Category: News

  • Memorial Day Weekend Marks the Start of Hiking Season in Vermont

    Memorial Day Weekend Marks the Start of Hiking Season in Vermont

    FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: May 19, 2026
    CONTACT: Lily LaRegina, Communications Coordinator, , (802) 241-8215

    Memorial Day Weekend Marks the Start of Hiking Season in Vermont

    Waterbury Center, Vermont – This Friday, May 22 officially kicks off Vermont’s hiking season after the seasonal mud season break. The Green Mountain Club, which manages and maintains 500 miles of trails in the state, including the Long Trail, wants to help hikers get outside and enjoy our wonderful natural spaces this season. Thanks to the good stewardship of Vermont’s hiking community throughout mud season, staying off closed trails and allowing them to dry, hiking trails are in good shape as the season begins. Hikers may find some wet stretches of trail from recent rains, but the trails are relatively dry.

    Whether hikers are adventuring close to home or visiting from farther away, GMC’s goal is to help trail users connect with and explore the Green Mountains safely and enjoyably. Information Specialists at the club’s Rothberg-Birdwhistell Hiker Visitor Center on scenic Route 100 in Waterbury Center can offer advice regarding current trail conditions, recommendations based on interests and goals, and insight into Long Trail history and its natural surroundings.

    “GMC’s Visitor Center specialists and trail steward volunteers are ready to help Vermonters hike their best hike this summer. Whether you’re just getting started hiking or want to tackle a new challenge or find new trails, these experts are committed to getting you outdoors safely and responsibly,” said Emily Mosher, Visitor Services Manager.

    A group of people mingle, view displays, and purchase merchandise inside a large, well-lit, timber framed room.

    The Visitor Center will be open Wednesday through Saturday from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Programming, including guided hikes on the Short Trail and hiking skills workshops, will be offered on a regular basis. Hiker safety is GMC’s top priority, and hikers can refresh their skills at a recorded or upcoming GMC workshop or take advantage of hiking guides on our website and social media. On the trails, GMC caretakers and volunteers will be stationed at Mount Mansfield and Lincoln Gap. These dedicated folks can give trail advice and orient users to the sensitive alpine environments found on Vermont’s highest summits.

    Hikers can also expect to see GMC trail crews and volunteers working to improve trails statewide. Crews will begin flood recovery work on eroded trails and damaged bridges, and continue employing sustainable trail building strategies to further protect recreational assets from extreme weather. Learn more about the Green Mountains, the Long Trail, and hiking with these GMC resources:

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    About the Green Mountain Club: The Green Mountain Club was founded in 1910 with one goal: to build a long-distance hiking trail that spans the length of Vermont’s mountains. The Long Trail, the oldest long-distance hiking trail in the United States, was completed in 1930. Today, Green Mountain Club staff and volunteers care for roughly 500 miles of trail in Vermont, and take a sustainable approach to trail building and maintenance in the face of climate change impacts and increased year-round use of the trails. We support the hiking community with education and access to enjoy Vermont’s beloved trails.

  • Sounds and Stories on the Long Trail

    Sounds and Stories on the Long Trail

    This is a guest post by Tess “Storyteller” Rowan, LT Class of 2025, who has produced an audio documentary of her experience on the trail called “Field Notes: A Long Trail Odyssey.”

    “I wish the world were more like the trail.” These words from a hiker on the Long Trail have stuck with me since we spoke about our love for the Green Mountains last June.

    I set out on the Long Trail to capture the sounds and stories of America’s oldest long-distance hiking trail in an audio documentary project called Field Notes: A Long Trail Odyssey. While thru-hiking 272-miles across Vermont, I interviewed fellow hikers and community members, and recorded the rhythms of trail life.

    I found out about the world of thru-hiking when I was 14 while writing a musical, Static. I was looking for a place to set my story and became inspired by the sounds of mountains and Morse code. So, I wrote a story about a teenage girl who had a radio and lived in the woods on the Appalachian Trail. Then, I discovered that before there was the Appalachian Trail, there was a historic footpath in Vermont: the Long Trail. I had no idea how to write a musical, much less how to play an instrument, and I definitely knew nothing about thru-hiking. But I became hooked, dreaming of telling stories and long-distance backpacking.

    Photo: Cruise Control

    Six years later, in spring 2025, my college announced a summer theater grant opportunity. I reached out to the Green Mountain Club with the idea to create an immersive audio documentary about the Long Trail, sharing the power of community and conservation. With the support of the GMC and the project grant, I became a 20-year-old theater kid embarking on my first thru-hike.

    On the Long Trail, I hiked through the mud and rain, became overwhelmed by the joy and kindness of the trail community, and was in awe of the natural beauty of the land protected by the Green Mountain Club. Along the way, I was given the trail name “Storyteller.”

    After completing the Long Trail in 23 days, I came home with countless memories and hours of audio recordings to sift through. Some of my favorite recorded moments were a surprise encounter with a moose on Jay Peak, an uplifting conversation with a Mount Mansfield backcountry caretaker, and the infectious laughter of my trail family while hitching a ride for the first time. I wanted the final project to share an authentic trail experience, from brutal falls in the mud to reaching mountain summits.

    In this 45-minute audio experience, audiences are encouraged to go on a walk and press play. Through sound and stories, listeners can explore the heart of the Green Mountains on the Long Trail end-to-end.

    I’m releasing Field Notes: A Long Trail Odyssey into the world this Earth Day, April 22. I hope you listen and recall fond memories of your own time on the trail, or are inspired, like me, to take a long hike of your own.

  • Managing Mud Pits and Puncheon on the Long Trail

    Managing Mud Pits and Puncheon on the Long Trail

    If you’ve hiked on the Long Trail (LT), you’re probably familiar with some of its notorious mud pits that require wide, precarious steps over a few random logs that dot the surface of the mud puddle or sacrificing your mostly dry socks to tread directly through the ankle-deep sludge. Mud management is part of the Green Mountain Club’s (GMC) trail work, and while we’d love to eliminate all mud on the Long Trail System, that’s a Sisyphean goal. Instead, we improve drainage where we can, install bridging or tread-hardening measures on perpetual mud pits, and try to educate the hiking public on how their approach to mud impacts the overall trail and landscape health. So this mud season, learn more about the mechanics of mud and mud-abating measures on the trail, and why those DIY logs aren’t the solution you might think they are.

    Why is Vermont Muddy?

    Vermont is sometimes called “Vermud” by Appalachian Trail hikers, and GMC’s familiar refrain to stay off fragile, high-elevation trails during the spring mud season is well known. With impacts from climate change, mud season conditions are now possible in any month of the year. What causes Vermont’s notorious mud and mud season?
    • Vermont’s rocky soils have a higher percentage of clay minerals than surrounding states. Clay minerals absorb water and have very low permeability, preventing drainage.
    • Soil still frozen from winter does not allow snowmelt and spring rains to percolate deeper, creating the saturated, messy top layer known as mud. High snow and cold winters like this one often result in longer, later mud seasons and a muddier hiking season overall.
    • Soils at high elevations in Vermont are shallow and often on top of impermeable bedrock.
    • Last but not least, much of the Long Trail System was built over a century ago, without the impacts of climate change and a fraction of the hikers we see today. Those trails were built either too steep or too flat, traveling through susceptible soils with poor drainage.

    How GMC Manages Mud

    When assessing chronic mud pits, we look at where the water is coming from and any opportunity to exit the water . Preventing water from reaching the mud pit in the first place is the best option, and we can achieve this by installing drainage structures above it or relocating to a drier route. Draining the mud pit, often through de-berming (removing the raised lip on the downslope side of the pit) or a drain, is the second-best option. If for some reason neither of those options are make sense, we consider a relocation or “harden” the trail, either via rock work or puncheon. Relocation decisions are dependent on many factors, primarily length and severity of the mud pit and other trail layout issues, protected land corridors, and terrain options for a sustainable relocation. The recent southern terminus relocation is designed to move the trail up to a sidehill and alleviate some of the mud issues there. Hardening the trail involves reconstructing the tread using features such as turnpikes or step stones, often combined with drainage improvements. These rockwork solutions are durable and effective, but they require significant time, cost, and skilled labor.

