Long Trail hike
Had the opportunity to take a day off work and hike a section of the Long Trail yesterday. Parked at the Green Mountain Club parking on County Road in Stamford, VT. The weather was mid-60s and a light rain started just as I left the parking area. These were much better conditions for hiking than the 90s and high humity of the previous few days.
Started with shorts and a t-shirt but the rain stopped and I warmed up so they went into the backpack. Hiked south and passed several northbound hikers - I think there were a total of 8 over the course of the day. Some stopped to chat, some said "hi" and kept walking, some averted eyes and avoided me - typical reactions I have experienced from textiled hikers. A couple were confused that this was not Hike Naked Day but I simply explained that I take advantage of it when I can, whatever day I'm hiking. Also passed a trail crew from the Green Mountain Club - I think I counted 8 workers - who were building rock walkways and raised trail sections through some muddy spots.
Got to the southern terminus of the Long Trail at the Massachusetts state line, took the obligatory pictures, and made the return trip north. Passed the trail crew again, one slow northbound throughhiker that I had passed on the way south, and a pair of women southbound.
Total of 6 miles through the woods with pleasant temperatures and pleasant encounters. Hoping to hike other sections of the Long Trail as the summer progresses.
I checked Google Maps. I guess the County roads are dirt/service roads? They dont have street pictometry. I did locate GMC location which is well off the regular roads, are these county roads marked? At all. Sounds like a great hike, if I can find it!
... the County roads are dirt/service roads? They dont have street pictometry. I did locate GMC location which is well off the regular roads, are these county roads marked? At all. Sounds like a great hike, if I can find it!
The last couple of miles are dirt but fairly well maintained. I would not try it in winter and it might be a problem in mud season but it was a good road for a passenger car, though may need to take it easy and watch for pot holed in spots. On Google Maps, the parking area is shown as "County Rd (GMC) Parking Area". It is a space for 4-5 cars along the south side of the road, right where the trail crosses. It was a good hike, fairly level with a few ups and downs. It is 3 miles down to the Massachusetts state line.