Media Contact: Chloe Miller, Communications Manager
[email protected], 802-241-8324
* Update: Due to the flood response situation in Vermont, we have postponed Long Trail Day, which will now take place on Saturday, October 7.*
Waterbury, VT — The Green Mountain Club announced that Long Trail Day will take place on October 7, 2023 (postponed from August 19). This annual fundraising event celebrates the Long Trail and invites all members of the hiking community to raise funds in support of the hard work that goes into caring for Vermont’s 272-mile Long Trail. Participants, donors, and community members will then join together to enjoy the beauty of the trail for hikes and workshops throughout the state on Saturday, August 19, 2023.
The Green Mountain Club has been building, repairing, and maintaining the Long Trail System, which comprises 500-plus miles of trails in the state, since 1910. The non-profit organization relies on the financial support of thousands of hikers each year to support their field work.
We invite everyone to come out to a Long Trail Day celebration near you on August 19. GMC staff will be based at Barnes Camp, the historic visitor center in Smugglers’ Notch. Hikers can join one or more themed hikes and workshops with community leaders such as Queer Hikes, Stowe Mountain Rescue, a former Vermont State Botanist, a Long Trail record-holder, and more. Details on hikes and post-hike celebrations are forthcoming.
Ultrarunner Liz Derstine, who holds the women’s Fastest Known Time for the Long Trail and who raised $1,766 last year, says, “The Long Trail is a treasure, and I hope people will be able to enjoy and appreciate it for many generations to come. That’s why I am once again partnering with the Green Mountain Club to raise money during Long Trail Day. The club works so hard to keep the trails and backcountry shelters in good shape for our free and open use.”
“Long Trail Day is the perfect way for anyone who loves Vermont’s trails, mountains, and ponds to give back and support the care and keeping of Vermont’s wonderful wild spaces,” said Alicia DiCocco, Green Mountain Club’s Deputy Director.
To join in the fun and pledge your support for Long Trail Day, follow these easy steps:
- Register as an individual or team fundraiser at www.greenmountainclub.org/longtrailday
- Set your fundraising goal – we recommend $272, or $1 for every mile of the Long Trail
- Ask family, friends, colleagues, or hiking partners to support your fundraising goal – they can donate to your personal page easily online
- Join us to celebrate our fundraising success on August 19! GMC representatives and volunteers will be stationed all over the state, leading hikes and workshops and handing out cold drinks and treats. Check greenmountainclub.org/longtrailday for hike sign ups and details (coming soon).
Last year the fundraiser raised $46,000 and this year’s goal is $60,000. Funds raised will support the Green Mountain Club’s work, such as the top-to-bottom rehabilitation of the Burrows Trail on Camel’s Hump; repairing muddy and eroded sections of trail on Laraway Mountain and Killington Mountain; rebuilding multiple backcountry shelters, and more.
For more information, visit www.greenmountainclub.org/longtrailday
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