Plan and Prepare for a Successful Hike
Hiking and exploring the backcountry can come with some inherent risks. To have a successful hike, whether it is one mile or an entire 272-mile thru-hike, be sure you are prepared with the necessary knowledge, gear, and safety planning.
Staying Safe
When entering the backcountry, your safety is of utmost importance. You are responsible for proper preparation and safety planning, but we have the resources you need to get started. Learn about the Ten Essentials, weather and wildlife considerations, and Search and Rescue in Vermont.
Trail Updates
The trail is constantly changing. Stay up to date with the latest closures, alerts, and guidelines.
Get Started
We were all new to hiking once. Familiarize yourself with the basics, attend a free upcoming workshop or catch up with online recordings.
Guidebooks, Maps & More
Be prepared for anything and explore more with GMC’s collections of waterproof paper hiking maps and guidebooks. The Long Trail Guide, 29th Edition (2025) and Long Trail Map (7th Edition, 2025) are the most comprehensive resources for planning hikes on the Long Trail System.
