Long Trail

The Long Trail is a 438-km point-to-point hiking trail in Vermont, United States, gaining roughly 20,000 m of cumulative elevation over about 25 days on foot. Rated moderate to strenuous, it is the oldest long-distance hiking trail in the country, tracing the rugged spine of the Green Mountains from the Massachusetts state line to the Canadian border.

About the Long Trail

The Long Trail runs 438 km (273 miles) the full length of Vermont, following the main ridge of the Green Mountains from the Massachusetts line at Clarksburg in the south to the Canada–US border at North Troy in the far north. It was conceived in 1909 by James P. Taylor, and the Green Mountain Club was founded on 11 March 1910 to build and protect it. Construction began in 1912 and the route was completed in 1930, earning its title as the oldest long-distance hiking trail in the United States.

The trail is famously rugged. Rather than switchbacking gently, it climbs straight up and over summit after summit, crossing eight peaks above 1,200 m including Mount Mansfield (1,339 m), Vermont's highest point, and dropping to its lowest point of about 100 m at the Winooski River near Jonesville. Cumulative ascent across the full route is roughly 20,000 m — the equivalent of climbing Everest from sea level more than twice. For its southern 168 km, between the Massachusetts line and Maine Junction near Sherburne Pass, the Long Trail shares its path with the long-distance Appalachian Trail before the two routes diverge and the Long Trail continues north alone.

The route is managed and maintained almost entirely by the Green Mountain Club and its roughly 1,000 volunteers, who also look after more than 280 km of connecting side trails that make up the wider Long Trail System. The trail passes through six of the eight wilderness areas in the Green Mountain National Forest and draws an estimated 410,000 visitors a year, most of them day hikers and weekend walkers rather than end-to-end thru-hikers. For roughly 37 km between Maine Junction and Sucker Brook, the path also overlaps the North Country National Scenic Trail, weaving the Long Trail into the wider network of America's national footpaths.

What sets the Long Trail apart is its age and its honesty: built before the era of graded, switchbacked paths, it simply follows the natural line of the ridge, climbing and dropping where the mountains dictate. That directness is the source of both its reputation and its reward. Each summit earns a long view, each col a cool stream, and the cumulative effect of nearly three weeks on the Green Mountain crest is a deep familiarity with one slender, forested state. Thru-hikers traditionally finish at the unmarked Canadian boundary swath, a quiet cut line in the spruce that feels a world away from the busy southern trailheads near Williamstown.

Route Overview & Stages

The Long Trail has no fixed daily stages — you walk between shelters as your pace allows — but it breaks naturally into six logical sections. The table below divides the route from south to north, with approximate distances and the elevation gain you should expect in each part.

Total: roughly 438 km and about 20,000 m of ascent. The northern half (stages 4–6) is widely considered the toughest, with steep ladders, exposed rock and slow, root-tangled trail that can cut a strong hiker's pace to barely 1.5 km/h.

Highlights & Points of Interest

• Mount Mansfield (1,339 m) — the highest point in Vermont, with an open alpine ridge known by the profile names "the Nose," "the Chin" and "the Forehead," and rare arctic-alpine tundra.
• Camel's Hump (1,244 m) — the state's most recognisable summit, an undeveloped peak with a 360-degree view across the Champlain Valley to the Adirondacks and east to the White Mountains.
• Stratton Mountain (1,200 m) — the place where the idea of both the Long Trail and the Appalachian Trail was reportedly born; its restored fire tower offers a sweeping panorama.
• Killington Peak (1,289 m) — the second-highest summit in Vermont and a short side-trail scramble from the main route near Maine Junction.
• Jay Peak (1,176 m) — the final big climb before the Canadian border, with a summit tramway and views deep into Québec.
• Glastenbury Mountain — a remote, wooded southern summit with a fire tower and a reputation steeped in local folklore.
• Smugglers' Notch — a dramatic glacial pass between Mansfield and Spruce Peak, hemmed by 300 m cliffs and cool, fern-lined boulder fields.
• Winooski River footbridge — the trail's lowest point near Jonesville, crossed since 2015 by a purpose-built pedestrian bridge that ended a long road walk.

Best Time to Hike the Long Trail

The practical hiking season runs from late May to mid-October. Each window has trade-offs:

• Late May – June: Long daylight and lush forest, but "mud season" lingers at altitude into early June and the Green Mountain Club asks hikers to stay off high, soft trail until it firms up. Black flies peak in June.
• July – August: Warmest and driest stretch, with daytime highs around 20–26°C in the valleys and cooler, breezier ridges. This is the busiest period; shelters near road crossings fill quickly on weekends.
• September – early October: Crisp air, far fewer bugs, firm trail and Vermont's celebrated autumn colour. Nights can drop below freezing on exposed summits.

The single best month is September. As of 2026, trail conditions are most reliable then: the foliage turns gold and crimson, biting insects have largely gone, water sources still flow, and the brutal humidity of midsummer has broken. Start a northbound thru-hike in early September to reach Jay Peak before the first sustained snow, which can arrive on the high peaks by late October. Always check the Green Mountain Club's seasonal trail updates before setting out, as wilderness closures and storm damage can change conditions year to year.

