Hiking the Long Trail End-to-End

An End-to-Ender is someone who hiked all 273-miles of the Long Trail all at once or sometimes over the course of many years. Preparation is an important part to any hike, so please refer to our trip planning section for additional information. Here are some of the most frequently asked questions we get at the Visitor Center:

How long does it take to through-hike the Long Trail?

• Average estimate: 20 to 30 days
• Each person hikes differently. The Vermont terrain is rugged, and different hikers spend differing amounts of time in towns or have different daily mileage preferences. Please study the Long Trail Guide and End-to-Ender’s Guide ahead of time.

When is the best time to do an End-to-End hike on the Long Trail?

• To avoid the black flies, the crowds, and the heat you might want to plan your hike for late summer or early fall. However, the later in autumn you hike the higher the chance of snow.
• If planning a hike earlier in summer, please note that late May is still mud season, and there can still be snow on ridgelines in early June. Hiking in late June/July will mean black flies but less risk of dry water sources.
• Keep in mind that there is often snow on the higher elevations as early as October and possibly through early June. It is imperative to be prepared for these hiking conditions.

How do I plan transportation along my End-to-End hike?

• The End-to-Ender’s Guide lists many transportation options, including public, commercial, and private, that will shuttle people to and from trailheads. Northern Vermont is very rural and has very limited public transportation. Call the Green Mountain Club at (802) 244-7037 for information on shuttle drivers.

What resources are available for planning a Long Trail End-to-End hike?

• The Long Trail Guide, the End-to-Ender’s Guide and the Long Trail Map are a great trio of resources. Though these guides are updated every few years, we recommend you call any business you plan on using prior to leaving for your hike to ensure the information is accurate.
• Spring End-to-Ender panel: Every spring a panel of End-to-Enders who completed the Long Trail gather to share their advice and stories from the trail.

How do I get in touch with an End-to-End mentor?

• Email us at [email protected] or call us and we’ll connect you with someone who’s hiked the trail!

Who is eligible for an End-to-End certificate and patch?

• Anyone who has hiked the entire Long Trail, in one trip or many, this year or in previous years. Join the 5,000+ individuals who have received their End-to-End certification. Applications and journals are archived in the collections of the Vermont Historical Society.
• To apply:
  • Online:
    1. Complete the Long Trail End-to-End Certification Application (each applicant MUST submit their own application).
  • Or by Mail:
    1. Fill out the Long Trail End-to-End Certification Application (each applicant MUST submit their own application).
    2. Make a copy of your Long Trail Journal:
       • Keep your journal submission at or under 10 pages (typed preferred).
       • Journals containing nothing more than lists of shelters, hikes, and dates are not sufficient.
       • Please note: Journals will not be returned.
    3. Mail both to:
       Green Mountain Club
       End-to-End Certification
       4711 Waterbury-Stowe Road
       Waterbury Center, Vermont 05677

End-to-End applications are processed twice each year.  Applicants who meet the following deadlines will be listed in the Summer edition of the Long Trail News:

• Deadline #1, if postmarked or submitted online by September 15th you can expect to receive your certificate and patch in October.
• Deadline #2, if postmarked or submitted online by February 1st you can expect to receive your certificate and patch in March. (If you submit your application after February 1st your name will not be listed in the Long Trail News until the following year.)

Certified End-to-Ender benefits:

1. Complimentary one-year GMC membership (for 1st time members)
2. Certificate
3. End-to-End rocker patch
4. GMC logo patch
5. Your name listed in the following summer’s Long Trail News!