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 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.
Hiking season 2021 is underway.
A note on water sources: We receive a lot of questions about current status of water sources, which can change frequently. Early summer 2021 has seen many dry or lightly flowing water sources, so be sure to plan accordingly. Please call or email the Visitor Center directly or check our Facebook Group for current water source information. We also welcome your water source updates. Update, July 26: With recent rain, most water sources are flowing well now. Update, late August: some hikers are reporting scarce water sources in the northern part of the trail.
COVID-19 and the Long Trail – updated April 7, 2021
COVID-19 remains a dominant concern this hiking season, and we are asking hikers to take a few extra precautions to protect both public health and Vermont’s beautiful trails. Most notably, visitors are asked to be self-sufficient and prepared to minimize the potential for spread of COVID-19. Facilities, including shelters and privies, will be open but are not cleaned or sanitized. Hikers should do their best to maintain physical distance from hikers outside their immediate group. This means being prepared to camp in a self-standing shelter such as a tent, hammock or bivouac, as shelters may be occupied by other hikers. If you are not comfortable staying in a shelter with other hikers, be prepared to hike onward to a suitable camping area.
More guidelines for hiking while minimizing the risk of Covid-19 transmission can be found here. Thank you for being a partner in this endeavor and doing your part to minimize the risk to yourself and others.
Trail Changes & Closures
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.
(last updated 4/7/2021)
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