Welcome to

Vermont

The A.T. is what the Green Mountain State of Vermont is all about —an inviting and inspiring treadway that welcomes hikers of all abilities. The Trail ascends from 400 feet to more than 4,000 feet, offering challenges for both beginners and seasoned backpackers.

And Vermont’s mountains aren’t called the Green Mountains for nothing! This section of the Trail is characterized by dense and verdant forests. The approximately 45 miles of A.T. at the east end of the state are lower elevation, but offer great autumn foliage and a chance to get away from the crowds.

150.8 MILES
A.T. Miles in State
400′-4010′
Elevation Range
atc_rp16311_h0721-snapchat-on-bromley-lpr

Cool to know

The A.T. was born in Vermont! Benton MacKaye, the visionary behind the Trail, was inspired by Vermont’s Long Trail. The Long Trail was created in 1910 and runs the length of the state from Massachusetts to the Canadian border. MacKaye looked south from the treetops of Stratton Mountain and dreamed of a similar trail connecting to the southern Appalachians.

The A.T. and Long Trail now run together for 100 miles through the southern part of Vermont, including over Stratton Mountain. At Maine Junction just north of the town of Killington, the Long Trail continues north and the A.T. heads east towards New Hampshire.

 

atc_rp16311_h0721-snapchat-on-bromley-lpr
mudshoes

Need to know

New Englander’s often say that there’s a fifth season each year, marked by trails and dirt roads forming deep, wet ruts. Mud season is formally recognized in Vermont, when many high elevation trails close during the spring to protect them from erosion until they thaw our and dry. While the A.T. in Vermont doesn’t officially close during this time, we strongly recommend hikers stay off the Trail through the state (and other high elevation sections in New England) from April until Memorial Day in May.

The A.T. in Vermont runs through Green Mountain National Forest, which has a food storage order in place. Except while being consumed, all food and trash containing food materials must be kept in a provided bear box, a bear canister, or hung 12 ft from the ground and not less than 6 ft horizontally from any object. The ATC strongly recommends all A.T. hikers use a bear canister no matter where they are on the A.T.

Learn more about bear safety and food storage on the Trail on our Bear Safety page.

 

Vermont Image Gallery

1/3

atc_rp2459_008-lpr
atc_rp4305_sean-gobin_and_mark_silvers_2012_by_unknown_hiker-lpr
atc_rp14443_vermont-vt-12-to-west-hartford-097-lpr

Get Involved

Green Mountain Club

The mission of the Green Mountain Club is to make the Vermont mountains play a larger part in the life of the people by protecting and maintaining the Long Trail System and fostering, through education, the stewardship of Vermont’s hiking trails and mountains. Learn more and become a member today at greenmountainclub.org.

 

ATC Volunteer Program

The Appalachian Trail Conservancy is always looking for dedicated volunteers to help maintain the A.T. and assist in our visitor centers and headquarters. Opportunities range from greeting visitors and providing information about local hikes to joining a Trail crew for week-long maintenance trips, gaining first-hand experience in what it takes to keep the A.T. open and enjoyable for millions each year. Learn more at appalachiantrail.org/volunteer.