    Puncheon: When it Works and When it Doesn’t

    Puncheon is a common (and visible) solution to perpetually muddy areas, because compared to rockwork, it is quicker and easier to install. Puncheon in New England, sometimes referred to as bog bridging, typically adheres to this definition: “a single-or double-plank tread surface resting directly on mud sleepers, cribbing or piles.” Most GMC puncheon is built out of Eastern Hemlock, which is fairly rot-resistant. We sometimes use more expensive, but more durable, black locust or cedar, or we fell trees f rom the surrounding area, usually red spruce or balsam fir, to create and install native puncheon. GMC considers multiple factors when deciding if puncheon is the correct solution for a muddy piece of trail. Puncheon is fairly low-skill and fast to install, so GMC can work with volunteer service groups, section volunteers, or individual adopters to install puncheon. An efficient crew can build about 100 feet of puncheon in a day, and it starts working immediately. But puncheon isn’t all sunshine and rainbows. The lumber is heavy and expensive, and packing it into the worksite is the biggest limiting factor. It also doesn’t last forever. Well-built puncheon ideally lasts 10-12 years, but that can vary, and the staff time and expenses add up over the decades. Puncheon should only be installed in flat terrain, as sloped puncheon quickly becomes slippery and dangerous for the hiker. Trails that flood regularly are also not suitable candidates for puncheon as floodwaters can dislodge the boards. Ideally, puncheon begins and ends with durable tread, transporting the hiker across the muddy trail; placing 20 feet of puncheon in the center or at either end of a 100-foot mud pit doesn’t resolve the problem. Good puncheon is sturdy with no bounce and no sag in the middle. GMC uses stringers that are 3”x8” and sills that are 6”x6”, so that puncheon is sturdy and settles in the ground. GMC uses a sledgehammer to drive galvanized 8” spikes through the stringers and into the sills. There should be a half-inch gap between stringers that allows water to drain but isn’t so large that a foot or trekking pole could get caught between them.

    Why DIY Fixes Don’t Work

    Hikers may see logs, bark, or brush added (usually by other hikers) to a mudpit to create a drier stepping surface. While it may be a very temporary fix, it can make the problem worse in the long run. Adding these items to the trail can dam up natural drainage in the pit, and that extra organic matter eventually decomposes and acts as a sponge, soaking up moisture and creating more mud in the long run. Rather than cobbling together a temporary fix, we kindly ask you to instead report the pit to GMC and walk right through the center of the pit to avoid widening it. Despite GMC’s commitment to a durable and sustainable Long Trail System, it’s unlikely the club will resolve every mud pit on the 500-mile system — it’s just not practical or possible. So next time you come across a muddy stretch of trail, appreciate the heavy snowfalls, unique soils and ruggedness of the LT that created it in the first place. Look for a berm you can kick out to drain the pit, and traipse directly through the mud to avoid worsening the issue.

    Help Us Manage Mud!

    Vermont’s mud season generally runs from snowmelt to Memorial Day Weekend. High-elevation trails on state land are closed, and we ask for your cooperation in giving the saturated soils time to dry out by avoiding all high-elevation trails. Lower elevations, durable-surface trails, and dirt roads make great alternatives this time of year.
  • Hiking the Side-to-Side Challenge: Variety & Views

    Hiking the Side-to-Side Challenge: Variety & Views

    If you’re looking for some new-to-you trails and to discover little-visited corners of Vermont, the Long Trail (LT) Side-to-Side challenge might be perfect for you.
    A cousin of the End-to-End hiking challenge, the Side-to-Side Challenge was born in 2006 after years of hikers informally taking it on. Hiking the Vermont Side-to-Side challenge is a great way to mix up your standard hiking routes.

    It consists of 88 side trails — 84 that the Green Mountain Club (GMC) manages, and a few we don’t, like the Wanderer Trail at Stratton Mountain Ski Resort — and covers 166.1 miles. These trails are mostly blue-blazed and generally extend from a trailhead to the LT itself.

    There have been just 71 Side-to-Siders to date. Each year, we recognize about one percent of the total number of End-to-Enders, so joining the ranks of the Side-to-Siders places you in elite company.

    Many of you are probably well on your way to completing the challenge and may not even know it. Certification is simple – we just ask for the approximate date hiked for each of the 88 side trails, conveniently organized in a digital tracker that includes the divisions used on the Long Trail Map. So grab our latest map and a Long Trail Guide for directions and trail descriptions and start plotting some routes to explore side trails that are new to you!

    Hiking expert Philip Werner moved to Vermont in a few years ago and began working on his Side-to-Side certification as a way to explore his new home. He completed the challenge in September 2025 and documented his approach to itinerary planning and exploring on his website, sectionhiker.com.

    Philip first heard about the Side-to-Side Challenge from a friend who had previously worked on a GMC trail crew and had completed it. He recommends using a Side-to-Side list to eliminate some of the endless browsing and choice.

    “I’m a list hiker, I love having a list to take some of the guesswork out of where to hike each week,” he explains.

    Side trails vary widely, from treacherous crawls through caves on Mount Mansfield’s rugged ridgeline, to gentle strolls to ponds in southern Vermont. Philip says it’s a great way to explore the variety of terrain that hiking in Vermont has to offer and keep your hiking experience fresh.

    There’s no one way to approach the Side-to-Side Challenge. You could do 88 separate day hikes or try to combine multiple trails in a vicinity into one long day’s hike or a multi-day backpacking trip. No matter what, you’ll be hiking more than the designated 166.1 miles, since there are a few loop options and most trails will be hiked in some sort of out-and-back manner.

    “Generally you will find fewer hikers which, for me, is a delight. Also, there’s a better chance of seeing Vermont’s wildlife because it’s quieter with the decrease in foot traffic. — Ira Sollace, Side-to-Side 2020

    “You will drive yourself crazy trying to figure out the optimal route to get as many trail miles as possible,” admits Philip.

    One strategy is to start with the trails nearest your home, to keep the activation energy low, and build up to trail areas that will require longer drives or nights away from home.

    Jake Perkins, who completed the challenge in 2024 offers this approach: “Treat it as a long-term commitment and incorporate the hikes into other experiences in the surrounding woods and towns.”

    Philip created backpacking routes using GMC’s hiking maps for networks of trails on Killington, Camel’s Hump, and Mount Mansfield. “They’re not traditional backpacking trips, because you’re doing a lot of in-and-out, back-and-forth to get to all the trails.” For example, over two days in the Killington Area, Philip hiked the following route:

    Day One: Shrewsbury Peak Trail (3.8 mi.) to LT North (1.8 mi.), then down and back up the Bucklin Trail (3.5 mi. Each way, 7.0 mi. Total) before tenting overnight at Cooper Lodge.

    Day Two: Killington Spur out-and-back to the summit, LT South (1.8 mi.) to Shrewsbury Peak Trail (again) to the Black Swamp Trail (2.1 mi.), and a 1.5 mi. road walk back to his car.

    That’s a total of 19.5 miles of hiking for three side trails totaling 9.8 miles.

    For Philip, planning is part of the fun of the challenge. A longtime New Hampshire resident, Philip was contemplating a move to Vermont a few years ago and used the Side-to-Side Challenge to explore the numerous back roads leading to some of the lesser-used trailheads. “Exploring Vermont this way has been thrilling, rekindling the joy I feel when driving down unmarked dirt roads in the middle of nowhere to hike on new trails to new destinations,” he says.

    “I loved the logistics puzzle as a solo hiker and sometimes self-shuttled between trailheads with a bicycle and car.”
    — Liz Ford

    Philip had trail highlights from the entire length of the system but he can’t name a single favorite.

