The GMC Bennington section provides information and opportunities inviting everyone to enjoy, appreciate, conserve and connect with the wonder of the outdoors.
Green Mountain Club Bennington Section
The Green Mountain Club Bennington Section is your gateway to an incredible array of outdoor activities. Whether you're into hiking, walking, biking, snowshoeing, cross-country skiing, or trail maintenance, we've got something for you. Nestled in the breathtaking Green Mountains and close to the famous Appalachian/Long Trail, Bennington is a haven for nature enthusiasts.
As one of the sections of Vermont's esteemed Green Mountain Club (GMC), we take pride in preserving the pristine backcountry of Vermont. Since our establishment in 1910, we have been guardians of the forests, ridges, and mountains that make the Green Mountain State a special place for hikers and outdoor explorers. In fact, our founding members blazed the 270-mile Long Trail from Massachusetts to Canada, forging the very first long-distance hiking trail in the nation.
Our club members have acquired a wealth of outdoor experience right here in our local area. No matter your skill level, age, or background, we offer outings tailored to a wide range of abilities and interests. You're always welcome to join us, whether you're a seasoned adventurer or just starting to dip your toes into the world of outdoor exploration. Simply check the specific activity descriptions to find the right fit for you.
Curious about our upcoming adventures? Head over to the Green Mountain Club Bennington Section Meetup Site at https://www.meetup.com/benningtongmc/ to stay updated on all the exciting activities on our schedule. And here's the best part: you don't have to be a GMC member to participate. However, if you do choose to join our club, you'll become an integral part of safeguarding and preserving the breathtaking Vermont Long Trail.
Get ready to embark on unforgettable outdoor experiences with us. We can't wait to explore the great outdoors alongside you!
In April and May we have trail maintenance trips to spruce up sections of the Long Trail, including from Harmon Hill, south of VT Route 9 in Woodford, north to the top of Glastenbury Mountain. We also take care of the Nauheim shelter (Maple Hill, near Route 9) and the Goddard Shelter (Glastenbury Mountain).
We have two potluck get-togethers a year, most often in November and March, usually with a speaker or slide show, a sometimes a summer picnic at Lake Shaftsbury where we can swim and kayak.
Club Leaders
President: Reed Goossen - the point person, the prime mover, the communication conduit
Vice President: Tim Marr - may be given special responsibilities by the president based on the special needs of the section
Treasurer/Membership: Bill Lyons - custodian of our section’s funds
Trails: Matt Vezina - coordinates work on trails and shelters
Director: Martha Stitelman - section’s voice and ears at the GMC board meetings, and participates in the board’s decision making process
Newsletter: Hal March, Lorna Cheriton, Ann Martin - create the tri-annual newsletter
Website and Meetup: Ann Martin
Outreach Coordinator: Billy Martin
Please use the CONTACT page to get in touch with us.
As one of the sections of Vermont's esteemed Green Mountain Club (GMC), we take pride in preserving the pristine backcountry of Vermont. Since our establishment in 1910, we have been guardians of the forests, ridges, and mountains that make the Green Mountain State a special place for hikers and outdoor explorers. In fact, our founding members blazed the 270-mile Long Trail from Massachusetts to Canada, forging the very first long-distance hiking trail in the nation.
Our club members have acquired a wealth of outdoor experience right here in our local area. No matter your skill level, age, or background, we offer outings tailored to a wide range of abilities and interests. You're always welcome to join us, whether you're a seasoned adventurer or just starting to dip your toes into the world of outdoor exploration. Simply check the specific activity descriptions to find the right fit for you.
Curious about our upcoming adventures? Head over to the Green Mountain Club Bennington Section Meetup Site at https://www.meetup.com/benningtongmc/ to stay updated on all the exciting activities on our schedule. And here's the best part: you don't have to be a GMC member to participate. However, if you do choose to join our club, you'll become an integral part of safeguarding and preserving the breathtaking Vermont Long Trail.
Get ready to embark on unforgettable outdoor experiences with us. We can't wait to explore the great outdoors alongside you!
