Green Mountain Club
"The mission of the Green Mountain Club is to make the Vermont mountains play a larger part in the life of the people by protecting and maintaining the Long Trail System and fostering, through education, the stewardship of Vermont’s hiking trails and mountains."
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It’s a … Long Trail
The main Green Mountain Club website has a wealth of information about the Long Trail, the environment, conservation, activities and more. GMC is composed of 14 sections throughout Vermont, of which Bennington is one. (Bennington, Brattleboro, Bread Loaf, Burlington, Connecticut, Killington, Laraway, Manchester, Montpelier, Northeast Kingdom, Northern Frontier, Sterling, Upper Valley Ottauquechee, and Worcester.)
Built by the Green Mountain Club between 1910 and 1930, the Long Trail is the oldest long-distance hiking trail in the United States. The Long Trail follows the main ridge of the Green Mountains from the Massachusetts-Vermont line to the Canadian border as it crosses Vermont’s highest peaks. It was the inspiration for the Appalachian Trail, which coincides with the Long Trail for 100 miles in the southern third of the state. Vermont’s Long Trail System, with its 272-mile footpath, 166 miles of side trails, and approximately 70 backcountry campsites (many featuring shelters) offers endless hiking opportunities for the day hiker, weekend overnighter, and extended backpacker. Although the Long Trail is known as Vermont’s “footpath in the wilderness,” its character may more accurately be described as backcountry. On its way to Canada, this “footpath in the wilderness” climbs rugged peaks and passes pristine ponds, alpine sedge, hardwood forests, and swift streams. It is steep in places, muddy in others, and rugged in most. Novice and expert alike will enjoy the varied terrain of the trail as it passes through the heart of Vermont. As maintainer and protector of the Long Trail, the Green Mountain Club works in partnership with the Green Mountain National Forest, state of Vermont, Appalachian Trail Conservancy, United States Forest Service, and private land owners to offer a world-class hiking trail. |
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Appalachian Trail in Vermont
The Appalachian Trail and the Long Trail coincide for about 100 miles until the AT heads eastward toward New Hampshire on the way to Maine, while the LT continues north to Canada. 
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