Challenge
The Long Trail Vermont
Vermont, United States
About this challenge
The Long Trail in Vermont is America’s oldest long-distance hiking trail, stretching 272 miles from the Massachusetts border to Canada. Following the spine of the Green Mountains, it offers a challenging yet rewarding adventure through dense forests, rocky ridges, alpine summits, and peaceful valleys. Highlights include Mount Mansfield, Vermont’s highest peak, the rugged climb of Camel’s Hump, and the remote beauty of Jay Peak near the Canadian border. With shelters and campsites along the way, the Long Trail is perfect for thru-hikes, section hikes, and weekend backpacking trips. It’s a true bucket-list destination for serious hikers in New England.
Quick facts
- Checkpoints
- 10
- Distance
- 272 miles
- Avg Completion
- 20-30 days
- Best Season
- Anytime
Overview
The Long Trail stretches 272 miles from Massachusetts to Canada, making it the oldest long-distance hiking trail in the United States. This epic journey runs along the spine of Vermont's Green Mountains, showcasing the state's most pristine wilderness areas and connecting hikers with over a century of American hiking tradition. Most people take about three weeks to complete the Long Trail, with many averaging around 10-14 miles a day, though experienced hikers may cover 15-20 miles daily. The highest elevation on the trail is Mount Mansfield at 4,393 feet, while the lowest point is in Jonesville crossing the Winooski River at 326 feet. The trail runs roughly along the spine of the Green Mountains, with its highest elevation summits reaching over 4,000 feet. The southern 100 miles share the route with the Appalachian Trail, creating a more crowded but well-maintained hiking experience.
History and Geology
Built by the Green Mountain Club, the Long Trail was conceived in 1910 as America's first long-distance hiking trail, predating the Appalachian Trail by over a decade. The trail's creation reflected early 20th-century conservation movements that sought to preserve Vermont's mountain wilderness while providing public access to natural areas threatened by logging and development. The Green Mountain Club's volunteer-driven approach established a model for trail maintenance and outdoor recreation that continues today. Generations of hikers have contributed to trail construction, shelter building, and route maintenance, creating a community-based conservation system that supports both environmental protection and recreational access throughout Vermont's mountain regions. The Long Trail traverses the ancient Green Mountains, formed through complex geological processes spanning hundreds of millions of years. The range represents some of North America's oldest rock formations, created through tectonic collisions that thrust sedimentary and metamorphic rocks skyward during the formation of the Appalachian Mountain system. Glacial activity during ice ages carved the characteristic U-shaped valleys, alpine zones, and pristine mountain ponds that define today's hiking experience. The trail crosses distinct geological zones from southern hardwood forests to northern boreal ecosystems, supporting diverse wildlife including black bears, moose, and over 200 bird species that inhabit Vermont's mountain environments.
Safety
Essential gear for the Long Trail must handle Vermont's variable mountain weather, from summer temperatures reaching 85°F to potential snow at higher elevations even during summer months. Layered clothing systems accommodate dramatic temperature changes between valleys and exposed ridges, while waterproof rain gear protects during frequent mountain storms that can develop rapidly. Navigation follows well-maintained, popular trails with signed junctions, though GPS devices and detailed maps provide backup during poor weather conditions. The trail features distinctive white blazes with occasional blue blazes marking side trails to shelters and water sources. Emergency communication devices become valuable in remote northern sections where cell coverage remains spotty. Comfortable hiking boots with ankle support handle sustained daily walking on rocky terrain, exposed roots, and potentially muddy trail sections during wet periods. Water capacity of 2 liters proves adequate for most sections, though longer dry stretches may require additional capacity or careful water source planning.
Nutrition and Other
The Long Trail features no permit system, though shelters can fill up, especially during prime hiking season or on rainy days. The trail maintains approximately 70 rustic shelters and camping areas spaced at convenient intervals, though Stratton Pond and Little Rock Pond require $5 per person fees. Most shelters operate on first-come, first-served basis with basic facilities including roof, sleeping platforms, and nearby water sources. Trail towns like Manchester, Killington, and Stowe provide full resupply opportunities with grocery stores, restaurants, and lodging options ranging from hostels to luxury resorts. Many businesses cater specifically to long-distance hikers with mail drops, gear replacement, and shuttle services. Traditional New England inns offer authentic regional cuisine featuring local specialties. Water sources remain generally reliable with 2-liter capacity recommended for most sections, though water purification systems ensure safe consumption from natural sources. Mountain springs, streams, and ponds provide frequent water access, particularly in the Green Mountain National Forest sections where pristine watersheds support excellent water quality.
Featured checkpoints
Williamstown, MA to Bennington, VT
Williamstown, Massachusetts, United States
Bennington to Manchester Center
Bennington, Vermont, United States
Manchester Center to Wallingford
Manchester Center, Vermont, United States
Wallingford to Killington
Wallingford, Vermont, United States
Killington to Hancock
Killington, Vermont, United States
Hancock to Appalachian Gap
Hancock, Vermont, United States
All stops on this route
- 1. Williamstown, MA to Bennington, VT
- 2. Bennington to Manchester Center
- 3. Manchester Center to Wallingford
- 4. Wallingford to Killington
- 5. Killington to Hancock
- 6. Hancock to Appalachian Gap
- 7. Appalachian Gap to Jonesville
- 8. Jonesville to Smugglers’ Notch
- 9. Smugglers’ Notch to Eden/Montgomery Center
- 10. Eden/Montgomery Center to Journey’s End
The Long Trail Vermont: common questions
How long is The Long Trail Vermont?
The Long Trail Vermont covers 272 miles in total.
How long does The Long Trail Vermont take to complete?
Most people complete The Long Trail Vermont in about 20-30 days.
When is the best time to do The Long Trail Vermont?
The best season for The Long Trail Vermont is Anytime.
How many checkpoints does The Long Trail Vermont have?
The Long Trail Vermont has 10 checkpoints to log on the way to finishing it.