    Trails to ponds and streams, like Little Rock Pond and Griffith Lake, were memorable for their peaceful destinations. The twisty, scrambly Canyon and Cliff Trails on Mansfield are perennial favorites among Side-to-Siders.

    George Grzyb, who completed their Side-to-Side in year, recommends the Frank Post and Forester’s Trails because “they provided for a scenic loop to visit both Tillotson Peak and Belvidere Mountain in a quieter part of the Long Trail System,” says George. “There are many opportunities to combine a few side trails and revisit your favorite Long Trail destinations.”

    In addition to GMC’s hiking maps, including the online Avenza versions, Philip swears by a road atlas. “You can’t rely on Google or Apple Maps for this challenge,” he says. Having a hiking buddy and dropping a second car somewhere can eliminate the number of out-and-back hikes necessary.

    “I think more people should pursue the Side-to-Side list. It’s an on-ramp to the Long Trail itself; it’s a great way to stay connected to the trails after an End-to-End, and it can be very family-friendly and flexible since it doesn’t follow a traditional through-hike structure,” Philip concludes.

    The Rock Garden Trail is one of the 88 side trails.

     

  • Hiking Over 60: The Trail Awaits

    Hiking Over 60: The Trail Awaits

    This article first appeared in the Winter 2025 Long Trail News and was written by Chloe Miller and Philip Werner.

    Age might change how we hike, but it doesn’t have to stop us from doing it. Many people start in their 60s, 70s, or even later. Hiking connects you to the world around you — and perhaps more importantly, to yourself.

    Whether you want to get back into hiking after many years away, or want to start hiking in your 60s (or have a friend who wants to!), author and hiker Philip Werner has some advice. Philip wrote Hiking Over 60: A Modern Guide to Hiking Gear and Techniques for Active Adults, and recommends starting small and building confidence as you go.

    “In the last 20 years, hiking culture and gear have changed significantly, favoring lighter-weight gear that makes hiking more accessible for older adults. I wanted to explain the basics, for both beginner hikers and those with more experience who might be getting back on the trail after a hiatus,” Philip says of his book.
    This fall, Philip, a new GMC board member, led three group hikes geared at older adults: Haystack Mountain in Wilmington; Mt. Pisgah in the Northeast Kingdom; and Silver Lake in Salisbury.

    “It was a gorgeous, warm October day, with great autumn color. One member of our party was an amateur botanist and identified the fungi, moss, and ferns we passed along the way. Another had just had a double hip replacement less than two months earlier. She had registered because she felt the pace, geared toward mature hikers, would allow her to keep up.”


    Exploring Silver Lake in the Moosalamoo National Recreation Area. I” had originally planned a hike to Rattlesnake Point but decided to scale it back to make it more accessible to the group,” Philip explained.

    Special Considerations for Hiking Over 60

    The right preparation enhances safety and comfort, especially for mature hikers. Whether you are new to hiking, returning to it after some years away, or want to encourage friends and loved ones to explore hiking, here are Philip’s top tips.

    Footwear
    If you can, invest in high-quality hiking boots, trail shoes, or trail runners with good arch support and ankle stability. Don’t be afraid to experiment with different footwear. Consider using insoles, especially if you already wear them in your street shoes. They can provide additional arch support or cushioning.

    Trekking Poles
    These are especially helpful for those over 60 because they:

    • Provide balance on uneven terrain.
    • Reduce strain on knees and hips during descents.
    • Improve posture and upper body engagement.

    Adapt to Changing Abilities

    Knees aching? Shorter hikes, gentler inclines, and poles help. Vision issues? Choose well-marked, wider paths. Balance concerns? Trekking poles, flat trails, and hiking with a buddy add confidence. Arthritis or joint pain? Talk to your doctor. Hiking can often help manage arthritis, especially with proper footwear, poles, and gentle terrain.

    Know Your Limits

    Your endurance and pace may differ from others, or from your younger self. That’s OK. Take breaks, don’t rush, and turn back if you’re feeling unwell or overtired.

    Avoid Slippery or Steep Trails

    Stick to trails appropriate for your skill level. Many trail apps and guidebooks state difficulty and conditions. Use them to plan accordingly. Consider recent weather and seasonal conditions as well.

  • Be Well: How Hiking Can Improve Our Mental Health

    Be Well: How Hiking Can Improve Our Mental Health

    A version of this article appeared in the Winter 2025 Long Trail News. This extended version also includes footnotes and sources. As a child on the family farm in Minnesota, I loved spending time in nature. But like many folks I know, I lost my connection to the outdoors as I grew up and took on a demanding legal career, working in New York City. But it was not sustainable for this country mouse, so after a decade I returned to Vermont (I previously attended law school here) and became a public servant working for the State of Vermont. In 2024, I experienced burnout, a state of emotional and physical exhaustion brought on by chronic stress. My nervous system was stuck in sympathetic response, unable to return to a calm homeostasis caused by the activation of the parasympathetic nervous system. Something had to change, and it did in a big way: I took time away from work and spent more time being active outdoors. Hiking became my medicine, and slowly, I was able to heal. Why did it work? Being active outdoors can provide numerous benefits to our physical and mental wellbeing. Many of us know this intrinsically, and feel better after a walk in the woods. But have you ever been curious about the science behind it? Here, we break down some of the research on the connection between the outdoors, the brain and social-emotional health.

    The Biophilia Effect

    The biophilia effect states that humans have a genetic tendency to affiliate with other forms of life and are drawn to experiences in nature1 in order to increase their physical, mental, and emotional wellbeing. There are multiple benefits of just being in nature, which include2:
    • Reduced anxiety and stress through soothing sounds, smells, and sights of nature;
    • Improved mental health by reducing depression and anxiety, improving overall mood, and enhancing cognitive function;
    • Increased creativity, productivity, concentration, and problem-solving skills;
    • Faster healing and recovery.

    Improve Brain Health

    Cardio activity (hello, walking or hiking) increases respiration and blood flow to the brain, especially the prefrontal cortex – the part responsible for focus, decision-making, and memory. Brains operate at their optimum when the body is in a state of being both active and calm.  The brain has very high metabolic demands — it accounts for at least 20% of the body’s overall energy consumption.3 Researchers at Stanford found that walking can boost creative thinking by up to 60%.4 Walking can literally promote both the growth and survival of brain cells, through the simulation of brain-derived neurotrophic factor, to enhance many of our cognitive functions and reduce risk of cognitive decline and dementia. Walking can literally promote both the growth and survival of brain cells, through the simulation of brain-derived neurotrophic factor, to enhance many of our cognitive functions, such as: (1) Improved memory, attention, and problem-solving skills; (2) enhanced focus and concentration; and (3) better decision-making and reasoning abilities.5 Outdoor movement can also help create new brain cells, especially in the hippocampus, which is vital for memory.6 Additionally, regular movement outdoors helps to maintain your brain’s overall volume and prevent the deterioration of brain tissue over time, potentially reducing the risk of cognitive decline and conditions like dementia.7   Being active outdoors, including hiking, helps more than just our brains and cognition.  Hiking is an amazing whole-body workout that strengthens our muscles, bones, balance, and our respiratory and cardiovascular systems.8

    Reduce Stress and Anxiety

    Movement has two powerful healing qualities: (1) it completes the stress cycle, telling our minds that we are safe and can shift into our parasympathetic nervous systems; and (2) it releases “feel-good” neurotransmitters like endorphins, serotonin, and dopamine, which directly reduce the levels of stress hormones, improve our overall mood, and promote a sense of well-being.9 Also, exposure to sunlight through your eyes and skin stimulates the creation of serotonin in your brain, a neurotransmitter that regulates our mood, enables feelings of social connection and contributes to a healthy self-image and confidence.

