What is the Green Mountain Club? The Green Mountain Club is the "founder, sponsor, defender and protector" of the Long Trail System and develops policies and programs for "the preservation, maintenance, and proper use of hiking trails for the benefit of the people of Vermont." The GMC is a private, nonprofit with nearly 9,000 members. More than 800 volunteers work to maintain, manage, and protect the Long Trail System. See About the GMC

What is the Long Trail? The Long Trail is a 270-mile footpath that follows the main ridge of the Green Mountains. More than 175 miles of side trails connect to the Long Trail from the east and west. See The Long Trail

Who conceived of the idea to create the Long Trail? GMC and Long Trail founder James P. Taylor conceived of the Long Trail 1909. He dreamed of making "the Vermont mountains play a large part in the life of the people." See GMC History

How many years did it take to complete the Long Trail? The Long Trail was constructed from 1910-1930. It is the oldest long-distance hiking trail in the country and was the inspiration for the Appalachian Trail.

What is the Long Trail Protection Campaign? The Long Trail Protection Campaign was established in 1986 to protect the Long Trail where it crosses private land. Sixty-two miles have been protected since its inception. There are 11 Long Trail miles and 6 side trails left to protect. The total number of acres conserved by the Long Trail Protection Campaign is 24,500, with 28 parcels still left to protect. LT Protection Fund

Who owns the Long Trail? Is it on state land? The Long Trail is on private and public land. It crosses town, state, and federal forest land as well as land owned by the GMC and private people. Important sections of the trail still lie on unprotected, private land. We have established a protection program in order to protect this land.

Does the GMC publish guidebooks and maps? The GMC publishes the Long Trail Guide, which is a thorough reference for overnight sites and trail descriptions of the Long Trail and its side trails. We also publish the Day Hiker's Guide to Vermont, which lists more than150 day hikes throughout Vermont. Go to our online store to view other items that we have for your hiking enjoyment!

How many people are members of GMC? More than 9,500 members support the work of the Green Mountain Club.

How can I become a member? You can join online when you click here. You may also sign up over the phone by calling us at 802-244-7037 x10 . GMC Membership

What does my membership to the GMC do for the Long Trail? Membership to the Green Mountain Club supports the protection and maintenance of the Long Trail System.

What do I get for my membership in the Club? Discounts on guidebooks, maps and other publications, and on fees at some caretaker sites on the LT; a subscription to The Long Trail News, the Club's quarterly newsletter; and a chance to meet others interested in hiking and other outdoor experiences. GMC Membership

What and who are the GMC Sections? GMC Sections are chapters of the GMC. They are called sections because they maintain a section of the trail. The fourteen GMC sections are Bennington, Brattleboro, Bread Loaf, Burlington, Connecticut, Killington, Laraway, Manchester, Montpelier, Northeast Kingdom, Northern Frontier, Ottauquechee, Sterling, and Worcester. Sections

Do people volunteer for the GMC? What do they do? More than 800 volunteers maintain the Long Trail and its side trails. Volunteers also work at the headquarters in Waterbury Center, Vermont, as committee members, administrative assistants, lecturers, board members, and experts in many areas. Volunteers

What is the Long Trail Patrol? The Long Trail Patrol is the oldest Green Mountain Club non-volunteer program, active since 1931. The patrol is responsible for trail relocations and reconstruction projects on the Long Trail.

What is the Summit and Shelter Caretaker Program? The Green Mountain Club plays a role in protecting the fragile alpine areas of Mt. Mansfield, Camel's Hump, and Mt. Abraham through its Caretaker/Stewardship Program.

Where is the GMC headquarters located? The GMC is located at 4711 Waterbury-Stowe Road, Waterbury Center, Vermont 05677. The headquarters are approximately 4.5 miles on Route 100 north from Exit 10 off of I89. Hiker Center

What is the e-mail address for the GMC? Our e-mail address is gmc(at)greenmountainclub(dot)org.

How can I volunteer for the GMC?To volunteer for the GMC, call or e-mail Volunteer Coordinator Joe Sikowitz (jsikowitz(at)greenmountainclub(dot)org), to request a volunteer application. There are hundreds of volunteer projects on the trail and in the office!

What does your Education Program have to offer? The Education Program offers outdoor enthusiasts several opportunities to participate in outdoor activities, workshops, and lectures. There are introduction to backpacking workshops, end-to-end panel discussions, an annual snowshoe festival and an opportunity to join trail crews on National Trails Day and many other activities. During the winter season, the James P. Taylor Winter Series offers captivating slide shows of mountain ascents as well as local and international trekking trips.

What is the Green Mountain Club's policy on windpower and wind energy?

Please click here for the policy approved by the board of directors in 2003 and updated in 2009.