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.
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:
- Learn or review the basics of hiking in Vermont and on the Long Trail at the upcoming Hiking 101 Workshop on May 27 or Guided Short Trail Hike.
- Explore online resources, such as trip planning and seasonal hike recommendations.
- Explore GMC’s comprehensive maps and guidebooks to help plan hikes on the Long Trail System, including the Long Trail Guide and Long Trail Map, both updated in 2025, and new digital-first End-to-Ender’s Guide, now an interactive PDF that’s free to download, updated in 2026.
- Find hike inspiration or set a hiking season goal by undertaking a hiking season challenge, like: How to Hike the VT5, Hiking the Side-to-Side Challenge
- GMC hike experts are there to help with critical hiking information and inspiration all season long. Call (802-244-7037), email (), or visit the Visitor Center. The Long Trail Hiking — GMC Community Facebook group is a great way to connect with fellow hikers.
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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.