    Try an Awe Walk

    Adding an element of mindfulness to your movement powers up these healing benefits. Mindfulness is the awareness of being present and fully engaged with the present moment — free from distraction or judgment. To incorporate mindfulness there are 3 elements to bring you into the present moment: (1) choose what you put your attention on; (2) place your awareness in the present moment; and (3) simply observe and be curious about the small wonders unfolding all around you, instead of judging your experiences. In a recent study, researchers coined this mindful moment outdoors an “awe walk.”10 “Awe is partly about focusing on the world outside of your head…and rediscovering that it is filled with marvelous things that are not you.”  Feeling a sense of awe improves feelings of happiness and can increase your overall mood, as well as lessen negative emotions and decrease the overall amount of stress hormones in the body, which lead to body-wide inflammation.11 There is a reason why so many people feel a pull to being active in nature: we feel more positive and happier during and after these experiences.  And only 5 minutes can be enough to increase your executive functioning, processing speed and working memory.12 Feeling a sense of awe improves feelings of happiness and can increase your overall mood. It can lessen negative emotions and decrease the overall amount of stress hormones in the body, which lead to body-wide inflammation. There is so much awe to behold all around Vermont; just get outside to experience it!

    Find a Friend

    Another tremendous way to increase the benefits of hiking is doing it with another being, either human or pet.  Being active outdoors with another person can enhance feelings of safety, which is calming to the nervous system. It also improves relational health and deepens social connections through shared experiences and memories. Being in company with others can also generate oxytocin, which reduces stress hormone levels. There is a reason why so many people feel a pull to being active in nature: we feel more positive and happier during and after these experiences. As little as five minutes can be enough to increase your executive functioning, processing speed and working memory.

    Join Me for a Hike and Restorative Yoga: January 3 and February 28, 2026

    I have found that the key to my increased and sustainable wellbeing is to engage in activities that I enjoy with others.  My body no longer craves the adrenaline and stress of mountain biking or trail running.  Hiking is the perfect balance of both effort and effortlessness, so it doesn’t stress me out.  To maximize the healing benefits of mindfulness, join me for a morning hike up Stowe Pinnacle followed by a Restorative Yoga class at the GMC Visitor Center.  The hike is moderately challenging, but the yoga is ZERO effort, completely accessible to beginners.  Essentially, you are guided into therapeutic poses supported by bolsters, blankets, straps, and blocks.  The less you do, the more you gain because your nervous system shifts into the parasympathetic system where it can rest, digest, and heal. Sign Up: January 3 Hiking and Yoga Sign Up: February 28 Hiking and Yoga

    Sources on Hiking and Mental Health

    1. One Small Step: The Mental Health Benefits of Walking Outside, Sara McCloskey (August 7, 2024).
    2.  The Biophilia Effect: Exploring the Healing Power of Nature, book review by Devon Frye in Psychology Today (January 10, 2018).
    3. A Cellular Perspective on Brain Energy Metabolism and Functional Imaging, Pierre J. Magistretti, Igor Allaman, in Neuron Volume 86, Issue 4 (May 20, 2015).
    4. BDNF mediates improvement in cognitive performance after computerized cognitive training in healthy older adults, by Nicastri CM, McFeeley BM, Simon SS, Ledreux A, Håkansson K, Granholm AC, Mohammed AH, Daffner KR. Alzheimers Dement (N Y) (August 31, 2022)
    5. Can a Nature Walk Change Your Brain?  Investigating Hippocampal Brain Plasticity After One Hour in a Forest, Sonja Sudimac, Simone Kuhn (December 1, 2024).
    6. Same as above.
    7. Benefits of Hiking, National Park Service (June 28, 2024)
    8. 5 Surprising Benefits of Walking, Harvard Health Publishing, Harvard Medical School (December 7, 2023).
    9. Burnout:  The Secret to Unlocking the Stress Cycle, by Emily Nagoski PhD, Amelia Nagoski DMA (March 26, 2019).
    10. An ‘Awe Walk’ Might Do Wonders for Your Well-being, Gretchen Reynolds, New York Times (October 1, 2020).
    11. Same as above.
    12. Walking For Just 5 Minutes Does This Cool Thing to Your Brain, Per New Science, Korin Miller, in Women’s Health Magazine (June 3, 2025).
    Samara Anderson is a lawyer and yoga teacher based in Ferrisburgh. She is a licensed attorney in Vermont and New York since 2003, and has been instructing yoga since 2013. Samara then started teaching mindfulness to stressed humans in 2016 to enable herself and others to lower stress hormone levels and continue practicing law (and being a human) in a more sustainable way. She section hiked the Long Trail from 2021-2023, and became a GMC outings leader in 2024. Samara’s yoga teachings are influenced by several yoga traditions, including: Ayurveda, Anusara, Hatha, Vinyasa, Yin, Restorative, and Kundalini. 
  • How to Hike the VT 5

    How to Hike the VT 5

    how to hike the vt5The new year is the perfect time to set goals for the year ahead, and one of our favorite is hiking goals! If you’re looking for a challenge to get you outside and up in the mountains, the Vermont 5 is a great new year goal. It involves summiting all five of Vermont’s 4,000-foot peaks. GMC’s Visitor Information Specialists put together some of their favorite routes up and down Vermont’s iconic peaks, so you can learn how to hike the VT5. Be sure to check trail conditions and refresh on seasonal guidance before tackling these challenging peaks. If you’ve never hiked a 4,000-footer, they can be challening. Consider working your way up with a few weeks of training and leveling up your hikes. Use the suggestions in this “Couch to Camel’s Hump” post from a few years back! Already hiked these peaks? Consider trying a new-to-you route or completing them all again in a given month in 2026. Some folks even try to hike them all in a day or weekend! Proper preparation and weather research is critical, as is carrying the Ten Essentials. Check the latest mountain weather forecasts on mountain-forecast.com and National Weather Service. In general, we recommend waiting until summer to tackle these peaks! New: GMC’s Vermont Five sticker, designed by Montpelier designer Dana-Dwinell Yardley, is the perfect way to commemorate the VT5 challenge. Jump To:

    How to Hike the VT5: Killington Peak, 4235′

    Killington Peak is Vermont’s southernmost four-thousand-footer, and is the second-highest peak in Vermont. Its slopes are home to Killington Ski Area, nicknamed “Beast of the East.” The Long Trail doesn’t pass directly over Killington’s summit, but can be accessed by a challenging 0.25 mile spur trail from Cooper Lodge.

    Long Trail South >> Killington Summit >> Sherburne Pass Loop

    15 miles round trip; 3,860 feet of elevation gain For a long, challenging hike, take the Long Trail South from Route 4 to Cooper Lodge, then take the spur trail to the summit. Head back the way you came to the Long Trail, then pick up Sherburne Pass Trail (tackle Pico Peak via a spur trail, 3,957 ft), continue to Deer Leap Trail (across Route 4), then pick up the Appalachian Trail South back to the Long Trail South to finish the loop.

    Bucklin Trail >> Killington Peak

    7.4 miles, 2,480 feet elevation gain For a shorter hike on one of the Long Trail’s side trails, park at the Bucklin Trailhead on Wheelerville Rd, and hike up the moderate Bucklin Trail to the Long Trail/Appalachian Trail South. At Cooper Lodge, take the spur trail to Killington Peak. Enjoy the views from the top of Killington, then return the same way.

    How to Hike the VT5: Mount Abraham, 4,006 ft

    Mount Abraham is Vermont’s shortest four-thousand-footer, but is by no means the least! It offers great panoramic views of New Hampshire, the Adirondacks and Lake Champlain, and the Green Mountains north and south. It is also home to a small area of rare alpine vegetation, so take care to walk only on the rocks at the summit. Please note: Lincoln Gap Road, a popular access point for Mount Abraham, is closed from October 15 to May 1 each year.

