MANCHESTER – This Friday, May 22 officially kicks off Vermont’s hiking season after the seasonal mud season break. The Green Mountain Club (GMC), which manages and maintains 500 miles of trails in the state, including the Long Trail, helps hikers get outside and enjoy the state’s wonderful natural spaces this season. Thanks to the good stewardship of Vermont’s hiking community throughout mud season, staying off closed trails and allowing them to dry, hiking trails are in good shape as the season begins, GMC officials say. Hikers may find some wet stretches of trail from recent spring showers, but the trails are relatively dry.
Hikers can also expect to see GMC trail crews and volunteers working to improve trails statewide. Crews will begin flood recovery work on eroded trails and damaged bridges, and continue employing sustainable trail building strategies to further protect recreational assets from extreme weather. Learn more about the Green Mountains, the Long Trail, and hiking with these GMC resources:
- Learn or review the basics of hiking in Vermont and on the Long Trail at the upcoming Hiking 101 Workshop on May 27 or a Guided Short Trail Hike.
- Explore online resources, such as trip planning and seasonal hike recommendations.
- Explore GMC’s comprehensive maps and guidebooks to help plan hikes on the Long Trail System, including the Long Trail Guide and Long Trail Map, both updated in 2025, and new digital-first End-to-Ender’s Guide, now an interactive PDF that’s free to download, updated in 2026.
- Find hike inspiration or set a hiking season goal by undertaking a hiking season challenge, like: How to Hike the VT5, Hiking the Side-to-Side Challenge
GMC hike experts are there to help with critical hiking information and inspiration all season long. Call (802-244-7037), email (gmc@greenmountainclub.org), or visit the Visitor Center.
