Green Mountain Club Blazing A Bold Trail
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Green Mountain Club Blazing A Bold Trail
Experience the mechanical heritage of the Upper Valley
Chloe Miller, GMC’ s Communications Manager, clearly summarizes GMC’ s dual-focused mission:“ To protect and maintain the trail system and foster education, building responsibly-minded hiking communities.” The realization of this vision is evident in GMC’ s robust team of seasonal trail crews, committed volunteers, and on-site caretakers, who together manage over 500 miles of trails, including the sections where the Long Trail intersects with the Appalachian Trail.
Miller explains that the Long Trail( LT), pioneered by GMC, holds the distinct honor of being America’ s oldest long-distance hiking trail. Spanning 272 miles exclusively through Vermont from the Massachusetts border to Canada, the LT overlaps in Southern Vermont with the Appalachian Trail( AT), a legendary 2,190-mile route stretching from Georgia to Maine. This overlap creates approximately 100 miles of combined trail from the Massachusetts-Vermont state line near Williamstown to“ Maine Junction” north of Killington, offering a uniquely treasured hiking experience recognized worldwide for its diverse landscapes, historic significance, and natural beauty.
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americanprecision. org
EXPERIENCE VERMONT
Since 1954, an organization of Vermont enthusiasts whose objective is to visit all of the state’ s towns and cities.
To maintain such an expansive trail network, GMC conducts meticulous, seasonally coordinated efforts.“ Our trail crews tackle significant challenges unique to Vermont, especially muddy sections and flooding-damaged trails,” Miller explains.“ You’ ll often see our crews installing large stepping stones, reconstructing washed-out trails, and implementing modern drainage systems to manage erosion and increased foot traffic effectively.” These ongoing improvements help ensure trail longevity and safety, supporting the sustainability of Vermont’ s natural environment.
An essential component of GMC’ s mission is education, primarily delivered through caretakers stationed at heavily frequented backcountry sites. Miller describes their crucial role:“ They’ re really ambassadors for sustainable hiking. Caretakers educate visitors about‘ Leave No Trace’ principles, camping etiquette, and responsible wilderness practices.” Such direct engagement promotes environmental stewardship among hikers, aligning perfectly with GMC’ s broader conservation goals.
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