Manchester, Vt.

Connecting Town and Trail

Manchester, Vermont is only four miles from the Appalachian Trail and Long Trail, but a world away from the solitude of the forest. As a designated A.T. Community, hikers will find plenty of opportunity for resupply and hiker-friendly amenities.

Hike into town on Rootville Road (2.2 miles) or hitch an easy ride from the 11/30 road crossing (5 miles). Many local residents are happy to share their car and swap stories of the trail while delivering you to your downtown destination. The Dana Thompson Recreation Area is a short walk from the town’s center and offers showers for long-distance hikers during regular business hours. The Manchester Community Library has wi-fi computer access and is located on Route 7A north of town. The Farmers Market happens every Thursday afternoon at Adams Park (intersection of Main Street and Center Hill Road). The grocery stores, health food stores, laundromat, outfitter and eateries are all with in a half mile of the center of town. Watch for “Hiker Friendly” signs posted around town at businesses that cater to hikers.

Plan Your Visit

The confluence of the Appalachian and Long Trails in southern Vermont makes Manchester a hub of activity during the summer months, with weekly cultural, recreational and community events. Even though there is an abundance of hotels and motels in the area, availability of rooms can be an issue during the season. It is recommended that you make reservations for your arrival.

Manchester has been a favorite Green Mountain resort destination since the 19th century, and consequently you will see classic architecture mixed with modern shopping districts. President Abraham Lincoln’s son Robert Todd Lincoln made his home in Manchester Village where his Hildene mansion is open to the public and remains a beautiful legacy of the era. Marble quarries in the region provided much of the stone for historic buildings in New York City and Washington, D.C.  A few miles west of Manchester, the Dorset Quarry still exists as a popular swimming hole and a cool place to spend a hot summer day.

Stop by the new “Experience Manchester” visitor center on the corner of Rte 11/30 and Rte 7A for up to date information about events in the area or visit the town’s website at manchester-vt.gov.