Hiking and Vermont go together like peanut butter and jelly.  One of the many things about hiking in Vermont is that there are loads of options and levels of difficulty to choose from when planning your trek. Maybe you'd like an easy afternoon with the family, or something that involves camping overnight.  Some of the more experienced hikers challenge themselves to the mother of all trails, The Long Trail in Vermont

The Long Trail is America’s first long-distance hiking trail, created in 1910 along with the Green Mountain Club, an organization which, to this day, maintains and promotes the trail. The full length of the Long Trail from Massachusetts to the Canadian border is about 280 miles, packed with rugged mountain terrain and dense forests with sweeping mountain views, making it an unbelievably scenic trail in Vermont.

One of the many great things about the long trail is that you can choose to do just a small part, or go the length, or maybe something in between.  End to Enders usually takes three to four weeks to complete the length of the Long Trail, camping out in one of the many shelters or in a tent, stopping along the way to venture into the Vermont villages to restock their food and water supply.  This is not an easy task, but it's been done and is on the bucket list for many.

Here are some of the gorgeous views you'll take in on your journey. Happy trails!

The Long Trail has signs posted to keep you on course.

The Green Mountain Club is the "founder, sponsor, defender and protector" of the Long Trail System and develops policies and programs for "the preservation, maintenance, and proper use of hiking trails for the benefit of the people of Vermont."

Views from Vermont's tallest mountain, Mt. Mansfield.

View from the ridge of Mt. Mansfield, looking south from below the peak.

Footbridge Upstream

Looking upstream from the Lamoille R. footbridge.

Clark Brook Trail Hike

Killington View overlook at Mt. Roosevelt.

Stay in one of the many shelters maintained by the Green Mountain Club.

There are about 70 overnight sites spread no more than a moderate day's hike apart along the Long Trail System.

Tillotson Camp

Shelters range from fully enclosed lodges to three-sided lean-tos and tent sites.

Corliss Camp Shelter

All shelters, although primitive, have a water source (purity and reliability cannot be guaranteed) and privy. Availability is on a first come first serve basis.

Corliss Interior

Interior of Corliss Camp. There is an additional sleeping area in the loft above.

The Long Trail is abundant with mountain and water views.

By the Quechee Gorge.

Gorgeous spots are abundant on the Long Trail.

The Green Mountain Club, as well as individuals hiking the trail, keep it pristine.

Calarendon Gorge Bridge

Bridges can make your hike a little easier, but don't look down if you're afraid of heights!

View South

View to the south from above the tree line.

Gifford Lake Punchions

Punchions allow you to hike a little easier and are essential during mud season.

Roundtop Shelter

Above Clarendon Gorge

Be sure to stop often to soak in the sights, sounds and smells during your trek.

View North From Mt. Grant

View north from Mt. Grant. The main ridge has Mts. Abraham & Ellen. Then is Camel's Hump and finally Mansfield in the far distance. These are 4 of the 5 mountains in Vermont over 4000 feet.

Belvedere Tower View

View southwest from the fire tower. Green Mountains are on the left and the Adirondacks are in the far distance.

Mad River Valley

Looking out over the Mad River Valley from the Long Trail just north of General Stark Mountain and Mad River Glen.

These beavers have been busy!

Lockwood Pond, a beaver-enlarged pond just above Tillotson Camp.

Thundering Falls

Camel's Hump View

Knowing where to start with learning about the Long Trail can be intimidating. If you are interested in hiking the Long Trail in Vermont, first check out the Green Mountain Club's official website to learn much more about the Long Trail and to get acquainted with an overview of this epic trek in Vermont.

Share this post if you have hiked any part of Vermont's famous Long Trail and let us know if you've ever done an end to end! What other outdoor adventures in Vermont do you think everyone should try?