Trail users from all over the country celebrated the Long Trail this year, along with the success of raising more than $30,000 for its long-term care and protection, on September 10. The celebration, Long Trail Day, concluded a months-long fundraising effort led by community members.
Participants not only enjoyed hikes and trail magic around the state — led by section volunteers and local hiking groups — but also rallied to raise money so that both current and future generations can enjoy the Long Trail. The funds raised support sustainability projects like our work on Camel’s Hump, which is mitigating erosion along the Burrows Trail.
Donations will remain open through September 24 to allow for outstanding contributions.
Please be sure to share photos from the day with us! (We love to see everyone having fun outdoors!) You can email them to [email protected] or tag us on Facebook and Instagram, @greenmountainclub.
Long Trail Day Celebrations Around Vermont
This year, hiking community leaders Liz Derstine, State Botanist Bob Popp, Backpacking for Slowpokes, and Queer Hikes led treks from central Vermont, while GMC section volunteers guided hikes around the state alongside handing out trail magic. Here’s what they had to say about Long Trail Day 2022:
“Thanks again for inviting me to lead a hike! My small but mighty group had a great time out there!” — Liz Derstine, Long Trail Fastest Known Time record holder.
“Thank you and the Green Mountain Club team for inviting us up to hike. Our group had a fantastic time! [GMC volunteer] Brian was a wonderful lead.” — Mel Thibeault, founder Queer Hikes
“We celebrated Long Trail Day by hiking from Rt. 105 north to the Canadian Border; then out the Journey’s End Trail for a total distance of 3.9 miles. We had a group of 13 hikers, some members and some non-members. It was a great day!” — John Predom, NEK Section President
“I was honored to [lead a hike]! Here we are at the Clara Bow Cave. We had a blast and forgot to take pictures!” —Maggie Twitchell, founder of Backpacking for Slowpokes
“[I] exceeded my goal 😊 I am so grateful for your support. Long Trail Day on Saturday was simply gorgeous! Kirsten Pitts joined me in hiking up Mt Abe. We admired the mossy woods as well as the amazing views.” — Porter Knight
“We had a table in the Rt. 11/30 parking lot and talked to about 40 individuals and in small groups. We also met a large group of hikers from the Putney School.” — Marge Fish, Manchester Section President
Thank you to the following businesses for providing snacks and prizes for hikers: Thuja Outdoor Clothing, Athletic Brewing Company, Cabot Cheese, and Owl Energy.
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