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succinctly:“ to protect and maintain the trail system and foster education, building responsibly-minded hiking communities.” This mission manifests through a dedicated workforce of seasonal trail crews, volunteers, and caretakers who manage over 500 miles of trails, including sections where the Appalachian and Long Trails overlap, notably in Southern Vermont.
Miller explains that there are two main trail systems that bisect Vermont. The Appalachian Trail( AT) is a legendary long-distance hiking path stretching approximately 2,190 miles from Georgia to Maine, traversing 14 states along the Eastern United States. The Long Trail( LT), established by the Green Mountain Club, holds the distinction of being the oldest long-distance hiking trail in the United States, running 272 miles exclusively through Vermont, from the Massachusetts border to Canada. In Southern Vermont, these two celebrated trails converge for roughly 100 miles, from the Massachusetts-Vermont state line near Williamstown to“ Maine Junction,” just north of Killington, creating a unique intersection treasured by hikers from across the globe for its beauty, history, and diverse terrain.
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Maintaining an immense trail network such as the LT requires careful oversight and extensive, seasonally-timed work. Miller elaborates:“ Our trail crews tackle significant challenges unique to Southern Vermont, especially muddy sections and flood-damaged trails,” explains Miller.“ You’ ll often see our crews installing large stepping stones, reconstructing washedout trails, and implementing modern drainage systems to manage erosion and increased foot traffic effectively.” These improvements ensure long-term trail durability, enhancing both hiker safety and environmental sustainability.
Caretakers, GMC’ s educational frontline, live on-site at popular backcountry areas throughout the hiking season.“ They’ re really ambassadors for sustainable hiking,” says Miller.“ Caretakers educate visitors
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