Hello All-
I have just decided to thru-hike The Long Trail NOBO starting in late May (2007) - right after I graduate from College! I’m sure I will be asking plenty of questions on this forum before I begin my journey - but first I would like to see if there is anyone out there planning on section hiking/thru-hiking The Long Trail around the same time. Maybe we can hike some miles together. Thanks!
Phil Carcia
Because of spring run-off, the GMC tries to discourage people from using the LT before Memorial day - though weather conditions can push back that date (like this past year). I don’t know to what extent this is enforced, if at all. The idea is to keep us off the trail when it is at its most fragile - minimizing the damage (erosion, trail widening) that we do to it. As this muddy season coincides with black fly season, it isn’t as bad as it could be!
Just something to keep in mind, if it’s a rainy spring you may want to remain flexible in your start date.
tumblina
When I did my Long Trail End-to-End hike in 1997, I started on June 27. The trail was generally in great shape, and the black flies were only bad near Goddard Shelter early in the hike. Mosquitos were annoying the first week, but after that were not bad at all. It obviously depends on the weather. However, in late May the trail is more likely to be quite wet, and I wouldn’t have wanted to be hiking the trail this past May (2006). I also find black flies more annoying than mosquitos, so a May start in any year would be problematical for me. Also, it is true that the trail is officially closed at high elevations until Memorial Day to help prevent serious erosion problems. If you want the best chance for good weather and few bugs, an August 1 start is a good choice. And one of these years I’m going to do the trail in October. No bugs, no crowds, cool weather, great leaf peeping, etc. But whenever you go, have a great hike!
Professor T
Thank you everyone for the responses. I’ve heard that the trail is rather muddy during this time of year, however I was not aware that most of the high elevation sections are closed until after Memorial Day. I’m thinking now that perhaps an August or July start would be ideal.
Phil
Hey Phil,
i did the trail this summer and ended short at brandon gap, i plan to do the whole trail next yr, i left on july 15th, the bugs werent to bad, the mud wasnt bad either except when and after it rained out, im going again probably around the same time next yr, planning to hike the whole trail this time, let me know if you are interested in hiking with someone, even if you hike alone during the day its cool to have someone around at the end of the day to talk with about the day and days to come. email me if you are interested, i know alot about the first half, not much about the second half but cant wait to get back out there. email me if you are interested.
:cheers
BackTrack
The only official closings for the LT are where it goes though Camels Humps State Park and Mt. Mansfield State Park. These sctions are closed until Memorial Day.
Other than that, read the suggested closure dates usually posted on the Green Mountain Club’s webpage.
Certainly it’s possible to do a LT end to end hike starting in late May. However, as others have posted, expect the trail to be wet and muddy. Likewise, it’s black fly season.
Peaks
In 2002 I started an LT southbound hike on May 22. I knew I was bending the GMCs Policies but it was a low mud year. I saw plenty of snow: Jay Peak, Bolton Mtn, Whiteface, Mt Mansfield all had a deep snow pack. The black flies were out too.
Celt
I did a NOBO thru-hike, starting June 15. No snow and spring melt had dried by then so mud wasn’t worse than normal summer conditions. Black flies were pretty much gone but mosquitoes and deer flies were a hassle at times. finished in July and had a great mid-summer hike.
The Band-aid Kid
I did the first 100 miles of the LT this May, and all I can say was it was WET…and extremely muddy. Granted, it was an unusually rainy May (the wettest ever, in fact), but knowing what I do now I would have delayed my start date. The black flies & skeeters were out in full force. Also be prepared to be spending a lot of nights alone, I saw very few other people on the trail the entire time I was out (not that its necessarily a bad thing).
Side Wedge
Anybody know of a safe place to park in No. Adams or Williamstown? I plan to NOBO starting mid July 07.
Lone Wolf
i used a shuttle service, it worked out great, i met the couple at the pine cobble trail head,then they took my car to there house for 2 weeks, and then dropped it off at a location for me so it was there when i got there, they are real nice folks and took good care of everything, costs a little over 80.00 but whell worth it knowing you car is safe while out on the trail, 1 less thing to worry about.
there name is in the long tail end to enders guide.
Al & Roma Pulling
(802)773-6997
email / pullingra137@aol.com
drop them oa line im sure they will be able to take care of you.
hope this helps.
have a good hike.
BackTrack
Hi Phil,Backpack
I’m heading NOBO 7/1 from Killington. Any ideas on how to get from Journeys End back to Killington?
Orlando