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
LT Detour Near Sterling Pond
Work on the Sterling Lift near Sterling Pond will run from September 9-27. During this time, Smuggs will direct hikers to use the ski trails to detour around the chairlift work. Signs will make it clear where to go on this short detour with fabulous views. Click on the map at right to view the affected area.
Davis Neighborhood Trail Detour
There is a 500′ long detour on the Davis Neighborhood Trail from September 11 through October 9 to allow for Japanese Knotweed treatment. A detour route is marked in orange flagging. The herbicide used in treatment does not pose a health threat to hikers who are walking on the detour outside the closed area.
Forest City Trail Bridge Closed
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.
Black Bear Activity
Forest Service officials announced July 24th 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.
More info:
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. See the Forest Service Alert.
(last updated 9/18/19)
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