Green Mountain Club

Maintaining & Protecting Vermont's Long Trail Since 1910

  • About
    • About The Green Mountain Club
      • Bylaws
      • Annual Reports
      • Strategic Plan
    • Visitor Center
    • Barnes Camp Visitor Center
    • GMC Rental Cabins
    • Board of Directors
    • GMC Staff
    • Employment Opportunities
    • Corporate Sponsors
    • Our Business Partners
    • Contact Us
  • Hiking
    • Trail Updates
    • Hiking 101
    • Trail Systems
      • The Long Trail
      • Appalachian Trail in Vermont
      • Kingdom Heritage Trails in the Northeast Kingdom
    • Hiking Recommendations
    • Explore Camel’s Hump
    • Accessible Trails around Vermont
    • Thru-Hike the Long Trail
    • Trip Planning
      • Hiking in Groups
      • Guidebooks, Maps & Gear
      • Food Storage Regulations
      • Bear Boxes
    • Wildlife on the Trails
      • Food Storage Regulations
      • Bear Boxes
    • Fall Hiking
    • Winter Hiking
    • Mud Season
    • Long Trail End-to-Ender Certification
  • Conservation
    • Protecting the Long Trail
    • Land Conservation
    • Strategic Conservation Plan
    • Field Programs
    • Burrows Trail Project
    • Regional Partnerships
    • Vermont’s Alpine Zones
  • Education & Events
    • Events & Workshops
    • Service Learning & Group Outings
    • Calendar of Events & Outings
    • Leave No Trace
  • News
    • Trail Updates
    • Blog
    • Long Trail News
    • Press Releases
    • Monthly Newsletter
  • Volunteer
    • Volunteer Opportunities
    • Volunteer Long Trail Patrol
    • Volunteer Reports
    • Application
    • Volunteer Code of Conduct
  • Members
    • GMC Membership – Join or Renew Today
    • Your Membership Benefits
    • Business Membership
    • Green Mountain Club Annual Meeting
  • Donate
    • Ways to Give
    • Donate Now
  • SHOP

Hiking Skills: How-To’s and Refreshers

May 27, 2021 by Angie Hilsman Leave a Comment

Jessica Royer builds hiking skills on an end-to-end hike.
Jessica Royer on Camel’s Hump. Photo courtesy: Royer family

We all started somewhere — possibly a teary-eyed climb up Camel’s Hump while being chewed alive by black flies. As we approach the traditional start of hiking season this Memorial Day weekend, you may be wondering where to begin — or need a refresher after the long winter. Whether you’re brand new to hiking, growing your skills, or looking for up-to-date information, we can help you out. Here’s what you need to know:

Leave No Trace

To start off, check out these seven Leave No Trace (LNT) principles. LNT is all about understanding that hikers are the visitors in wild spaces, and it’s important to leave wilderness just as you found it to best protect wildlife, respect other trail-users, and keep a balanced relationship with nature. Proper prep and planning can help you hone your hiking etiquette. Find more information here.

Related:

  • Leave No Trace activity sheet
  • Bear Safety while Hiking and Camping
  • We All Belong: A Transgender Thru-Hiker’s Reflections on the Long Trail

Plan Your Trip

Next, you’ll want to prepare to tackle a challenging trail or summit hike. We’re talking gear, fitness and training, planning a hike, and safety. Lucky for you, we have a Hiking 101 video for that exact purpose.

Related:

  • Trip Planning
  • Video: Backpacking 101

Find a Trail

Now that you’ve brushed up on hiking etiquette and your pack is ready, you can pick a trail. (We have over 500 miles for you to choose from!) Check out these recommended summer hikes around Vermont. We really like Belvidere Mountain, Mt. Ascutney, and the Jerusalem Trail, but there really is a hike for everyone.

Related:

  • Wheelchair-accessible, car accessible, and low-elevation hikes
  • Log into the GMC Facebook Group to connect with Vermont’s hiking community.
  • View regularly updated trail recommendations, and tag your adventures — #HikeVT — to share the love.

Grow Your Hiking Skills

Ready to bring your hiking adventure up a notch? An End-to-End hike covers all 272 miles of the Long Trail, while the Side-to-Side challenge covers its 88 side trails. Complete these trails as thru-hikes or in sections!

Related:

  • Video: End-to-Ender Panel, 2021
  • Backpacking Advice from End-to-End Hikers
  • Feminine Hygiene While Backpacking
  • Backcountry Campsites & Water Sources

When you can’t find answers on our website, social media accounts, or email newsletters, contact us directly. We’re happy to answer questions in a direct message or via email: [email protected].

Filed Under: Education, Hiking, News

Leave a Reply Cancel reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Summer Hiking Bingo

May 31, 2025

GMC wants to help you make the most of your summer with Summer Hiking Bingo! These challenges are designed to help you get outside, learn new hiking skills, and connect with the hiking community. Download and print your own or stop in at GMC's Visitor Center to pick up your bingo board. When you're … Read more

About Mud Season HikeVT Trail Recommendations Become a Member Trip Planning Trail Maps Volunteer Opportunities

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...

Featured Sponsors

Athletic Brewing Logo
Athletic_Primary_WhiteBG
Outdoor Gear Exchange logo
oge
Darn Tough logo
darn tough
Burlington Beer Company logo
Burlington Beer Company logo
802 Cars logo
802 cars
Lawson's Finest Liquids logo
lawsons-finest-liquids-black
Eastern Mountain Sports logo
EMS
Mountain Goat logo
Mountain Goat logo
Lenny's Shoe & Apparel logo
Lennys-Logo
Concept 2 logo
concept2
Sugarbush Resort logo
sugarbush-logo
The Alchemist Brewery logo
alchemist
Johnson Farm & Garden, Hardware and Rental logo
Johnson Farm & Garden, Hardware and Rental

Connect

4711 Waterbury-Stowe Road
Waterbury Center, Vermont 05677
802.244.7037 | Email GMC

Click here for current hours.
Email us for hiking advice. 

Copyright © 2025 Green Mountain Club · All Rights Reserved. · Site by Earthlogic.