Most creek and river crossings on the Long Trail have a solid bridge or are mild flows of water. Nevertheless, all hikers should have a fundamental understanding of safe water crossing techniques and plan ahead so they are not caught in an unsafe water crossing situation.
In periods of prolonged or heavy rainfall, even the mildest of streams can accelerate to the point of unsafe water levels and velocity. When in doubt, wait it out or find an alternate route around high or swift water.
On the Long Trail, the following water sources have been known to be challenging in high water conditions. This is not a complete list; any tributary can become dangerous in extreme weather:
- Hell Hollow Brook (Glastenbury Wilderness)
- Little Black Branch between FR-10 and Little Rock Pond
- Homer Stone Brook just north of Little Rock Pond
- Gould Brook near Minerva Hinchey Shelter
- The Lamoille River High Water Channel just north of Route 15 – half of the river has a substantial suspension bridge. After crossing an island, there is a high water channel that is often dry. Do not attempt to cross the secondary channel during times of high water. Use the high-water route by following Vt. 15 east (1.1 mi.) to Hogback Road. Turn left on Hogback Road ascending steadily to the junction of the LT (2.0 mi). Use caution on Vt. 15 and Hogback Road; traffic moves at high speeds.
Before you start, plan your crossing and think through your emergency plan and worst-case scenario. Consider what you will do if your clothing and gear gets soaking wet. Is there a risk of hypothermia? Do you have cell phone service or a way of reaching emergency services? Read about search and rescue in Vermont here.
When you do need to cross a river or stream, follow these tips:
- Look for a slow-moving spot that is straight across between two bends
- Face upstream
- Unbuckle and loosen your pack’s waist and chest strap and loosen the shoulders. This will allow you to quickly shimmy out of your pack in the event you go down. Getting caught under the weight of your pack is the biggest risk in stream crossings.
- Keep your hiking shoes on to protect your feet and stabilize your footing
- Use a hiking pole or walking stick to help stabilize you and provide another point of contact
- Look downstream for hazards that could impact your runout if you get swept away
- If there are multiple people in your group, cross together and place taller/bigger people upstream to help break the flow of the water
Signs a river or stream is too dangerous to cross:
- The water flows faster than you can walk or is deeper than your thigh
- The water is murky, muddy, or carrying lots of debris with it – this indicates the river is in flood stage
Read more from the Appalachian Trail Conservancy.