Practical Information

Accommodation

The Long Trail is served by about 70 shelters and enclosed lodges spaced roughly a day's walk apart — typically every 8–16 km. Three-sided lean-tos and tent platforms are free; a handful of enclosed lodges and summit cabins staffed by Green Mountain Club caretakers carry an overnight fee of about €5–€9 (US$5–9) per person, collected on site to fund maintenance and composting toilets. Spaces are first-come, first-served, so carry a tent or tarp as backup. In trail towns such as Manchester, Killington, Waterbury and Johnson, hostels and inns run roughly €30–€120 per night, useful for resupply and a shower. Budget around €15––20 per day for on-trail caretaker fees and resupply if you mix shelters with the occasional town night.

Getting There & Back

The nearest major airport is Burlington International Airport (BTV), about 45 minutes by road from the central trailheads near Waterbury and the Winooski River. Boston Logan (BOS) is roughly 3.5–4 hours away by car and a common arrival point for international hikers. Amtrak's Vermonter line stops in Brattleboro, Bellows Falls and Waterbury–Stowe, putting you within reach of both ends; the Waterbury station sits close to the Camel's Hump and Mansfield sections. For the southern terminus, the trail begins at the Vermont–Massachusetts line a short drive or shuttle from Williamstown, Massachusetts. The northern terminus at the Canadian border is remote — most hikers arrange a shuttle to Jay or North Troy. Green Mountain Club maintains a list of local hiker shuttle drivers.

Permits & Fees

No permit is required to hike the Long Trail, and there is no through-fee for the route itself. The only routine charges are the modest overnight fees at staffed lodges and high-use sites (about €5–€9). Group sizes are capped at 10 to protect the trail, and dispersed camping rules apply in the wilderness areas of the Green Mountain National Forest. Above the tree line on Mount Mansfield and Camel's Hump, camping and fires are prohibited to protect fragile alpine plants. Leave No Trace practice is expected everywhere.

Gear & Packing List

The Long Trail's relentless climbs and famous mud reward a light, well-organised pack. Most thru-hikers carry 4–6 days of food between resupplies, so a 50–60 litre pack is the sweet spot. A frameless or lightweight pack such as the 3400 Windrider handles a full food load comfortably, while the smaller 2400 Windrider suits fast-and-light hikers carrying shorter resupplies. For those wanting maximum capacity and ventilation on humid Vermont climbs, the Arc Haul Ultra 60L is a popular ultralight choice.

Beyond the pack, prioritise: waterproof boots or trail runners (the mud is real), gaiters, a sturdy rain shell, a 0°C-rated quilt or bag for shoulder-season nights, trekking poles for the steep ladders, and a reliable filter for the abundant but unmanaged water sources. Bring a head net for June black flies. For help choosing a pack, see our roundup of the best ultralight backpacks of 2026, and plan your trail meals around our guide to how many calories you need hiking a full day — the Long Trail's climbing can burn well over 4,000 a day.

Similar Trails You Might Like

If the Long Trail whets your appetite for North America's great footpaths, several longer routes share its mountain character and end-to-end ambition. The Appalachian Trail, which the Long Trail spawned, is the obvious next step, while the western United States offers vast alpine alternatives. Hikers chasing a different kind of rugged ridge walk might also enjoy the dramatic European balcony route in our Theth to Valbona guide.

• Pacific Crest Trail — the 4,265 km Pacific spine from Mexico to Canada.
• Continental Divide National Scenic Trail — 4,988 km along the Rockies.
• Mount Whitney Trail — a summit push to the highest point in the lower 48.
• Half Dome Trail — Yosemite's iconic cable-route classic.
• Angels Landing Trail — West Rim Trail — Zion's exposed sandstone ridge.

Frequently Asked Questions

When is the best time to hike the Long Trail?
September is the best month. The summer humidity and black flies have eased, the trail surface is firm after the wet spring, water still flows, and Vermont's autumn foliage turns the ridges gold and red. Start a northbound thru-hike in early September to finish at Jay Peak before sustained snow arrives on the high peaks in late October.

How difficult is the Long Trail?
It is rated moderate to strenuous and is harder than its 438 km length suggests. The route climbs straight over eight peaks above 1,200 m, gaining about 20,000 m in total, with steep ladders, slick roots and exposed rock — especially north of US 4. Strong navigation, sure footing and good fitness are needed; many hikers find the terrain slower than expected.

How many kilometres per day should I plan?
Most thru-hikers average 16–20 km a day and finish the full 438 km in about 20–25 days. The rugged northern half slows people to 12–16 km daily, while easier southern terrain allows more. Beginners or those carrying heavy resupplies should plan conservatively and build in rest days in trail towns such as Manchester and Waterbury.

Where do you sleep on the Long Trail?
The route has about 70 three-sided shelters and enclosed lodges, spaced roughly 8–16 km apart. Lean-tos and tent platforms are free; a few staffed lodges charge about €5–€9 per night. Spaces are first-come, first-served, so always carry a tent or tarp. Trail towns offer hostels and inns from roughly €30 per night for resupply stops.

Do I need a permit to hike the Long Trail?
No permit is required and there is no fee for the trail itself. You only pay modest overnight charges (about €5–€9) at staffed lodges and high-use sites. Group sizes are capped at 10, and camping or fires are banned above the tree line on Mount Mansfield and Camel's Hump to protect fragile alpine vegetation. Leave No Trace rules apply throughout.

For official trail conditions, maps and stewardship guidance, consult the Green Mountain Club, which manages the route, and the USDA Forest Service Green Mountain National Forest for wilderness-area regulations and seasonal closures.