    Long Trail North from Lincoln Gap

    5.2 mi rt, 1,640 ft elevation gain This moderate to challenging hike takes you directly to the summit of Mount Abraham. Start at the Long Trail parking lots at the top of Lincoln Gap Road. (the road is closed in winter). Hike moderately uphill past Battell Shelter.  The last mile to the summit is the most strenuous, with rock scrambles and steeper terrain, but you are rewarded with 360-degree views, including Mt. Ellen and Camel’s Hump to the north, the White Mountains to the east, the Adirondacks to the west, and the southern Green Mountains to the south.

    Battell Trail >> Long Trail North to summit

    5.8 miles round trip; 2,600 feet of elevation gain battell trail covered in snowParking at Elder Hill Road, this moderate to strenuous side trail takes you to the summit of Mount Abraham. Take the blue-blazed Battell Trail 2 miles to its intersection with the white-blazed Long Trail, just south of Battell Shelter. Continue on the Long Trail North to the summit. The last mile of the trail on the Long Trail North section will include rocky scrambles and steeper terrain.

    How to Hike the VT5: Mt. Ellen, 4,083′

    wildflowers in foreground and mountains in the backgroundTied with Camel’s Hump as the third-highest peak in Vermont, Mount Ellen is a viewless summit just south of the Sugarbush Mount Ellen ski area. Be sure to take in the views from the top of the ski hill on your way to the summit! You get beautiful views looking east toward the Adirondacks and the Green Mountains to the north.

    Jerusalem Trail >> Long Trail South >> Battell Trail

    10.5 miles; 3,230 ft. Elevation gain a woman in a green jacket stands in front of a snowy trail flanked by treesTackle both Mount Ellen and Mount Abraham on this moderate to challenging hike. You will need to drop a car at one end or arrange for a shuttle. Drop your car at Battell Trail parking lot on Elder Hill Rd, and park your 2nd car at Jerusalem Trail parking area on Jim Dwire Rd. Hike up the Jerusalem Trail to the Long Trail South, passing some lookouts and the Sugarbush Mount Ellen Ski Area before summitting Mt. Ellen. Continue on the Monroe Skyline ridgeline to Mount Abraham, passing Cutts Peak, Nancy Hanks Peak, and Lincoln Peak (with views!). Descend down Mt. Abraham on the Long Trail South to Battell Trail, returning to your car. Note: the descent off Mt. Abraham will be steep and rocky, and the most challenging part of the hike.

    Jerusalem Trail >> Long Trail South to Mount Ellen

    8.4 miles round trip, 2,483 feet of elevation gain If you’re looking for an out-and-back on Mount Ellen, the Jerusalem Trail is perfect. Park at the pulloff on Jim Dwire Rd, and take the blue-blazed Jerusalem Trail up to the Long Trail. Catch the Long Trail South to summit Mount Ellen, then return the way you came. Mount Ellen is viewless, but there are great views from the top of the Sugarbush Ski Area just before the summit!

    How to Hike the VT5: Camel’s Hump, 4,083 ft

    the rocky ledge of camel's hump peeks out over a thick layer of clouds Once called Couching Lion, Moziozagan, and Tawapodiiwajo, Camel’s Hump is an iconic peak along the spine of the Green Mountains. Camel’s Hump is home to rare alpine vegetation, so please follow white blazes and stay on the rocks, especially on the summit. If hiking up the Burrows/Forest City Trails, please note the town of Huntington is enforcing parking regulations on Camels Hump Road, including ticketing and towing of cars parked outside of the designated parking area. Please respect posted signage and if parking lots are full please find another hike or try again at another time.

    Monroe Trail >> Long Trail South to Summit >> Alpine Trail >> Monroe Trail

    6.6 miles round trip, 2,583 feet elevation gain This challenging hike takes you up one of Vermont’s most recognizable peaks of the Green Mountains, with 360-degree views of the White Mountains, the Adirondacks and Lake Champlain, and the Green Mountains extending north and south. Take the blue-blazed Monroe Trail to the hut clearing, then Long Trail South to the summit. Catch the Alpine trail and visit the site of an airplane crash before connecting back with the Monroe Trail to return to your car.

    Forest City Trail >> LT North >> Burrows Trail

    5.5 miles round trip, 2,446 ft elevation gain This challenging hike takes you up the western side of Camels Hump, and gives great 360-degree views from the summit. From the Burrows parking lot, take Forest City Connector to the Forest City Trail to Long Trail North, summit the mountain, then continue on Long Trail North to the Burrows Trail to return to your car. The trail will include rocky scrambles up and down, some ledges, and beautiful views of the area.

    Burrows Trail >> LT South >> Burrows Trail

    4.8 miles round trip, 2,183 feet elevation gain Try this moderate hike for a shorter (yet still steep!) adventure up Camels Hump! Take the blue-blazed Burrows Trail to the hut clearing (2.1 mi), then take the Long Trail South to the summit. The Long Trail section will have some rocky scrambling and larger boulders to navigate, but it is only a short distance.

    How to Hike the VT5: Mount Mansfield, 4,395 ft

    Mount Mansfield is Vermont’s northernmost four-thousand-footer and the tallest peak in the state, standing at 4,395 feet. Its distinctive ridgeline resembles a face, with the “Chin” being the highest point. Mount Mansfield is home to Vermont’s largest area of alpine vegetation, so please remain on the rocks and avoid stepping on vegetation.

    Underhill State Park >> Maple Ridge Trail >> Long Trail North >> Summit >> Long Trail South >>Sunset Ridge Trail

    8.8 miles, 2,700 feet elevation gain This challenging loop trail will take you all along Mount Mansfield’s iconic ridgeline, from the Forehead to the Chin, with 360-degree views of Canada to the North, the White Mountains to the East, the Green Mountains to the South, and the Adirondack Mountains to the west. Take theEaglethe Eagle Pass trail to the CCC road in Underhill State Park, to Maple Ridge Trail. From Maple Ridge, connect with the Long Trail North at the Forehead, and continue on Long Trail North to the Chin. After summiting, backtrack to the Sunset Ridge Trail, enjoying unobstructed views of Lake Champlain and the Adirondacks on your hike down to Underhill State Park.

    Long Trail South >> Chin

    5.6 miles, 2850 feet elevation gain  For a more direct hike to the summit, the Long Trail South from Route 108 is one of GMC’s more popular routes. It can be done as an out-and-back, or you can create a loop with the Profanity Trail or Haselton Trail. From Route 108/Barnes Camp, take the Long Trail South over the boardwalk (take in stunning views of Smugglers Notch!), then cross Route 108 to being your ascent. Take a break at Taft Lodge before your last ascent to the Chin (expect some scrambling), where you will have 360-degree views of the Greens, Whites, and Adirondacks. Return the way you came, or continue on the ridgeline to either the Profanity Trail to Long Trail South or Haselton Trail (0.5 miles down the toll road).
  • 31 Beautiful Vermont Fall Foliage Hikes

    31 Beautiful Vermont Fall Foliage Hikes

    “Fall Foliage on the Long Trail,” by Tara Schatz
    Whenever entering the backcountry, safety is paramount. Before setting out, let someone know where you’re going, what trails you are hiking, and when you’ll return. Get started with our HikeSafe information. Weather: Be sure to check the weather and daylight hours ahead of your trip. In most circumstances, higher elevations mean cooler temperatures, and alpine zones offer little wind cover. Summit forecasts can be found on Mountain Forecast and the National Weather Service’s Enhanced Mountain Point Forecast. Most importantly, be aware that mountain conditions can change quickly; know your limitations, accept when it’s time to turn back, and postpone your hike if necessary. Emergencies: Your first-aid kit should include hand and toe warmers, a headlamp, waterproof matches and a whistle, an emergency blanket, duct tape, alcohol wipes, moleskin and adhesive bandages, safety pins, ibuprofen, a sewing needle and thread, and any personal medications you may need, just in case. Pro tip: don’t expect to be rescued. Know how to rescue yourself. Leave No Trace: Despite slowed traffic, it’s still essential to leave nothing but footprints… or snowshoe prints. Learn how to minimize your impact on the environment so the trails, campsites, and waterways look just as beautiful come Spring. Parking: Some popular trailheads aren’t accessible in winter. If you cannot park fully outside the travel lane, use an alternative parking area or choose a different trailhead. Additionally, respect winter parking signage. Visit newengland511 for information on road closures, road work, and incidents. Please plan ahead and prepare when going for any hike. We strongly suggest that hikers carry a map and guidebook when heading out to the trails. Guidebooks and maps are available for purchase at GMC’s Visitor Center, GMC’s online store, and in most Vermont bookstores and outdoor gear retailers. Would you like to join a group hike? GMC’s fourteen sections lead outings every week all over Vermont. Check out our calendar to join them. In the Long Trail Guide, you will find detailed maps and descriptions of the Long Trail System and the Appalachian Trail in Vermont, suggested day hikes, shelter descriptions, and public campgrounds near the trail. The Walker’s Guide to Vermont includes shorter walks and leisurely rambles around the state. We also now have a list of more accessible trails in Vermont.

