In September 2021, I am planning on attempting my very first long distance thru-hike…which will take place on the Long Trail located in Vermont.
What’s a thru-hike?:
A thru-hike is an end-to-end backpacking trip on a long-distance trail.
What’s the Long Trail:
The Long Trail is a 272.7 mile long trail that traverses the length of Vermont. It starts at the Vermont-Massachusetts state line and runs north to the US-Canada border. It coincides with the Appalachian Trail for approximately 100 miles in the southern portion of the trail before it breaks off from the AT and continues north.
Fun Fact: The Long Trail is the oldest long distance trail in the United States, and it became the inspiration for the more well known Appalachian Trail.
To learn more about the Long Trail, be sure visit the Green Mountain Club who protect and maintain the Long Trail System. If you are interested in helping them protect public lands, please consider a donation to them.
My Trip
My plan is to go NOBO (northbound), starting on Labor Day weekend. I am doing this for a few reasons:
- Going northbound, the trail starts off easier. I am hoping this will allow me to get my trail legs in shape for the more rugged and remote northern section.
- Starting in September ensures cooler temperatures, which (hopefully) means a lack of insects and the dreaded ‘Vermud’ nickname.
- By finishing in late September, I will hopefully get to experience some of that sweet, sweet New England fall foliage.
For the past year, I’ve planned out a itinerary and I will be attempting to complete the entire 272.7 miles in 20 days, at an average pace of 13.7 miles/day. I have planned where I’m staying each night and where I’m resupplying for my entire adventure.
However, no plan survives contact with the enemy. From my research and advice from other Long Trail hikers, it is rugged, rainy, and extremely difficult. With over 60,000 feet of elevation gain and no switchbacks, I am expecting PAIN. Additionally, this will be the longest hike I have ever attempted. The longest trail I have completed before this is the Knobstone Trail which is 58 miles long.
In conclusion, I’m ready for my first long-distance hike and I hope you’ll enjoy following along. I plan on updating my adventure daily with news, observations, and photos. Follow my adventure on Instagram as well.
