Long Trail

A rugged northbound traverse of Vermont’s Green Mountains with a classic shelter system and frequent road crossings for resupply.

Time to Hike: Most thru-hikers take about 20-30 days, depending on pace, weather and how often you stop in trail towns.

Best Time to Go: Generally June to September for the best balance of long daylight, fewer lingering snow patches, and less mud than spring. Early autumn can be excellent, but nights turn cold on the ridges.

Getting there: The southern end is at the Massachusetts border; the northern end is at Journey’s End on the Canada border. Most people walk south to north.

Costs: No single thru-hike fee - expect costs for transport, food resupplies, occasional motel nights and meals in towns, plus any campground fees if you choose to stay in established campgrounds.

Difficulty: Hard - steep, rooty and rocky tread is common, and the northern half is notably more rugged and slower than the south.

The Long Trail follows the spine of the Green Mountains through a near-continuous corridor of forest broken by open summits, fire towers and ski-area ridgelines. The walking is classic northeastern US hiking: short, sharp climbs, wet sections after rain, and plenty of rock and roots underfoot.

A key feature is the long shared stretch with the Appalachian Trail in the southern part of Vermont, which brings stronger foot traffic and more developed trail culture. After the split, the trail becomes quieter and more demanding, with longer gaps between towns and a more remote feel.

Highlights for many walkers include the climb over Killington, the exposed ridgeline on Camel’s Hump, the high point of Mount Mansfield, and the late-stage push past Jay Peak to Journey’s End at the border.

• Southern Terminus at the Massachusetts border to Killington (km 0-125) - A popular, comparatively forgiving opening with frequent road crossings and the shared corridor with the Appalachian Trail. Expect steady climbs to wooded summits and damp tread in places.
• Killington to the Long Trail - Appalachian Trail split (km 125-170) - Rolling ridgewalking mixed with ski-area infrastructure and classic rocky New England trail. This is where many hikers notice traffic thinning as you approach the split.
• Post-split to the Camel’s Hump area (km 170-270) - Quieter woods, steeper ups and downs, and a more backcountry rhythm. Camel’s Hump is a major milestone with more exposed, wind-prone terrain near the summit.
• Camel’s Hump to Mount Mansfield (km 270-325) - A high, scenic central section with repeated climbs and some of the most satisfying ridge miles on the route. Weather can change quickly on open rock.
• Mount Mansfield to the northern Green Mountains (km 325-380) - Leaving the high point, the trail stays rough and slow, with tight, technical footing and fewer easy miles. Plan conservatively for daily distance.
• Northern section to Jay Peak (km 380-415) - A remote-feeling run through deep forest broken by occasional viewpoints and the distinctive climb toward Jay Peak. Storms can make rocks and roots slick.
• Jay Peak to Journey’s End at the Canada border (km 415-438) - A short, satisfying finish that still demands attention to footing. The final border monument makes a simple but memorable endpoint.

The most reliable window is roughly June through September. Early summer brings long days and flowing water sources; late summer can be warm and humid, with thunderstorms that make exposed rock slick.

Spring is often avoided by thru-hikers due to Vermont’s muddy season and lingering snow at higher elevations. Autumn can be superb for foliage, but expect colder nights and a higher chance of early-season frost and wind on open summits like Camel’s Hump and Mount Mansfield.

Most hikers go south to north, starting at the Massachusetts border and finishing at Journey’s End on the Canada border. For international and out-of-state travellers, Burlington (via Burlington International Airport) is the most useful air gateway to Vermont, though it is closer to the northern half of the trail.

To reach the southern terminus, many people route via Massachusetts (often North Adams area) and then use a local shuttle or taxi to the trailhead. From Journey’s End, exit logistics are typically arranged via pickup in northern Vermont - plan this in advance, as transport options are limited near the border.

No general permit is required to hike the Long Trail end to end. You are responsible for following land-management rules where the trail crosses different jurisdictions.

If you choose to stay in developed campgrounds or certain managed areas along the route, fees or reservations may apply. Check current guidance from the Green Mountain Club before you go, especially for any seasonal camping restrictions or fire rules.

Most thru-hikers use the Green Mountain Club shelter system: simple lean-tos and enclosed shelters spaced along the trail, typically first come, first served, with nearby tenting areas. Carry a sleep system suitable for cool, damp nights even in summer.

There are also inns, motels and hostels in road-accessible towns near the route, which many walkers use for showers, laundry and resupply. In peak summer and during autumn foliage periods, booking ahead for town stays is sensible, while shelters on trail cannot be reserved.