Green Mountain Club

Maintaining & Protecting Vermont's Long Trail Since 1910

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GMC Trail Angels on the Move!

June 28, 2016 by GMC Staff 11 Comments

Did you know there is a network of willing volunteers stationed across the state, working together to provide hiking knowledge, recommendations for the best places to get water or stay for the night, and transport to and from trailheads? And that they are motivated simply by a shared love of the trail and a desire to see others make that connection? Volunteers like this exist in the Green Mountain Club’s Shuttle Driver network, one arm of the legendary GMC Trail Angel community.

CaptureGMC Shuttle Drivers enable hikers to traverse the state to start their Long Trail hike or get back home at the end of their journey. They are often longtime hikers themselves, and GMC volunteers in other capacities. Some even open their homes to hikers to stay overnight in a clean bed or do their laundry on rest days. They provide valuable information to folks while promoting the work of the Club.  Many refuse offers to be reimbursed for their time and instead ask hikers to support the GMC instead.

In a recent End-to-End trail journal, two hikers described an interaction with Don Groll, one of GMC’s longtime volunteers and members, “8/25/15: Don Groll, Trail Angel, dropped us off at Journey’s End at 12:00. He wouldn’t take any $, just asked us to become members of GMC. And we did!”

At the Volunteer Appreciation Picnic last fall, the GMC Shuttle Drivers were recognized as the 2015 Group of the Year. This honor is given to a group that collaborates with the Club to improve the Long Trail, increases access and awareness of the trail, or embodies the spirit of the GMC. Shuttle drivers were presented with a certificate and bumper stickers bearing the slogan “I Brake for Hikers!” It was a token of our gratitude to the on-the-ground ambassadors that represent the Club’s mission statewide.

If you are interested in becoming a shuttle driver or anticipate needing one during your hike, please contact the GMC Visitor Center at 802-244-7037 or [email protected].

Filed Under: From the Field, News, Trail, Volunteers

Comments

  1. Mike Lorber says

    July 21, 2017 at 10:48 am

    I’m 70 and my son, who is 25, plan to hike the trail from Killington south to Story Spring Shelter (some 70 miles or so) the 2nd week in September of this year. Were is a good place to park our vehicle in Killington? Is there a central phone number for an “angel” to pick us up and return us to our vehicle? I am relatively healthy and exercise daily but do have a heart condition. Are there “angels” along the way to help is I need it? Can I set up any contact with “angels” now before we start our journey? Thank you, Mike Lorber, Mt. Pleasant, WI 53403 (262)-554-8310

    Reply
    • Kristin McLane says

      July 24, 2017 at 8:59 am

      If you give our Visitor Center a call, we can share a list of shuttle drivers with you – 802.244.7037

      Reply
      • Shawn says

        February 20, 2018 at 3:58 pm

        Looking for shuttle LT parking lot Bolton to Randolph in august. Request shuttle list please

        Reply
        • Kristin McLane says

          February 21, 2018 at 10:59 am

          Hi Shawn. You can call or email our Visitor Center for a shuttle list – 802.244.7037 or [email protected]

          Reply
    • Nick says

      March 8, 2023 at 1:20 pm

      Mind me asking if this portion of this trail was a good section to do? Did it have good views? Looking back, would you recommend this section to someone looking to spend a few days or so on the LT?

      Reply
  2. Sherwin Start Ph.D. says

    March 31, 2021 at 1:34 am

    THIS is an INcredible Idea – I could Used this Service when I hiked the LT When I was growing up ! CONGRATULATIONS to the GMC -A WELL DONE ! Sherwin Start PhD

    Reply
  3. Sherwin Start Ph.D. says

    March 31, 2021 at 1:36 am

    OUtstanding Idea -GMC !

    Reply
  4. Judy says

    September 10, 2021 at 1:14 pm

    I need shuttle service from Bennington to Williamstown, MA LT trailhead on Oct 16 early.

    Reply
    • Chloe Miller says

      September 24, 2021 at 4:18 pm

      Hi Judy, please contact the visitor’s center at [email protected] or 802.244.7037 We have a list of shuttle drivers we can share with you via email. Thanks!

      Reply

Trackbacks

  1. Meanderthals | Green Mountain Club Trail Angels on the Move says:
    July 3, 2016 at 6:49 am

    […] Cite… […]

    Reply
  2. 30 Practical Tips for Hiking the Long Trail VT » Roaming Nanny says:
    September 14, 2020 at 6:08 am

    […] if you’re on your own you can contact the Green Mountain Club. They have a full list of Trail Angels that help hikers with rides each […]

    Reply

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Mission

The Green Mountain Club is the founder and maintainer of the Long Trail - the oldest long distance hiking trail in America. Established in 1910 to build this trail stretching the length of Vermont, the club now also maintains the Appalachian Trail in Vermont and trails in the Northeast Kingdom in its mission to "make the Vermont mountains play a larger part in the life of the people." Read more...

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