Guidebook

Travel the Rugged, Wild Northeast on the Long Trail

Hike the oldest long-distance hiking trail in the United States!

Description

"Completed in 1930, Vermont's 273-mile Long Trail boasts the title of the oldest long-distance hiking trail in the United States,” writes author Brendon Voelker. "Built and maintained by the Green Mountain Club, the trail dissects Vermont north to south, connecting the Massachusetts State line to the Canadian border.”

"For roughly the first 100 miles, the Appalachian Trail coaligns with the Long Trail, following the main ridge of the Green Mountains,” Voelker continues. "Just west of Killington, the AT ultimately departs east for Mount Katahdin, and the Long Trail continues to Canada. According to sectionhiker.com, the entire trail takes the average hiker less than three weeks and is best hiked in the summer to early fall. Temperatures can differ immensely between northern and southern Vermont, and another source suggests September as the best time for southbound hikers to make their journey.”

If you want to experience the rugged Northern Appalachian mountains in a unique way, traversing some of the wildest country in the Eastern USA, the long trail is a worthy and rewarding objective!

Long Trail: Southern Terminus via the Appalachian Trail
The best Routes on FATMAP, hand-picked by FATMAP’s Editorial team.

Long Trail: Southern Terminus via the Appalachian Trail

1 - 2 hrs
6.3 km
538 m
21 m
A common approach to the southern terminus of Vermont's Long Trail.
Moderate
Private
Long Trail: Massachusetts State Line to Stratton Pond
The best Routes on FATMAP, hand-picked by FATMAP’s Editorial team.

Long Trail: Massachusetts State Line to Stratton Pond

1 day +
54.7 km
2,322 m
2,351 m
The southernmost segment of Vermont's Long Trail.
Difficult
Private
Long Trail: Stratton Pond to Big Branch
The best Routes on FATMAP, hand-picked by FATMAP’s Editorial team.

Long Trail: Stratton Pond to Big Branch

1 day +
51.7 km
2,031 m
2,246 m
A remote stretch of Vermont's Long Trail known for its summit of Stratton Mountain and Peru Peak.
Difficult
Private
Long Trail: Big Branch to US-4
The best Routes on FATMAP, hand-picked by FATMAP’s Editorial team.

Long Trail: Big Branch to US-4

1 day +
47.6 km
2,352 m
2,236 m
An epic segment through the high country of Vermont, summiting Killington Peak.
Difficult
Private
Long Trail: US-4 to VT-125
The best Routes on FATMAP, hand-picked by FATMAP’s Editorial team.

Long Trail: US-4 to VT-125

1 day +
45.9 km
2,002 m
1,930 m
After departing from the AT, the Long Trail begins a grueling traverse across multiple high ridges and through a remote wilderness area.
Difficult
Private
Long Trail: VT-125 to Winooski River
The best Routes on FATMAP, hand-picked by FATMAP’s Editorial team.

Long Trail: VT-125 to Winooski River

1 day +
71.2 km
3,699 m
4,250 m
Multiple ridgetop traverses showcasing some of the best views on the entire trail.
Severe
Private
Long Trail: Winooski River to VT-15
The best Routes on FATMAP, hand-picked by FATMAP’s Editorial team.

Long Trail: Winooski River to VT-15

1 day +
50.6 km
3,434 m
3,376 m
The trek over Mount Mansfield, Vermont's highest peak.
Difficult
Private
Long Trail: VT-15 to Canada
The best Routes on FATMAP, hand-picked by FATMAP’s Editorial team.

Long Trail: VT-15 to Canada

1 day +
69.8 km
4,636 m
4,165 m
The northernmost portion of Vermont's 273-mile Long Trail.
Difficult
Private
Long Trail: Northern Terminus via Journeys End Trail
The best Routes on FATMAP, hand-picked by FATMAP’s Editorial team.

Long Trail: Northern Terminus via Journeys End Trail

0 - 1 hrs
2.3 km
7 m
223 m
The best way to begin or end a thru-hike on Vermont's Long Trail.
Moderate
Private