Before the Appalachian Trail, before the Pacific Crest Trail, there was the Long Trail. Completed in 1930, this 272-mile footpath runs the length of Vermont, following the main ridge of the Green Mountains from Massachusetts to Canada. It's the oldest long-distance hiking trail in America—and still one of the finest.
The Long Trail traverses every major peak in Vermont, including all five summits over 4,000 feet. It passes through dense hardwood forests, across alpine ridges, past mountain ponds, and over rocky summits with views stretching to New York, New Hampshire, and Quebec. Along the way, a system of 70+ shelters provides backcountry lodging in the classic Northeastern style.
Whether you're planning a thru-hike, a section hike, or just a day trip, the Long Trail offers quintessential Vermont mountain hiking.
Trail Overview
The Basics
- Length: 272 miles
- Terminus (South): Massachusetts border near Williamstown
- Terminus (North): Canadian border near Jay Peak
- Elevation Range: 500-4,393 feet (Mount Mansfield)
- Total Elevation Gain: 65,000+ feet (thru-hike)
- Shelters: 70+ maintained shelters and campsites
The Route
The Long Trail follows the spine of the Green Mountains, staying mostly at elevation along the main ridge. South of Route 4 (Killington), it coincides with the Appalachian Trail. North of there, the AT splits east toward New Hampshire while the LT continues north through Vermont's most remote terrain.
Managing Organization
The Green Mountain Club (GMC) maintains the Long Trail, its shelters, and the extensive side trail network. They publish the authoritative guidebook and maps, operate a visitor center in Waterbury, and organize volunteer trail crews.
Best Day Hikes on the Long Trail
Mount Mansfield (Sunset Ridge)
- Distance: 6.6 miles round trip
- Elevation Gain: 2,550 feet
Vermont's highest peak via the LT. Spectacular above-treeline hiking with views of Lake Champlain and the Adirondacks.
Camel's Hump (Monroe Trail)
- Distance: 6.6 miles round trip
- Elevation Gain: 2,600 feet
Vermont's most distinctive peak, with alpine tundra and 360-degree summit views.
Killington Peak
- Distance: 7.4 miles round trip
- Elevation Gain: 2,500 feet
Vermont's second-highest peak, with a summit fire tower and excellent views south along the Green Mountain chain.
Stratton Mountain
- Distance: 6.6 miles round trip
- Elevation Gain: 1,900 feet
Historic peak where Benton MacKaye conceived the Appalachian Trail idea. Fire tower on summit.
Jay Peak
- Distance: 3.4 miles round trip
- Elevation Gain: 1,680 feet
Northernmost major summit on the LT, with dramatic views into Canada.
Best Overnight Sections
Mansfield to Smugglers' Notch (2-3 days)
Classic traverse of Vermont's highest terrain, crossing Mansfield's alpine zone and connecting to Sterling Ridge. Includes Taft Lodge and Sterling Pond shelter.
Lincoln Gap to Appalachian Gap (2-3 days)
Rugged ridge walking over some of the trail's most challenging terrain. Crosses Mount Abraham, Lincoln Peak, and several remote summits.
Killington to Route 4 (2 days)
Covers Vermont's second-highest peak with options for the Bucklin Trail approach. Good introduction to LT backpacking.
Stratton Mountain to Route 9 (2-3 days)
Historic section through southern Vermont, including Stratton Pond—the largest body of water on the trail.
Thru-Hiking the Long Trail
Time Required
Most thru-hikers complete the trail in 18-25 days, averaging 12-15 miles per day. Faster hikers can finish in 14 days; more relaxed paces take 30+.
Direction
Most hikers go south to north (SOBO), starting at the Massachusetts border. This puts the hardest terrain (Mansfield, the Monroe Skyline) near the end when you're in peak shape. Going NOBO (north to south) works too and offers a dramatic early finish at the Canadian border.
Ideal Season
Late June through early October. Earlier, expect mud and snow at elevation. Later, expect cold temps and early season snowstorms. July and August offer the best weather but also the most crowded shelters.
Resupply
Major resupply points:
- Bennington (near southern terminus)
- Manchester Center (Route 11/30)
- Killington/Rutland (Route 4)
- Warren/Waitsfield (Appalachian Gap)
- Waterbury/Stowe (Route 2)
- Johnson (Route 15)
Mailing packages to post offices or hostels is common. Some hostels offer shuttle services.
Shelter System
What to Expect
Long Trail shelters are typically three-sided lean-tos, often with tent platforms nearby. Most have a privy and a water source. They're first-come, first-served—no reservations.
Shelters range from simple structures to larger lodges like Taft Lodge on Mansfield. Some have caretakers in summer who collect a small overnight fee ($5-10) at high-use sites.
Camping Rules
- Camp only at designated sites or shelters
- Dispersed camping allowed only where specifically permitted
- Follow Leave No Trace principles
- Bear canisters not required but recommended; hang food using provided cables where available
Popular Shelters
- Taft Lodge: Largest shelter, below Mansfield's chin
- Butler Lodge: Scenic location with views west
- Battell Shelter: Near Mount Abraham, nice setting
- Stratton Pond Shelter: On Vermont's largest pond
Practical Information
Gear Considerations
- Rain gear is essential—Vermont weather is unpredictable
- Gaiters help with mud (there's always mud)
- Trekking poles recommended for roots and rocks
- Warm layers even in summer—ridge temps can be 20+ degrees cooler
Challenges
- Mud: Famous and unavoidable, especially in spring
- Roots and Rocks: The trail is rough and technical in places
- Steep Terrain: Vermont trails go up and down; few switchbacks
- Bugs: Black flies in June, mosquitoes into July
Permits
No permits required for day hiking or thru-hiking. Some overnight sites have caretakers who collect a small fee.
Resources
The Green Mountain Club's Long Trail Guide is essential for planning. GMC maps cover the entire route in waterproof sections.
Quick Reference: Long Trail
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Length | 272 miles |
| Thru-Hike Time | 18-25 days typical |
| Shelters | 70+ along trail |
| Highest Point | Mount Mansfield (4,393') |
| Best Season | Late June - Early October |
| Managing Org | Green Mountain Club |
The Long Trail is where American long-distance hiking was born, and it remains one of the finest thru-hiking experiences in the country. Whether you tackle the whole 272 miles or just sample a section, you'll experience Vermont's mountains the way they were meant to be seen—on foot, at trail pace, with nothing but green ridges stretching to the horizon.
