The Long Trail Is The Oldest Long Distance Hiking Trail In The U S

The Long Trail, a 273-mile length behemoth trail stretching from the Massachusetts-Vermont line all the way up to the Canadian border, is the oldest long-distance hiking trail in the entire United States. Weaving along the Green Mountain peaks, the Long Trail is Vermont’s most famed trek due to its beauty and magnitude. Offering hikers spectacular views, varied terrain, and an exceptional hiking journey, the Long Trail belongs on your Vermont summer hiking bucket list.

Built between 1910 and 1930 by the Green Mountain Club, the Long Trail has a longstanding history of offering hikers some of the best treks in the U.S.

Allegra Klein/alltrails

With almost endless hiking options and camping spots, the Long Trail is meant to be revisited and hiked time and time again.

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The Long Trail traverses most of the Green Mountain peaks, such as Camel’s Hump, Killington Peak, and Mt. Mansfield, providing hikers stunning vistas of the Vermont landscape.

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There are six main sections of the Long Traill. Section 1: Canadian border to Route 108 (Stowe); 2: Route 108 (Stowe) to Route 17 (Waitsfield); 3: Route 17 (Waitsfield) to Route 4 (Killington); 4: Route 4 (Killington) to Route 30/11 (Manchester Center); 5: Route 30/11 (Manchester Center) to Route 9 (Bennington); and 6: Route 9 (Bennington) to Route 2 (Williamstown, MA).

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Whether you plan on thru-hiking (completing the whole Long Trail) or visiting only parts of it at a time, the Long Trail is a great place for day hikes, two-week hiking expeditions, and everything in between.

Dina Gavrilyuk/alltrails

Some of the most spectacular views of the Green Mountains and the Vermont scenery can be found along the Long Trail. If you are interested in hiking just a part of the long trail, we recommend the Mt. Mansfield part or the Camel’s Hump section for some of the most stunning summit peak vistas.

Mel B/alltrails

For more information about the Long Trail and tips on when to hike and where to start, head over to the Green Mountain Club website

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