    Northern VT Fall Foliage Hikes:

    Belvidere Mountain, Lowell Approximately 5.5 hours, 7.9 mile loop – challenging, 1,980ft elevation gain Belvidere Mountain is a gorgeous summit with a fire tower that offers 360-degree views on a clear day. From the tower, the Green Mountains are visible south to Camel’s Hump. Big Jay and Jay Peak are prominent to the north; to their right stands Owl’s Head and other mountains in Quebec near Lake Memphremagog. On a clear day, the White Mountains are visible to the east. Hike this loop to the summit via the Frank Post Trail to the Long Trail to Forester’s Trail or in the reverse direction. For a shorter hike, park at Long Trail State Forest parking lot on Route 118 in Eden and hike Long Trail North for 2.6 miles, then take the 0.1-mile spur trail to the east to the fire tower (5.4 miles round trip). This is a small parking lot. If the lot is full when you arrive, an alternative route up starts on Route 118 where the long trail crosses the road. Pick up the Long Trail going north for a 4.8 mile out and back up to Belvidere Mountain Fire Tower. Laraway Lookout, Waterville Approximately 2.5 hours, 3.6 miles out and back, moderate, 1,390ft elevation gain This moderately challenging 3.6-mile out and back on the Long Trail is spectacular in the fall. Not only do hikers get views of Mansfield and the Sterling Range, but hikers can admire overhanging rock ledges that the trail passes by. From Codding Hollow Rd, take the Long Trail North for 1.8 miles. Smugglers’ Notch Boardwalk and Barnes Camp Loop, Barnes Camp, Stowe Boardwalk: Approximately 20 minutes out and back Barnes Camp Loop: Approximately 1 hour, 1.4 mile loop, easy/moderate, 350ft elevation gain Explore wetlands, see a beaver dam, and admire the notch from this 660-foot accessible boardwalk on the Long Trail. If you choose to extend your hike, complete the 1.4 mile Barnes Camp loop. On the Barnes Camp Loop, there will be a stream crossing. Rocks are in place to hop across. We recommend starting at the boardwalk to get amazing views of the Notch! If doing Barnes Camp Loop, please park in the Stowe hiker lot at the Stowe Mountain Resort across the road from Barnes Camp. If just hiking the boardwalk, please park at Barnes Camp. Mt. Elmore, Morrisville Approximately 3 hours, 4.2 mile loop, moderate, 1,470ft elevation gain As one of the smaller peaks in the Worcester Range, Mt. Elmore is a great beginner hike. The fire tower at the top provides the perfect place to view the fall foliage found within the Worcester Range and offers stunning views of the Green Mountains. Located in Mt. Elmore State Park Harrington’s View, Bolton Approximately 2.5 hours, Approximately 4.2 mile loop, moderate/challenging, 600ft elevation gain Harrington View offers a view of Mt. Mansfield to the north and Bolton Valley Ski Area to the south. Starting from Bolton Valley Resort, hike up the backcountry ski trails to Harrington’s View. There are multiple trails to take to reach Harrington’s View and loop back down. One possible route option, starting from the Bolton Valley Ski Area parking lot, take the Broadway trail to Telemark. Stay on the Telemark trail until it intersects with Eagle’s Nest which you will follow until it meets with the North Ridge Trail. When the North Ridge Trail meets the Long Trail, take the Long Trail south to Harrington’s View. To return, continue south on the Long Trail until you reach the intersection with the Goat Path. Take the Goat Path all the way to its intersection with the Maple Loop. Turn onto the Maple Loop and follow it until it intersects back to the Broadway trail which will lead you back to the parking area. The Short Trail, Waterbury Center – field view of Worcester Range Approximately 30 minutes, 0.7 miles, easy, 100ft elevation gain The Short Trail is a lovely trail through the woods and fields with a view of the Worcester Mountain Range. The Green Mountain Club offers weekly guided hikes that explore the 0.5 mile loop on the Short Trail at GMC’s headquarters building in Waterbury Center. On this hike participants will learn more about hiking in Vermont, the Long Trail and the Green Mountain Club, and tips to have a successful hike. These hikes are open to hikers of all ages, from beginner day hikers to seasoned backpackers. Hikes take place on the 2nd and 4th Tuesdays at 10am, and on the 1st and 3rd Wednesdays at 2pm, through October 14. The hike will take about an hour to allow time to ask questions and to stop and explore. Folks are welcome to explore the trail on their own at any time.

    Central VT Fall Foliage Hikes:

    The Green Mountain Audubon Center, Huntington Approximately 30 minutes to 3+ hours, 1 to 5 miles, easy, Approximately 300ft elevation gain Nestled in the foothills of the Green Mountains, the 250-acre Green Mountain Audubon Center offers outstanding opportunities for exploration and discovery of the natural world of Vermont. Five miles of trails wind their way through a variety of natural communities including, northern hardwood forest, hemlock swamp, and the Huntington River. Their Visitor Center is open Monday-Friday 8 AM-4 PM. Stop by for a trail recommendation, information about Audubon Vermont’s education and conservation programs! Be sure to check out their gear loan library! Visitors can check out binoculars, field guides, or snowshoes to use on their trails. Jerusalem Trail to Stark’s Nest, Lincoln Approximately 4 hours, 6.2 miles, challenging, 2,180ft elevation gain This route takes hikers across a section of the Monroe Skyline, passing Orvis’s Lookout that offers views to the west. From Stark’s Nest, there are stellar views to the north and east. The Jerusalem Trail climbs up hill and joins the Long Trail just before Stark Mountain. Once you join the LT, begin hiking north. You will walk past some ski runs at Mad River Glen and arrive at Stark’s Nest. This building is left unlocked during the summer for Long Trail hikers to relax and stay in overnight. Stark Mountain Trail to Stark’s Nest Approximately 4 hours, 5 miles, moderate/challenging, XX feet elevation gain Park at Mad River Glen Ski Area on Route 17, and hike the Stark Mountain Trail to the Long Trail (2.4 miles) then take the Long Trail North to Stark’s Nest (0.1 miles). Return the way you came, or continue on Long Trail north past Theron Dean shelter to Sunnyside Trail (0.7 miles) and connect back with Stark Mountain trail (0.4 miles) to head back to your car. Sunset Ledge, Breadloaf Wilderness Approximately 1.5 hour, 2.2 miles, moderate, 380ft elevation gain Hike out to Sunset Ledge to see views to the west and a lovely sunset over the Adirondack Mountains. Explore this 1.4-mile out-and-back trail near Lincoln, Vermont. This is a popular trail for hiking and walking, but you can still enjoy some solitude during quieter times of day. From Lincoln Gap, head South on the Long Trail. Please note: Lincoln Gap closes on October 15. If hiking after October 15, you will need to hike a mile up from the gate on the road. Great Cliff of Mount Horrid, Rochester Approximately 1.5 hours, 1.4 miles, moderate, 650ft elevation gain With the cliff closed March 15 – August 1 due to Peregrine nesting, fall is a great time to hike to the Great Cliff of Mount Horrid. Although it is a short climb, the trail is steep and demanding, but hikers are rewarded with amazing views from the top to the south and east. From Brandon Gap, hike the Long Trail North for 0.7 miles, then take a 0.1-mile spur trail at the top of a rock staircase.

