Holidays are fast-approaching, leaving limited time to shop, wrap, and set gifts under the tree, with the Menorah, or inside the shoes. Luckily for you, we’ve considered all your outdoorsy family members and friends. Check out these gift ideas from GMC and our partners, and click away for seamless shopping. You can also shop locally […]
Storyteller Derick Lugo to Thru-Hike the Long Trail
Representing the nation’s oldest, long-distance hiking trail is no easy task. Our staff and volunteers do it regularly, balancing trail history, hiking advice, and Leave No Trace ethics while guiding new and veteran hikers alike. But what does it take to represent the Long Trail and the folks who manage it while hiking Vermont’s iconic […]
5 Tips for Avoiding Backcountry Emergencies
Outdoor activities are usually enjoyable, but of course they can be dangerous. Bad weather, iffy terrain, underlying health issues, and unpreparedness can all transform a great hike into a nightmare. Here are some preventative measures to avoid backcountry emergencies. Every hiker is responsible for themselves in the backcountry. Familiarize yourself with and commit to the […]
Alpine ID: 15 Plants to Find above Treeline
State botanist Bob Popp kneels beside a flat rock, just in front of the Mt. Mansfield Visitor Center. He points out mountain cranberry and bluets to a dozen GMC staff — 11 of whom are recently hired seasonal caretakers. The mountain cranberry and bluets are alpine plants, rare and fragile species that grow above treeline. […]
Everything You Need to Know about Bear Safety
In Vermont, we share wild spaces with black bears. The estimated 4,500 to 6,000 black bears living in Vermont are concentrated in the spine of the Green Mountains, and their habitat overlaps with the Long Trail and other trail systems. Black bears are typically skittish — unlike their grizzly cousins — which makes it unlikely […]
