Hey guys, I'm graduating from highschool this year and plan to start my hike of the Long Trail in mid to late July. Are there any other people who are looking to start in this general time period? Just looking to connect with others who have a similar plan.

Hi hikers! I’m planning my trip from out of state for next weekend. I assume the LT/AT is being used year round regularly enough, but if anyone could speak to the current/recent condition of the Butler Lodge trail I’d be very appreciative!

I’d like to stay at that stowe then head up to the chin the next day. Rangers said they didn’t have any recent status update on it, just said to expect a lot of snow.

Thanks for any info!

I’ll be hiking Stratton, hopefully, next weekend and looking for local insight as I plan.

I read that Kelly Stand Rd isn’t plowed for the section before the LT parking (marked in blue on the map). Is that the case? I’ve a sedan and, tho with snow tires, don’t want to get stuck.

I’m thinking of parking at the forest rd gate east of the LT (yellow arrow) and hike up that way. Is it fine to park on the main road side there? Or prohibited? Anything I should know about that shortcut up to the LT?

I’ll be approaching from the east side (red arrow), in case needed for perspective. Many thanks.

Are there any shelters it’s possible to XC ski into? We’d like to ski in just for an overnight. I’m thinking about spruce peak, but I’m unsure if it’s possible.

Hi all, I'm planning to hike the remainder of the LT next summer. I hiked the AT in 2017 so I feel confident in my backpacking/hiking skills. My questions are mostly about logistics. Back in 2017, I bought a guide book and a plane ticket to Georgia and figured the rest out after that but I know now that things are different and a lot of trails have apps/guidebooks/maps.

I want to hear what everyone thinks is the best (and most current) way to plan your trip. Do you have favorite stops along the way-shelters, hostels, campsites, restaurants, places on or off trail that are worth taking some time (and maybe a shower :)) to stop and see

Thanks in advance!

Looking for positive advice and guidance for a south to north thru hike with my two Labrador pups. I’m sure many would say it’s not a good idea, but I’m still planning to do it and would love some advice to succeed. I’ve done the Mansfield to Camels Hump in a single day but that was running and no dogs. Is 20 miles a day a reasonable distance? Where are the sections with the trickiest ladders and rocks that I’ll need to hoist the dogs or find someone to drive them to the next section if necessary? Stuff like that would be great for planning a successful thru hike! 🙏 Has anyone here done something like that before and what challenges did you encounter? Thank you and Happy New Year!

I’m going to be up in Stowe in between Xmas and new years and wanted to do some winter backpacking. I would love to have a shelter to stay at and have an actual objective to summit. I was looking around and saw Bamforth Ridge Shelter which looked like fun. I couldn’t find much online about it and would love to hear what it’s like (lay out, how sheltered it is, possibility for fire etc). I would also love to hear of any other places in the Stowe area people would recommend for an overnight.

I’ll be starting my thru hike in late May. Would you recommend going the hammock route or the tent route. I know that May and early June has a high chance of still being pretty muddy so I’m trying to factor that into the equation as well (since tent will obviously be on the ground).

Let me know what you guys think!

I'm feeling pretty sad today that I have to be an adult with a job and responsibilities. I would much rather be out on the trail--wet, muddy feet and all. I really miss the camaraderie I found out out there, there's nothing like hanging out with some friendly strangers who share a similar passion.

Anyway, I would love to hear your favorite memories or stories from your thru hike or even day hikes!

Hi there! I’m aware that Taft Lodge, and Butler too are busiest during the summer and there are consistently beds available during the winter.

My question is: does anybody have any experience over the winter holiday period? Is it worth staying away from at times like NYE, etc?

I’m aware obviously of temperatures, comfort, etc. TIA!

Hoping to do a little overnight there in the next week or so!

