The Green Mountain Club periodically updates this page with trail closures, conditions, and reports on the Long Trail, Appalachian Trail in Vermont, and Northeast Kingdom Trails. We encourage hikers to share their trail observances with the Club either by contacting our Visitor Center or filling out the form at the bottom of this page. 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.
General variable Winter weather conditions: This winter has been an interesting one with very little snowpack on our summits and numerous freeze-thaw-rain cycles. Caution and preparedness is a must. Conditions may be grassy or muddy at trailheads but trails will likely be quite icy as you ascend. Postholes are likely. Please carry both traction footwear and snowshoes and use accordingly. We are also seeing mid-winter mud season conditions exacerbated by the freeze-thaw-rain cycles. General muddy trail etiquette applies: If you encounter excessively muddy trails, turn around to avoid damaging them. If you must continue, hike directly through mud rather than around it, which widens the trail and tramples vegetation.
Winter blowdowns: We’ve had reports of many downed trees across the trail in various places along the trail. Please note the Long Trail System is not maintained for winter use and blowdowns may remain until spring maintenance. Feel free to report major blowdowns via email or via the form at the bottom of the page.
Trail Changes & Closures
Barnes Camp Lot/Notch Road Parking Limitations
Due to Stowe Mountain Resort pay-to-park requirements and traffic issues at the resort and along Route 108, the State of Vermont has implemented a 90-minute parking limit in the Barnes Camp Lot (at the base of the Notch Road, often used for hiking, skiing, and recreation in winter.) The parking limit is in effect Fridays, Saturdays, Sundays, and holidays. It is not in place Mon-Thurs (non-holidays). Free, unlimited parking is also available at the Toll House or at the Cross Country Center (both on Route 108) with shuttle bus or Green Mountain Transit bus transportation up to Barnes Camp (and back to your car). For more information, contact Stowe Mountain Resort (802-253-3000; [email protected]) or Vermont FPR (802-828-1534; [email protected]).
Glastenbury Fire Tower Closure
As of December 2, 2022, the Glastenbury Mountain Fire Tower is currently closed. The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) has recently deemed the tower structurally unsafe.Please do not climb or otherwise use the Glastenbury fire tower. Trails in the area including the Glastenbury/West Ridge Loop remain open.
Seth Warner Shelter Closure and Relocation
The Seth Warner Shelter site will be deconstructed and permanently closed starting 8/22/22. Please do not use the shelter or site after this time to allow for revegetation. The closest established overnight sites are:
- SOBO: Sherman Brook Campsite (Mass) (4.3 miles south of Seth Warner)
- NOBO: Congdon Shelter (mile 10.0 of the LT northbound, 7.4 miles north of Seth Warner)
Dispersed or primitive camping (camping outside a designated camping area, such as a shelter or tent platform) is permitted on the Green Mountain National Forest, the landowner of this area. If you choose dispersed camping, please keep the following in mind:
- Your campsite should be at least 200’ from trails or waterbodies including ponds, rivers, and streams
- Dispersed camping is only recommended in cases like this when a designated camping area is not available
- Read more about dispersed or primitive camping to best prepare yourself and minimize your impact
A new shelter will be built approximately two miles north of the former Seth Warner site, available mid-to-late fall 2022.
Peregrine Falcon Nesting Sites Protected
Certain hiking trails are closed or rerouted to protect peregrine falcons during their nesting period. Peregrines are vulnerable to human disturbance on or above a nesting cliff, says Vermont Fish & Wildlife. Please respect closures and avoid hiking and climbing around these areas.
Winooski River Footbridge, Parking Closure
Parking is currently blocked at the south side of the footbridge. The only current parking for the bridge is on Route 2.
Temporary Long Trail Relocation in Johnson – June 18, 2021
GMC field staff installed a temporary ~500 foot relocation of a portion of the Long Trail near West Settlement Road in Johnson, to account for a timber harvest by a private land owner. Please use caution while hiking on West Settlement Road to or from Bear Hallow Shelter as this is an active logging site, and be courteous since this is a section of trail that is hosted by private landowners.
Hikers should use the relocation, which is marked with signage and orange flagging, as well as stay alert in the area, leash dogs, and yield to logging trucks.
AT/LT Rootville Bridge Closed
GMNF has closed the AT/LT Rootville Bridge at the end of Rootville Road at the Lye Brook Wilderness Boundary due to a failed abutment. An inspection of the structure determined a replacement will be needed. In the meantime, this is a fairly easy rock hop with steep scrambles on the banks on both sides of the stream.
Black Bear Activity
Forest Service officials announced July 24, 2019, that they are implementing a Forest Order for the entire Green Mountain National Forest (GMNF) geared toward minimizing black bear and human encounters and interactions. The order specifies proper food storage and prohibits leaving food, or refuse on National Forest system lands in Vermont. The Order was issued to provide for visitor safety and the conservation of bears. See more information in the press release.
The following acts are prohibited on the Green Mountain National Forest:
- Except while being consumed, all food, food containers and refuse shall be stored in a closed motor vehicle or suspended at least twelve (12) feet above the ground and not less than six (6) feet horizontally from any object. Bear boxes and bear canisters designed specifically for food and/or refuse storage are acceptable.
- All refuse containing food materials or containers shall be deposited in receptacles provided for that purpose, removed from the Green Mountain National Forest to be disposed of properly, or stored in the manner prescribed for food in #1 above (36 CFR 261.58(cc)).
We have had many questions about whether Ursacks are allowed with the GMNF order. Ursacks are currently acceptable under the Food Storage Closure Order, but as with any newer device or technology, they could be unacceptable in the future if GMNF sees issues with them. We recommend that they be used in conjunction with the odor-proof OPSaks recommended by Ursack.
Forest City Trail Bridge Closed
As of Fall 2019, the Forest City Trail bridge is closed. Fording the stream is possible. Alternative access to the Forest City Trail is via stream crossing or via the Burrows-Forest City Connecter Trail accessed at the Burrows Trailhead parking area. Plan on this bridge being closed for at least a year as we explore replacement options with VT FPR.
East Dorset Trail
The East Dorset Trail is currently closed. Trail damage occurred during a heavy rain event in April 2019. 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. See the Forest Service Alert.
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