    Southern VT Fall Foliage Hikes:

    Kent Pond, Killington Approximately 40 minutes, 1.4 miles, easy/moderate, 220ft elevation gain Gifford Woods State Park is known for its beautiful fall foliage. It is located near the base of Killington and Pico Peaks with easy access to hiking in the park and on the nearby Long and Appalachian Trails, and a growing mountain bike trail network on adjacent national forest. Gifford Woods State Park contains one of the only easily accessible old-growth hardwood forests in Vermont. The forest is both a State Natural Area and National Natural Landmark. The Old Growth Interpretive Trail leads hikers through the forest with stops at interpretive panels containing information about forest ecology and natural history. The Kent Brook Trail loops through the park from the park office to the campground. Hikers can also cross the street and follow the Appalachian Trail for 0.7 miles to see breathtaking fall views of South Kent Pond as you hike, encircled by massive trees. There are beautiful views of the neighboring waterfalls from this trail. Thundering Brook Falls, Killington Approximately 30 minutes, 0.6 miles, easy, 30ft elevation gain Hike along this accessible boardwalk to the sixth highest waterfall in Vermont. Starting from the River Road parking area, this trail along a portion of the Appalachian Trail (AT) travels to Thundering Falls along a 900 foot, approximately 3.5 foot wide, boardwalk built by the Green Mountain Club. The boardwalk crosses over the Ottauquechee River and through the open Ottauquechee River floodplain. The trail then ascends to a viewing platform overlooking the Falls via an accessible switchback and spur trail built by the Vermont Youth Conservation Corps. Airport Lookout, Clarendon Approximately 1 hour, 1.6 miles, moderate, 540ft elevation gain Hike south on the Long Trail, over Clarendon Gorge and up to Airport Lookout and enjoy views to the west. Bromley Mountain, Peru Approximately 3 hours, 6 miles, moderate, 1,420ft elevation gain From the Route 11/30 Parking Lot, take the Long Trail North to gradually ascend Bromley Mountain, crossing Bromley Brook and passing Bromley Shelter, to the summit where there are sweeping views in most directions from the fire tower. At the summit, the Bromley Ski Patrol Hut is open for hiker use in summer and fall and a moldering privy is provided and maintained by the Manchester Section of the Green Mountain Club. Stratton Mountain, Stratton Approximately 4 hours, 7.6 miles, moderate/challenging, 1,735ft elevation gain Begin from a large dirt lot along Stratton-Arlington Road. Take the Long Trail North, climbing at a gradual grade before getting progressively steeper after about the 1.5 mile mark. The climb is mostly wooded but there are a few small viewpoints along the way. At the summit there is a fire tower you can climb that rewards you will incredible 360-degree views. Porcupine Lookout, Woodford Approximately 5 hours, 8.8 miles, moderate, 1,830ft elevation gain This cliff-top forest opening on the Long Trail provides extensive views of the rugged Woodford Plateau to the east. Follow the Long Trail north for 4.4 miles that gradually climb past Melville Nauheim Shelter, cross a power line that affords views from Maple Hill which then crosses Hell Hollow Brook, and finally climb steadily to a nearly level ridge leading to the lookout. Harmon Hill, Woodford Approximately 2 hours, 3.6 miles, hard, 1,040ft elevation gain Begin from a large trailhead along Vermont Route 9. You will cross the road and begin hiking south on the Long Trail/Appalachian Trail. You will begin with a very steep section of trail; trekking poles are very helpful here and will also be handy on the return trek. At the top of Harmon Hill there is an open meadow with a nice view looking out towards Bennington. The meadow vegetation offers beautiful fall colors.

    Western VT Fall Foliage Hikes:

    Mount Philo, North Ferrisburgh Approximately 1.5 hours, 2 miles, moderate, 600ft elevation gain This short trail takes you steeply up the side of Mount Philo State Park. The trail is short, but it goes up the entire way on a well-marked trail. You are rewarded with fantastic views of the surrounding area, including Lake Champlain. Snake Mountain Loop, Addison Approximately 2.5 hours, 5.4 miles, moderate, 1,060ft elevation gain Snake Mountain is one of the most prominent peaks in the area. Once at the top, hikers are rewarded with sweeping views of the surrounding landscape, including the nearby Champlain Valley, the Adirondack Mountains to the west, and the Green Mountains to the east. Rattlesnake Point, Salisbury Approximately 2.5 hours, 3.9 miles, moderate, 1,160ft elevation gain This loop begins by passing the Falls of Lana and crossing a bridge over Sucker Brook. The route continues through the forest towards the overlook at Rattlesnake Point, a large rock outcrop at the southern end of Mount Moosalamoo provides spectacular views of Lake Dunmore and the Champlain Valley. This is a great place to rest before heading back down to the starting point. Mount Independence, Orwell Approximately 3.5 hours, 4.1 miles, easy, 200ft elevation gain The Mount Independence Trail in Vermont offers a mellow hike with a historical twist. Walk where Revolutionary War soldiers once stood, with views of Lake Champlain and ruins to explore. The trail meanders through classic Vermont woods – think maples, birches, and wildflowers. Informational signs tell the story of the fort. Shaw Mountain, Benson Approximately 1.25 hours, 2.4 miles, moderate, 530ft elevation gain Although this small mountain has a wooded summit, the Shaw Mountain Natural Area is known to have diverse plants and animal life. The easy 2.4-mile loop brings hikers through a forest filled with maple, ash, hickory, and oak that burst with color during peak foliage.

    Eastern VT Fall Foliage Hikes:

    Kettle Pond Trail, Groton State Park Approximately 1 hour, 3.2 miles, easy, 85ft elevation gain Discover this 3.2-mile loop trail near Marshfield, Vermont. This is a popular trail for birding, camping, and hiking, but you can still enjoy some solitude during quieter times of day. Fall is a wonderful time to explore Kettle Pond and admire the fall foliage. Owl’s Head Mountain, Groton State Forest Approximately 2 hours, 4.7 miles, moderate, 680ft elevation gain The Owl’s Head Trail starts from Route 232 and climbs through the forest to the Owl’s Head Overlook. From this point there are views of Kettle Pond, Kettle Mountain, Hardwood Mountain, and several other small peaks. There is a small stone building and stone steps that were built by the Civilian Conservation Corps. Spruce Mountain, Jones State Forest Approximately 3 hours, 4.4 miles, moderate, 1,180ft elevation gain This trail in L.R. Jones State Forest, the first state forest in Vermont, leads to the top of Spruce Mountain where there is a fire lookout open to the public. The fire tower offers 360degree views of the surrounding mountains. The views are especially during the fall foliage season. Millstone Trails, Barre Town Forest Complex network of trails allowing for a variety of distances, Easy/moderate hiking, Approximately 100ft-400ft elevation gain There are currently about 30 miles of trails on Millstone Hill providing outstanding opportunities for hiking, mountain biking, cross-country skiing, and snowshoeing. These trails are managed by the non-profit Millstone Trails Association and are centered on over 1,500 acres of historic and unique granite quarry lands in Barre Town. This area is one of the most scenic and unusual areas in Vermont, combining natural beauty with a fascinating history and cultural heritage. There is a wide variety of trails for all levels of users – from beginner to expert. Trails pass by numerous quarries, large granite grout piles, and stunning scenic vistas. Windmill Hill Mountain Loop, Westminster Approximately 2 hours, 4 miles, moderate, 640ft elevation gain The Pinnacle at Windmill Hill is a nature area that contains numerous trails with several loops and out and back hikes. From the summit and Paul’s Ledge hikers will enjoy expansive western views of Stratton Mountain. The trails are well maintained by the Windmill Hill Pinnacle Association. The summit even contains a newly renovated shelter where campers can spend the night (reservations are required).

