Long Trail Permit: Route and Dates
Long Trail is in Green Mountain National Forest, and the agency does not require a permit for it. The route covers 272 miles.
This guide covers the Long Trail Thru-Hike permit.
Free (no permit; caretaker-staffed overnight sites are donation-based, not fee-based)
Permit Cost
20-30 days (3-4 weeks); GMC's End-to-End guide separately states an average of 21-25 days
Duration
272 miles
Distance
strenuous
Difficulty
About Long Trail
America's oldest long-distance hiking trail: 272 miles along the spine of Vermont's Green Mountains from the Massachusetts border to the Canadian border. No permit required for individual hikers.
The Long Trail
- Distance
- 272 miles
- Route type
- point-to-point
- Trip length
- 20-30 days (3-4 weeks); GMC's End-to-End guide separately states an average of 21-25 days
- Difficulty
- strenuous
Entry points: Massachusetts state line (Southern Terminus), Journey's End / Northern Terminus (Canada border)
Green Mountains, Vermont. Nearest town: Manchester, VT (south) / North Troy, VT (north)
Points along the route
- Massachusetts state line (Southern Terminus)Mile 0, 2,336 ft
- Seth Warner ShelterMile 5.6, 2,717 ft
- Harmon HillMile 12.7, 2,325 ft
- Glastenbury MountainMile 24.9, 3,750 ft
- Stratton MountainMile 41.3, 3,940 ft
- Bromley MountainMile 58.5, 3,273 ft
- White Rocks National Recreation Area2,679 ft
- Griffith LakeMile 66, 2,604 ft
- Little Rock PondMile 75.7, 1,855 ft
- Killington PeakMile 100.4, 4,229 ft
- Maine JunctionMile 108, 2,235 ft
- Camel's HumpMile 179, 4,083 ft
- Bolton Mountain / Nebraska Notch areaMile 197.2, 3,707 ft
- Mount Mansfield, the Chin (High Point)Mile 206.8, 4,395 ft
- Smugglers' NotchMile 212, 2,160 ft
- Belvidere Mountain / Jay Pass areaMile 247.1, 3,343 ft
And 3 more named points along the route.
Long Trail permit detailsandAll Green Mountain National Forest permits
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This guide is based on personal experience obtaining wilderness permits and is regularly updated to reflect current policies and strategies.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need a permit for Long Trail?
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Yes, a permit is required. Walk-up permits are available at the trailhead or visitor center, but arrive early as they may be limited.
How long is the Long Trail route?
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The route is 272 miles, as a point-to-point.
How difficult is the Long Trail route?
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This is a strenuous route, demanding and requires excellent fitness.
Where does the Long Trail route start?
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The permit covers 2 entry points: Massachusetts state line (Southern Terminus), Journey's End / Northern Terminus (Canada border).
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