Historic Taft Lodge
PEAK ADVENTURE
Historic Taft Lodge
Preserving Vermont’ s Hiking Heritage
Currently undergoing a significant and meticulous restoration process, Taft Lodge stands as a beloved icon of Vermont’ s hiking heritage. Originally constructed in 1920, Taft Lodge is Vermont’ s oldest and largest shelter along the Long Trail, perched dramatically at 3,650 feet, just below Mount
Mansfield’ s 4,395-foot summit— the highest peak in the state. For over a century, the lodge has offered refuge to countless hikers braving Vermont’ s notoriously challenging weather and rugged terrain.
The current restoration project is addressing structural damage caused by years of severe winter conditions. The restoration involves sourcing and transporting replacement logs by helicopter from sustainably harvested trees within Mount Mansfield
State Forest. Each log is meticulously debarked, seasoned, and precisely fitted using traditional joinery methods such as saddle notches and scarf joints. This restoration ensures Taft Lodge will continue serving as both a practical shelter and a cherished historic landmark. As the building process continues to unfold, the build combines modern conservation practices with traditional craftsmanship, embodying GMC’ s commitment to preserving both Vermont’ s trails and Vermont’ s historic legacy.
MOUNTAINS OF SUMMER FUN
Discover scenic Green Mountain vistas, boost your adrenaline on our triple-track Alpine Slide, or climb to new heights on our Treetop Adventure Course. Prepare for mountain memories this summer at Bromley.
3984 VT Rt 11, Peru, VT • Bromley. com
Just 6 miles from Manchester. Open May – October
60 VERMONT MAGAZINE