In April and May we have trail maintenance trips to spruce up sections of the Long Trail, including from Harmon Hill, south of VT Route 9 in Woodford, north to the top of Glastenbury Mountain. We also take care of the Nauheim shelter (Maple Hill, near Route 9) and the Goddard Shelter (Glastenbury Mountain).
We have two potluck get-togethers a year, most often in November and March, usually with a speaker or slide show, a sometimes a summer picnic at Lake Shaftsbury where we can swim and kayak.
Club Leaders
President: Reed Goossen - the point person, the prime mover, the communication conduit
Vice President: Tim Marr - may be given special responsibilities by the president based on the special needs of the section
Treasurer/Membership: Bill Lyons - custodian of our section’s funds
Trails: Matt Vezina - coordinates work on trails and shelters
Director: Martha Stitelman - section’s voice and ears at the GMC board meetings, and participates in the board’s decision making process
Newsletter: Hal March, Lorna Cheriton, Ann Martin - create the tri-annual newsletter
Website and Meetup: Ann Martin
Outreach Coordinator: Billy Martin
Please use the CONTACT page to get in touch with us.
Mom grew up in a small town and boys spent their days outside. My favorite activity was climbing trees. - Ken
I first became aware of habitat loss at age 3 or 4. I lived on a dead end dirt road with only a few houses. We kids loved to gather blueberries in a nearby patch. Suddenly it disappeared as a foundation was dug for a new house. I can remember playing in the woods at that age. - Reed
I went fishing a lot when I was a little kid and I developed a lifelong love of the outdoors, especially water. - Tim
I remember camping as far back as 1955. I met my first bear in the woods when I was 5 years old. Now I find that moving through nature is my favorite calming activity. Silence is important to hear the world and appreciate this. - Robin
We moved from the city to the county when I was 6 years old, and my playgrounds shifted from home construction sites and side walks to the woods and apple orchards where I climbed trees and built forts. I was hooked from that moment on and still am. - Barb
As a young child I lived in the grassy and oak foothills of California. Mom sent us out with our dogs to protect us from cattle and snakes. We especially loved Vern’s cattle pond that had frogs, watery creatures, and mystery. Later the Boy Scouts kindled the love of the outdoors with camping, fires, hiking, knowledge, skills, and adventure. Nature is wonderful. - Billy
I grew up on the tip of Long Island frequenting the beaches, inlets, bays, sand dunes and ponds. As a child I had run of the neighborhood to explore these wonders, the only thing I wasn’t allowed to do without an adult was to go swimming. These experiences built a need in me to be outside in nature. - Ann
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."
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.
Become a member
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.
Become a member
Bennington, VT
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Nestled in the Green Mountains, Bennington is located in the Shires of Vermont which is a beautiful region from Bennington in the south to Manchester in the north. Bennington has a long history, chartered in 1749 and the home of Ethan Allen's Green Mountain Boys. Surrounded by Vermont’s famous mountain range and enriched by the many waterways including the Battenkill and Walloomsac, The Shires of Vermont is world-renowned as a four-season destination for those seeking the authentic Vermont experience. Explore the Shires of Vermont here.
The town is known in particular for the Battle of Bennington, which took place during the Revolutionary War. Although the battle took place approximately 12 miles (19 km) to the west in what is now the state of New York, an ammunition storage building located in Bennington was an important strategic target. On August 16, 1777, Gen. John Stark's 1,500-strong New Hampshire Militia defeated 800 German (Hessian) mercenaries, local Loyalists, Colonists from Upper and Lower Canada, and Indians under the command of German Lt. Col. Friedrich Baum. German reinforcements under the command of Lt. Col. Heinrich von Breymann looked set to reverse the outcome, but were prevented by the arrival of Seth Warner's Green Mountain Boys, the Vermont militia founded by Ethan Allen. In 1891, the Bennington Battle Monument was opened. The monument is a 306-foot-high (93 m) stone obelisk that is the tallest human-made structure in Vermont. It is a popular tourist attraction. Explore more about Bennington here. |
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