Hike Feature: Backpacking
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Killington Summit via Sherburne Pass Trail
For a longer trip to the top of Vermont’s second-highest peak, take the Sherburne Pass Trail south from the parking lot at Rt 4. Pass Pico Camp (2.7 mi) and continue another 0.4 mi to an intersection with the Long Trail at Jungle Junction (3.1 mi). Follow the LT South as it gradually climbs for 2.3 miles to Cooper Lodge, the highest shelter on the Long Trail…
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Mt. Abraham via the Long Trail
From the Lincoln Gap trailhead, hike north on the Long Trail for 1.7 miles to Battell Shelter. Continue 0.9 miles on Long Trail North (2.6 mi). This section north of the shelter includes a few rocky scrambles before emerging above tree line and reaching the Mount Abraham summit at 4,006’. Mt. Abe is one of the five 4,000-foot peaks in Vermont, and from the summit there are views of the Champlain Valley…
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Monroe Skyline
This classic section of the Long Trail, the Monroe Skyline day hike, requires two cars and a drop-off at one end of the hike. It can be hiked in either direction but this description goes north to south. This hike summits two of Vermont’s five 4,000-foot peaks (Mt. Abraham and Mt. Ellen). Allow all day for this hike, or stay…
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Section Hike: Camel’s Hump to Route 108
This challenging, 35-mile itinerary traverses some of the most iconic summits of the Long Trail, Camel’s Hump and Mount Mansfield, and crosses the Winooski River Valley. With 10,000 feet of elevation gain, it offers amazing 360-degree views of the Long Trail, the White Mountains in New Hampshire, Lake Champlain, and the Adirondacks in New York.…
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Section Hike: Southern Terminus to Route 9
This two or three-day, one-to-two-night itinerary is a great way to get some southern Long Trail miles. Choose either the Pine Cobble Approach Trail or the Appalachian Trail to reach the Southern Terminus. You’ll have around 4,000 feet of elevation gain over 17-18 miles, along with a steep descent down to Route 9. It can…
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Section Hike: Jay Pass (Route 242) to Northern Terminus
Complete the Northern Terminus with a two-day, one-night hike from Jay Pass. For extra miles, this hike could also be done from Route 118, Hazen’s Notch.
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Section Hike: Brandon Gap to Route 4
This four-day, three-night, intermediate itinerary can be followed either north or south in Central Vermont, and could be modified to a 2-night trip for a more experienced backpacker. This is a great route for those who are looking to test their backcountry set up for multiple nights without too much mileage or elevation gain. It’s…
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Battell Trail to Battell Shelter
From Elder Hill Rd. parking lot, climb steadily through a sugarbush for almost a mile. After crossing two small streams and an old woods road (1.0 mi.), and then another woods road (1.2 mi.), arrive at the LT (2.0 mi.) just south of Battell Shelter. Take a right onto Long Trail North for 0.1 mi until reaching Battell Shelter (2.1 mi). To return, take Battell Trail back down…
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Nebraska Notch to Taylor Lodge
This is a good moderate day hike or beginner-friendly overnight trip. From Stevensville Rd. Trailhead register, take a right onto Nebraska Notch Trail and follow it for1.5 mi. Nebraska Notch Trail is a gradual climb through the woods and near streams to reach Nebraska Notch. Where Nebraska Notch and the Long Trail intersect, take a…
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Sterling Pond
Sterling Pond Trail is short but steep two-mile round-trip hike on the eastern side of Smugglers’ Notch. The excursion can be turned into a half-day or all-day hike by adding connecting trails, including stretches of Vermont’s Long Trail. One of the Long Trail shelters, Sterling Pond Shelter, faces away from the water and its usual…