail journals document decades of hiker stories, creating an informal archive of personal achievement and trail history. The club's philosophy emphasizes sustainable use, minimal environmental impact, and collective responsibility for trail maintenance—reflecting values central to Vermont's outdoor culture and New England's conservation traditions.
Planning Your Green Mountain Club Long Trail Adventure
Start by obtaining the current Long Trail Guide from the Green Mountain Club Visitor Center or ordering online—this 29th edition is the most comprehensive reference available. Book your accommodations and campsites well in advance during peak season (September–October), as popular shelter sites fill quickly. Contact the visitor center at 802-241-8234 or visit greenmountainclub.org/the-long-trail/trip-planning for detailed route planning, group size limits, and seasonal land-use regulations. Register your end-to-end or side-to-side hike with the Green Mountain Club before departing if you plan to pursue certification.
Pack three-season hiking gear including waterproof layers, as Vermont's mountain weather changes rapidly and spring mud season (March–May) brings challenging trail conditions. Bring topographic maps, a compass, and a GPS device—cell service is unreliable throughout much of the trail corridor. Store food in bear canisters or hang bags at backcountry campsites, as black bears are active in the region. Allow extra time during mud season and verify shelter availability before committing to a specific route.