Backpacker Magazine – May 2005

Homeland Insecurity: Vermont's Long Trail

The Long Trail offers steep climbs and solitude-and a whiff of border intrigue.

by: John Galvin

Tags:
• Vermont
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• Canada
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• Adventures
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The Plan

The Hike To hike the entire Long Trail the usual way--south to north--pick up the AT where it intersects with MA 2, just over 2 miles west of North Adams. From there it's a 4-mile uphill hike to the Vermont border and the Long Trail's southern terminus. Thru-hikers typically complete the 272-mile path in 26 to 30 days, averaging 8-10 miles per. It's a modest pace by long-trail standards, but that's a by-product of the steep, rocky relief.

Shelters There are 70 three-sided shelters along the route; no reservations required.

Guide Green Mountain Club's Long Trail Guide is the LT hiker's bible.

©Map by International Map Associates

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