FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: May 22, 2024
CONTACT: Alicia DiCocco, Deputy Director, [email protected]
(609) 410-0841
Vermont – The Friday of Memorial Day Weekend officially kicks off Vermont’s hiking season, and the Green Mountain Club, which manages and maintains 500 miles of trails in the state, including the Long Trail, wants to help hikers get outside and enjoy our wonderful natural spaces this season.
After a slightly atypical mud season, with late-season snow and a once-in-a-lifetime eclipse, the trails have dried out relatively well, though some mud and soft snow/ice may remain at high elevations. Unseasonal flooding and storms in December did cause damage to many trails, and hikers may encounter fallen trees obstructing trails, especially on side trails of the Long Trail. GMC’s volunteers have been performing spring maintenance, but some areas may not be entirely cleared by the start of hiking season.
“We are grateful to the hiking public for following mud season hiking guidance, especially by avoiding the backcountry on eclipse day,” said Keegan Tierney, GMC’s Director of Field Programs. “With the start of hiking season coinciding with a beautiful holiday weekend, we expect the trails to be busy this weekend. We want to remind hikers that early season conditions still exist and to prepare accordingly.”
Looking ahead to the summer, hikers can expect to see GMC trail crews and caretakers working on trails and shelters across the state. GMC Caretakers and visitor services volunteers are available at summits and at the Barnes Camp Visitor Center to answer questions about the surrounding trails and environment and connect you to the hiking community.
Vermont Hiking Season Reminders
Hiker safety is GMC’s top priority, and hikers are advised be prepared, to check weather reports ahead of time and have a way to receive weather information if they are on an extended trip. Last year we saw historical flooding that washed out trails and made creeks and brooks dangerous and impossible to cross. Here are a few other reminders as we get back into hiking season:
- Check GMC’s Trail Updates page, as well as TrailFinder and Vermont Forests, Parks, and Recreation news releases for the latest information about trail or parking lot closures.
- Early season conditions still exist. Pack plenty of extra layers for changing weather and cooler temperatures on summits. Review the Ten Essentials and HikeSafe Responsibility Code to reduce the chance of emergency on your hike.
- GMC trail crews and other organizations will be working on improving trails and facilities around the state. Use caution if hiking near a trail crew.
- Construction is underway on GMC’s new visitor center on Route 100 in Waterbury Center! We will be open seven days a week throughout the summer. Please follow any parking lot closures and use caution near the construction site.
- Reach out with hiking related questions via email ([email protected]), phone (802-244-7037), and social media message. Our trained professionals are here to help you.
- Join the Long Trail Hiking — GMC Community Facebook group to connect with fellow hikers.
- Follow GMC on Instagram and Facebook, or sign up for our email distribution list, to stay up to date on exciting events and ideas to have your best Vermont summer!
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Established in 1910 to build the Long Trail, the Green Mountain Club is a private non-profit organization with over 9,800 members. The GMC is dedicated to maintaining and protecting Vermont’s historic Long Trail, Appalachian Trail in Vermont, and the Kingdom Heritage Lands trails in the Northeast Kingdom. Every year more than 1,000 volunteers work so that current and future generations will enjoy the 500-mile Long Trail System. Contact the Green Mountain Club to learn more about the GMC or to become a member.
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