Long Trail

The Long Trail, stretching from Massachusetts to Canada along the spine of the Green Mountains, is the oldest long distance hiking trail in the US.
Trail Activity
Hiking Snowshoeing
Length
272.00 miles, One Way
Difficulty
Moderate, Advanced, Strenuous
Towns
Bolton (VT), Buels Gore (VT), Cambridge (VT), Chittenden (VT), Duxbury (VT), Eden (VT), Fayston (VT), Glastenbury (VT), Goshen (VT), Granville (VT), Hancock (VT), Huntington (VT), Jay (VT), Johnson (VT), Killington (VT), Lincoln (VT), Lowell (VT), Manchester (VT), Mount Tabor (VT), Peru (VT), Pownal (VT), Richford (VT), Ripton (VT), Shrewsbury (VT), Stamford (VT), Stowe (VT), Stratton (VT), Sunderland (VT), Underhill (VT), Wallingford (VT), Warren (VT), Waterville (VT), Westfield (VT), Winhall (VT), Woodford (VT)
Surface
Packed Earth/Dirt, Rock/Ledge, Boardwalk/Bog Bridging, Stairways/Ladders
Pets
Permitted
Fees
No

Description

HIGH USE TRAIL:

This is a busy trail system, especially on weekends between 9AM-4PM. Consider visiting outside of peak periods. Use Trail Finder to identify other nearby trails. If the parking lot is full when you arrive, please choose another trail.

Learn more about high use trail systems.

The Long Trail follows the main ridge of the Green Mountains from the Massachusetts-Vermont state line to the Canadian border. The trail climbs Vermont’s highest peaks and passes pristine ponds, alpine sedge, hardwood forests, and swift streams. It is steep in places, muddy in others, and rugged for most of its length. Novice and expert alike will enjoy the varied terrain of the trail as it passes through the heart of Vermont.

Built by the Green Mountain Club (GMC) between 1910 and 1930, the Long Trail is the oldest long-distance hiking trail in the country. It was the inspiration for the Appalachian Trail, which coincides with the Long Trail for over one hundred miles in southern Vermont. The GMC maintains and protects the trail in partnership with the Green Mountain National Forest, state of Vermont, Appalachian Trail Conservancy, and private landowners. 

Off the 272-mile footpath are 225 miles of side trails and nearly six dozen backcountry campsites, many featuring shelters, offering endless hiking opportunities for the day hiker, overnighter, and extended backpacker. 

The Long Trail is marked by two-by-six-inch white blazes. In open areas or on rocky summits, blazes are often painted on rocks, and cairns and scree walls may also define the trail. Intersections usually have signs, but hikers should always pay special attention at trail intersections as signs may be missing and blazes fade. Just about all side trails are blazed blue.

Other Information

The Green Mountain Club works to care for 500 miles of Vermont’s hiking trails. GMC’s knowledgeable staff are available to answer questions you may have about day hikes, hiking end-to-end, or trip planning. Be the first to know about outings, backcountry cabin reservations, updated trail conditions, and work on the Long Trail by signing up to receive our monthly emails. For guidebooks and maps visit the GMC’s webstore.

Trail Manager

For additional information, visit the Green Mountain Club website, or contact:

Green Mountain Club

Green Mountain Club
4711 Waterbury-Stowe Rd.
Waterbury Center, VT 05677
Phone: (802) 244-7037
gmc@greenmountainclub.org
View website

Trail Tips

Travel on Durable Surfaces
If you have to step off the trail, step onto a rock or soil. Avoid stepping on fragile vegetation.
Legend
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Trailhead Information

The Long Trail is easily reached from many major roads. There are many small and some larger parking areas at trailheads on both the Long Trail and its side trails. When parking vehicles at trailheads, take special care to avoid obstructing traffic or blocking access to homes, farms, or woodlots.

Click on a parking icon to get custom directions
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