Vermont’s Long Trail System, with its 272-mile footpath, 185 miles of side trails, and approximately 70 backcountry campsites (many featuring shelters) offers endless hiking opportunities for the day hiker, weekend overnighter, and extended backpacker. The Long Trail follows the main ridge of the Green Mountains from the Massachusetts-Vermont state line to the Canadian border, crossing Vermont’s highest peaks. Although the Long Trail is known as Vermont’s “footpath in the wilderness,” its character may more accurately be described as backcountry. On its way to Canada, this “footpath in the wilderness” climbs rugged peaks and passes pristine ponds, alpine sedges, hardwood forests, and swift streams. It is steep in places, muddy in others and rugged in most. Novice and experts alike will enjoy the varied terrain of the trail as it passes through the heart of Vermont.