The Green Mountain Club periodically updates this page with trail conditions and reports. We encourage hikers to share their trail observances with the Club either by contacting our Visitor Center or filling out the form below. Please be aware that all such trail updates sent to the Club may be used and publicized on this page with the source cited.
GMC also posts conditions reports frequently in our Facebook Group.
Trail Changes & Closures
Goddard Shelter has reopened after multiple bear incidents. The bear’s behavior continued to escalate and it had to be euthanized by game wardens. Please continue to practice safe food storage so we can avoid this outcome in the future.
East Dorset Trail
The East Dorset Trail is currently closed. Trail damage occurred during a heavy rain event in April. The East Dorset Trail took a heavy hit and is completely washed out and impassable about 0.2 miles in from the Forest Service boundary. The river braided and took out a large section of trail and left deep, fast flowing water in its place. The damage still needs to be further assessed.
Peregrine Falcon Nesting Closures
The Long Trail to Prospect Rock in Johnson is temporarily closed to protect peregrine falcons. It will re-open on August 1st. Please use the bypass trail marked in pink flagging to continue to the Long Trail towards Hogback Road or Prospect Rock Road.
Each spring the Forest Service closes the Rattlesnake Cliff Area (Salisbury) and the Mount Horrid / Great Cliff Area (Rochester) from March 15 – August 1. These areas will be temporarily closed in order to prevent disturbance to critical nesting habitat of peregrine falcons. Trails in the area may be affected. Please respect the signage you see.
Other peregrine falcon closures are listed here.
2018 Hiking Season News:
The mile-long Long Trail relocation in Smuggler’s Notch is open, featuring an accessible boardwalk, new parking area, and relocated trail that passes right by the historic Barnes Camp Visitor Center, open on weekends through the summer and staffed by dedicated volunteers. The Long Trail north and south of Smuggler’s Notch is accessed from the Barnes Camp parking lot, with hiker parking across the street at Stowe. Follow the boardwalk to take the Long Trail south, or walk over the bridge behind Barnes Camp and up the stairs to take the Long Trail north. The former parking area on Route 108 no longer accesses the trail. If you are hiking up Mount Mansfield on the Long Trail from Route 108, still park at Stowe and take the boardwalk south from Barnes Camp. All GMC maps are up to date.
The renovations at Cowles Cover Shelter are complete and the shelter is open, including a new tent platform.
Tucker Johnson Shelter near Maine Junction has been rebuilt and is open for use.
(last updated 7/15/19)
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