    Northeast Kingdom VT Fall Foliage Hikes:

    Kingdom Heritage Trail System, Island Pond This 20-mile trail system in the Northeast Kingdom connects Gore, Middle, and Bluff Mountains. Located only 5 miles from the Canadian border, this is one the most remote trail systems in Vermont. Along with peace and quiet, you can find many lookouts to enjoy the fall foliage. There are moderate options to summit each mountain, or you can continue on the connecting trails for longer day hike outings. Bluff Mountain, Island Pond Approximately 2.5 hours, 3.6 miles, moderate, 1,080ft elevation gain This route takes you along Bluff Mountain Community Trail to Bluff Mountain. It’s a steady incline the entire way up, with a short steep section on the way up to the overlook, which has metal rungs fastened into the rock to help the climb. Fall is a great time to hike in this area, as the views are stunning when the leaves start to change colors. Mount Hor, Willoughby State Forest Approximately 3 hours, 5.3 miles, moderate, 1,325ft elevation gain This trail starts at the parking lot off Vermont Route 5A and leads to the summit of Mount Hor in Willoughby State Forest. It winds through shaded forest, offering great views of Lake Willoughby, Mount Pisgah, and the surrounding mountains. Be prepared for steep sections with exposed tree roots.
  • 2025 GMC Photo Contest Winning Photos and Other Entries

    2025 GMC Photo Contest Winning Photos and Other Entries

    Thank you to everyone who entered the 2025 GMC photo contest! In this year’s contest, members of the Long Trail hiking community shared over 200 images that capture the beauty of Vermont’s mountains, trails, and hiking community as seen through your eyes and camera lenses. Scroll through the winning photographs and a selection of other entries we just had to share! Congratulations to the 2025 GMC Photo Contest winners.

    Grand Prize

    2025 GMC Photo Contest overall contest winner
    “Spruce Ledge Sunrise,” by Mark Paquin

    Hikers’ Choice

    2025 GMC Photo Contest Hikers' Choice winning image.
    “Up for Dawn,” by Joe Iadanza

    Flora and Fauna

    2025 GMC Photo Contest flora and fauna category winner.
    “Ostrich Fern Emerging Along the Long Trail,” by Laura Knapp

    Hikers

    “Taking It In After a Hard Climb Up Camel’s Hump,” by Tara Blondin

    Landscapes and Views

    “Heading Up Camel’s Hump,” by Mickey Nowak

    Trail Features

    “Trail Junction at Bamforth Ridge Shelter,” by Barbee Hauzinger

    More Amazing Photo Contest Entries

  • New Historical Marker Honors the Long Trail Lodge 

    New Historical Marker Honors the Long Trail Lodge 

    The Killington Section is hosting an unveiling ceremony for the new historical marker for the Long Trail Lodge on Saturday, September 27 at 4 p.m. Section President Herb Ogden, Historian David Wright, and Executive Director Mike DeBonis will all speak about the significance of this historical site. Free and open to the public. The Green Mountain Club had many homes before today’s headquarters on Route 100 in Waterbury Center. We got our first home in 1924, a magical rustic structure enclosing giant boulders and other natural elements high on Sherburne Pass. The Green Mountain Club House was a gathering place for club members, hikers and visitors to the Killington area. Renamed the Long Trail Lodge in 1925, it generated income as a guest house from 1924 to 1953. GMC leased it to Treadway Inns, an experienced hotelier, in 1933, then sold it (to Treadway) in 1953 to help pay down debt and start a trust fund, the seed for today’s endowment. It continued operations until it burned down in 1968, and some ruins are still visible, though screened from the highway by dense woods. GMC’s Killington Section has been working to preserve the history and remains of the unique building. They reached a milestone this spring: A Vermont State roadside historical marker is ready for installation on Route 4 near the site.

    Lodge History

    The Club House was a generous donation by Mortimer Proctor, an early club supporter who became GMC’s President and later Vermont’s Governor. With vision and location in mind he hired Paul Thayer, an architect specializing in rustic style. Use of the surrounding landscape was the most notable characteristic of the lodge. “The huge boulders deposited on its site in pre-historic time by some glacier or fallen from the cliff opposite…are a unique feature, being enclosed in the house in several places, forming parts of the wall, with ferns moss, and lichens growing on them as vigorously as outside,” the April 1924 Long Trail News commented. Perhaps its most remarkable inclusion of the outdoors was the Long Trail itself, which ran right through the lodge, marked by indoor white blazes. According to historian David Wright, whose uncle was lodge manager for many years, “It came in through the south on the second level of the building, out the door, down through the porch, and out the main entrance of the building.” The Long Trail and Appalachian Trail continued through the ruins of the lodge until 1999, when 4.2 miles of the LT/AT were relocated about a mile west to accommodate ski area expansion. The original route is now an official blue-blazed side trail, the Sherburne Pass Trail, though it bypasses the ruins. The interior décor of twisted roots, bark on logs, and stuffed animals fully immersed the visitor in the spirit of the outdoors. It was intended as a home base for hikers, since Killington, Pico, and Carmel Mountains and Deer Leap provided numerous hiking opportunities. Like trailside hostels today, it offered comfortable beds, hot meals, and a chance to clean up and rest for end-to-end Long Trail hikers. The Club House opened in 1924, shortly after the Long Trail News warned, “Too much should not be expected of the results of the first season, which will be experimental.” At first, only club members and their recommended guests were served, but service quickly expanded to the public. It hosted the Green Mountain Club annual meeting every year until its demise. The facility was significantly enlarged in its first few years, with administrative and facilities outbuildings and cabins. Deer’s Leap Annex was built across the road in 1939 for winter use. That building is now the Inn at Long Trail, still popular with Long Trail hikers.

    Preserving Long Trail History

    The Killington Section has been interested in preserving and restoring the lodge site for almost ten years. Installation of the new roadside historic marker is a major step in their plan to commemorate the GMC’s first home. “It means more people will learn about GMC’s first headquarters and the original location of the Long Trail,” says Killington Section President Herb Ogden, who visited the lodge as a teen, The Long Trail Lodge roadside historical marker is the third one commemorating the impact of hiking in Vermont. The Long Trail historical marker, created in 1949, is now at the Long Trail parking lot at Route 2 in Bolton, and is visible from Interstate 89. In 2022 the Burlington Section completed an application, and a Green Mountain Club historical marker was subsequently installed at the former site of the Van Ness Hotel, where Long Trail visionary James P. Taylor first met with 11 contemporaries to found the club in 1910. It is on the corner of Pine and Saint Paul Streets in Burlington.

    Hike It!

    To see the new marker, stop at the roomy parking lot at the Sherburne Pass Trailhead, south of Route 4 and across from the Inn at Long Trail. The former site of the Lodge is just west of the parking lot. To explore the surrounding area, hike the Deer Leap Trail on the north side of the pass, which leads to an impressive rock outcrop overlooking Sherburne Pass. From the small lower parking lot at the Inn at Long Trail, enter the woods and wind uphill for 0.5 mile on the Sherburne Pass Trail. Reach the junction with the AT, and turn left for 220 feet. Then, hike the Deer Leap Trail 0.4 mile to the Deer Leap Overlook Spur. The 0.2-mile spur leads you to dramatic views of the Coolidge Range. Return the way you came, or make a loop: continue north on the Deer Leap Trail for 0.9 mile, summiting Deer Leap Mountain, and return eastward (trail north) on the AT (0.9 mile) and Sherburne Pass Trail (0.5 mile). “One of my favorite early memories about Long Trail Lodge is climbing Deer Leap with my brothers, following the old Cave Trail through the rockfall below the cliffs,” David Wright recalls.

    Green Mountain Club Historical Markers

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