Hey all, I’m planning on potentially thru hiking the Long Trail next year with a friend. I was wondering if one of us would be able to park our car anywhere in North Troy for about 2 weeks? Worried about getting towed or being in the way of any locals by accident. We plan on leaving a car there and a car at Williamstown. Thank you :)

Hi All:

Just got back from an amazing 4 days on the LT, and itching to go do more. I’ve completed up through Brandon Gap NOBO. ITCHING TO GET BACK OUT THERE.

Historically I pause hiking LT around now, and don’t start again until early July (figuring I pass mud season and black fly season).

I’m really reconsidering trying to get out in early November and curious as to everyone’s thoughts about feasibility for November and when some section hikes are possible in the spring.

I know the reality is “it depends” but curious what you all think or have experienced—good, bad, and ugly.

But does anyone remember two NOBO hikers from this summer named Sailor and Dopa? They were French Canadian brothers, super nice guys. I met them on my last night at the Laura Woodward shelter and we had such a nice time together. Would love to be able to connect with them!

Hi all! I'm planning a potential 5-7 day hike of the Long trail in mid October. Does anyone have any experience hiking around this time?? My current worries are temperature/ potential fall bear activity lol... (tho I may be overthinking it). Thanks!!! :)

Anyone have any advice on how safe it is to leave a car overnight at the Beane Trailhead? Does anyone know of any shuttles/services that can take a hiker from Route 2 trailhead back to Beane on Sunday afternoon?

Hey, anybody have any information on these shelters? Is there area to set up tents nearby? Are they near water sources? Can't find a lot of information/pictures about them. Thanks!

Hey! Seems like there’s potential showers in Vermont this week. If you were going to do a 4 day backpacking trip tomorrow-Friday with about only 5 miles a day, where would you start and finish?

😌

Totally subjective, I know, but if someone were looking for a way to judge their physical fitness for doing the Long Trail, what would you suggest?

I'm planning a NOBO hike of the Long Trail from Rte 4 to the northern terminus, and will have to drive about 3 hours to get to the Rte 4 road crossing. Is there anywhere near Rte 4 that offers long term parking (either paid or unpaid) where I could leave my vehicle during the hike? I anticipate taking about 10 days to do this section of the trail.

I contacted the Inn at the Long Trail and was told they offer free parking at the trailhead across the street, but I am hesitant to leave my car at a trailhead for over a week. I see that the Rutland airport offers free parking as well- is that a feasible place to park for 10ish days? Any guidance would be much appreciated.

Hi friends,

First time, long time. I am planning on an overnight portion of the Long Trail from Lincoln Gap to Camel's Hump.

https://www.alltrails.com/trail/us/vermont/lincolns-gap-to-camels-hump-via-long-trail?u=i&sh=thvrj2

My schedule and cardiovascular system are open to make this trip in 2 days or 3 days.

Where are the best places to sleep on this trail? I will have my tent with me just in case.

Shine On!

Hi all! I’ve been looking into trying a SOBO thru hike of the LT this October, starting sometime within the first week of the month. I know I can expect to be decently cold at night, but I’m just curious if I’ll be fine with predominantly 3-season gear? (Some reference, I currently have a 15° sleeping bag & 4.5R sleeping pad). Also, how comparable is the LT to the sections of the AT in the White Mountains? I live in the Whites & hike them frequently, with the longest continuous section of the AT I’ve done being only 70mi (5 days, Kinsman to Pinkham notch). That & a 2 day Pemi loop is pretty much the extent of my solo backpacking experience so far. Is this unrealistic to try? Honestly, any thoughts, concerns & feedback from anyone who’s done sections during this time of year/at all would be really helpful:)

Hello, I plan on hiking end to end on the Long Trail next summer. What are some good shakedown hikes, that would be around 2 to 3 nights, within the area? (Or further west into the Adirondacks) Thanks! All suggestions are helpful.

Hello, I plan on hiking the Long Trail next July after I graduate from high school. I've got no family or friends who are interested in pursuing such a goal, are there any resources as to where I can find other people to group up with, atleast near the beginning? I'm new to longer distance hiking, and I'd rather not start alone. Thanks!