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Long Trail: Southern Terminus via the Appalachian Trail
Hiking Trail
Hard
3.88 mi
1,817 ft
A common approach to the southern terminus of Vermont's Long Trail.
Completed in 1930, Vermont's 273-mile Long Trail boasts the title of the oldest long-distance hiking trail in the United States. Built and maintained by the Green Mountain Club, the trail dissects Vermont north to south, connecting the Massachusetts State line to the Canadian border.
For roughly the first 100 miles, the Appalachian Trail coaligns with the Long Trail, following the main ridge of the Green Mountains. Just west of Killington, the AT ultimately departs east for Mount Katahdin, and the Long Trail continues to Canada. According to , the entire trail takes the average hiker less than three weeks and is best hiked in the summer to early fall. Temperatures can differ immensely between northern and southern Vermont, and another source suggests September as the best time for southbound hikers to make their journey.
With the official terminus of the Long Trail along the Massachusetts state line, hikers must follow the AT roughly 4 miles north from North Adams, MA. The summit of East Mountain provides some sweeping views before leading hikers to the state line, where a wooden placard denotes the start of the LT.
If planning a longer thru-hike, take the time to properly re-supply in North Adams. Without hitchhiking, there are no notable resupply points along the way. Additionally, the Appalachian Trail Conservancy recommends avoiding this region in April and May due to mud.
Sources:
Written by Brendon Voelker
Completed in 1930, Vermont's 273-mile Long Trail boasts the title of the oldest long-distance hiking trail in the United States. Built and maintained by the Green Mountain Club, the trail dissects Vermont north to south, connecting the Massachusetts State line to the Canadian border.
For roughly the first 100 miles, the Appalachian Trail coaligns with the Long Trail, following the main ridge of the Green Mountains. Just west of Killington, the AT ultimately departs east for Mount Katahdin, and the Long Trail continues to Canada. According to , the entire trail takes the average hiker less than three weeks and is best hiked in the summer to early fall. Temperatures can differ immensely between northern and southern Vermont, and another source suggests September as the best time for southbound hikers to make their journey.
With the official terminus of the Long Trail along the Massachusetts state line, hikers must follow the AT roughly 4 miles north from North Adams, MA. The summit of East Mountain provides some sweeping views before leading hikers to the state line, where a wooden placard denotes the start of the LT.
If planning a longer thru-hike, take the time to properly re-supply in North Adams. Without hitchhiking, there are no notable resupply points along the way. Additionally, the Appalachian Trail Conservancy recommends avoiding this region in April and May due to mud.
Sources:
Written by Brendon Voelker
Created By
Strava Routes
Route and Elevation
Segments
| Name | Distance | Elev. Diff. | Avg. Grade |
|---|---|---|---|
| Up to the Cobbles Northbound AT | 2.25 mi | 1,417 ft | 11.9% |
| Appalachian Trail Climb | 0.35 mi | 154 ft | 8.2% |