Local Sections Based on Regional Trail Responsibilities
The Green Mountain Club has 14 regionally based sections that maintain specific areas of the Long Trail and its side trails, and the Appalachian Trail in Vermont. Sections and their members and volunteers are an integral part of the work the Green Mountain Club does to maintain and protect the Long Trail System. Members of sections find community by participating in volunteer workdays and section hikes and outings.
Benefits of joining a section:
- Connect with other club members and hiking enthusiasts in your region
- Enjoy year-round opportunities to recreate locally with adventure-minded folks
- Learn about trail maintenance and work with your Section to upkeep trails in your area
- Receive newsletters and an outing schedule from your Section
- You do not have to be a member of a section to attend its outings. Check out the outings calendar to learn more about section events and group hikes.
Section Trail Maintenance
Both volunteers and paid trail crews maintain GMC trails. While pros handle big projects like building bridges, shelters, or new trails, volunteers perform seasonal maintenance such as cleaning the trail before and after winter, clearing felled trees, trimming overgrown vegetation, painting blazes and signs, and improving drainage. Volunteers also inspect shelters and tent sites, make minor repairs, report major problems, clean fire rings, and remove trash.
Volunteer responsibilities are assigned to our fourteen sections and dozens of individual adopters. Every section hosts trail maintenance outings each spring and fall, and often have work parties during the hiking season as well, depending on whether they have other projects planned for the year.
Find Your Section
You can find a section based on your location or geographic interest in the trail. After joining, a section representative will reach out to welcome you and invite you to participate in section activities.