Hiking in Vermont - The Long Trail

By Thord Hall

Vermont is home to the Green Mountain National Forest, a beautiful forest of about 4000 acres that covers about 65% of this beautiful state. Along with hiking in Vermont there are many other outdoor activities like swimming, camping, fishing and boating. The winter season is also great for Nordic and alpine skiing, snowmobiling and snowshoeing. Of course, when it comes to hiking in Vermont, it is the home of the well-known Vermont Long Trail.

The phrases "hiking in Vermont" and "Long Trail Vermont" are pretty much synonymous. Although the state has many locations for great hiking, the more popular hikes are found along the Long Trail.

The Long Trail stretches about 270 miles from the Massachusetts state line and runs north through Vermont into Canada. It travels over the major peaks of the Green Mountains and runs together with the Appalachian Trail for about 95 miles. It is said that the Appalachian Trail, which starts in Georgia and ends in Maine, was inspired by the Long Trail.

Originally constructed from 1910 to 1930 by the Green Mountain Club, The Long Trail is still maintained by the club today. Anyone looking for back country hiking in Vermont will find this trail a perfect fit. The terrain is varied and both expert and novice hikers will find plenty of great day trips and longer extended hikes.

The Long Trail with its 270 mile path and sides trails of over 170 miles, offers almost never-ending hiking opportunities for hikers of all skill levels. Beautiful scenery, crystal clear ponds and fast-flowing streams that wind through the forests of hardwood and pine can't help but make hiking in Vermont a memorable experience.

If you are a first timer on the Long Trail the following suggestions may help. Carry a hatchet or light axe, a compass, and most importantly proper shoes. Wear broken in shoes; but not old ones and not sneakers. Slightly loose is good because your feet will tend to swell, and thick woolen socks are good for cushioning when carrying weight.

The nights can get chilly, so pack accordingly. An extra set of clothes to sleep in is a lot easier to carry than extra blankets. Common sense goes a long way. Carry the right backpack, keep things lightweight and bring only what is needed.

A couple of good accessories to bring along are "The Long Trail Guide" and the "Day Hikers Guide", two very good publications that cover most of the trails used by anyone hiking in Vermont, both on the Long Trail and off.

Books and guides of this type really are necessary tools for hiking the Long Trail, and can prove quite helpful for advance planning of your hike or trip. Navigation on the trail is always easier when you know what you will encounter beforehand.

It is also a good idea to familiarize yourself with any local and state requirements before you start out. Keep in mind that parts of the Long Trail and the Appalachian Trail are located on state, federal and private lands. This means that there are different regulations regarding group size, camping sites, camp fires and environmentally protected areas depending upon where you are on the trails.

Doing a little pre-trip inspection is always recommended. Having the right gear, the right literature and the right knowledge beforehand will save a lot of time and ensure a pleasant trip later.

If your travel plans include hiking and bring you anywhere near New England, take the time to visit Vermont and the Long Trail. Check out the Internal Frame Backpacks site before you travel for great deals on all backpacks and guides and visit the 3 Room Tent websites for good savings on tents.

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