Vermont Hiking Information

No other resource takes the place of an up-to-date map!  Trails change and mapping technology improves, so even a map that is 5 years old may misinform you.  We always recommend bringing a current map of the area you will hike along with your other hiking gear and clothing basics.  Click here to browse GMC's online store for other guidebooks, maps, and gear!

Weather

Mountain Point Forecast gives you real-time weather reports on Vermont Peaks

Trail Updates

The Green Mountain Club will periodically update this page with information it has gathered.  We will also include crowd-sourced information about trail conditions and other relevant information. 

The Green Mountain Club encourages hikers to share their trail observances with the club either by emailing GMC's Visitor Center here or Dave Hardy, director of trail programs, here, Facebook, or Twitter.  Please be aware that all such trail updates sent to the club may be used by the club and publicized on this page with the source sited.

Portions of the Long Trail that are closed:

• The Long Trail/Appalachian Trail in Shrewsbury between [Lower] Cold River Road and Governor Clement Road is closed with a clearly signed roadwalk detour.
• "Spruce Peak South" is listed on the USFS website as CLOSED is referring to the snowmobile trail only. The hiking trail (the Long Trail) is open.

The Long Trail System side trails that remain officially closed are:

• Chittenden Brook Trail is closed due to damage from tropical storm Irene
• Old Job Trail is CLOSED from Forest Road 30 to the Lake Brook Bridge due to damage from tropical storm Irene.
  
• Homer Stone Brook Trail is listed on the USFS website as CLOSED is referring to the snowmobile trail only. The hiking trail is open.
• The North Shore Trail at Stratton Pond is temporarily closed due to flooding.
  
• The Lye Brook Trail between Stratton and Bourn Ponds is challenging and requires map and compass skills to navigate

Road Closures:

• Kelly Stand Road is closed to through traffic from the Arlington (West) side. The side trails and Long Trail are not accessible via this route.  They are accessible via Kelly Stand Rd. from the east.
  
• The CCC road between Black Swamp Trail and Route 100 in Plymouth is closed by Irene (the east entrance to the road). The schedule for reopening yet to be determined.
• Access to the trailhead parking for the Foresters and Frank Post Trails in Eden (climbing to Belvidere Mountain and Tillotson Camp respectively) is limited.  Mine Road is closed a few miles north of Eden in the vicinity of the asbestos mine (i.e. south of Tillotson Road).  It is possible to access Tilotson Road from the north by following Rte. 58 about 1.1 miles west from Lowell and turning right onto Mine Rd. and heading south. 

Portions of the Appalachian Trail are closed with marked detours:

• Short relocation around Gulf Stream crossing near Rt 12
  
• Stony Brook bridge is out and fording is required
• Sargent Brook bridge, near Governor Clement, is out and fording is required
  
• Long Trail/Appalachian Trail between Governor Clement Shelter and Killington is in rough shape and should be avoided until June 2013, when the trees are slated to be removed

With so many bridges out due to Tropical Storm Irene, you might find these river crossing tips from ATC helpful.

Spring 2013 Update
It’s been a cooler than usual spring this year so in addition to Mud Season closures, there remains a lot of snow on the higher (3000 ft plus) ridges, particularly north slopes. You may encounter snow and ice right through Memorial Day weekend on the Long Trail. And unbridged stream crossings will remain challenging owing to late snowmelt as well.

Shelter Updates

• Tucker Johnson Shelter is gone (detroyed in a fire)
• Journey's End Shelter windows can be opened. Please close them when you leave.
• Glen Ellen Lodge was renovated by the Long Trail Patrol during the field season of 2012
• Clarendon Shelter was renovated by the Killington Section (ie regional chapter) in 2012
• Birch Glen Camp was renovated by the Long Trail Patrol during the field season of 2011
• Pico Camp (on Sherburne Pass Trail off of the LT/AT) was renovated by the Killington Section in 2011