GMC Project Update: Winooski Footbridge Along the Long Trail

Vermont's footpath through the wilderness, a.k.a. The Long Trail, is one of the state's most magnificent treasures. The LT, which runs 275 miles from Massachusetts to Canada through the highest Green Mountains in the state, happens to go right by our store. Between the trail and us, however, flows the Winooski River. It was the Green Mountain Club's initiative to protect and bolster the beauty of the trail by constructing a footbridge across the Winooski River, doing away with the old three miles of roadway and autobridge.

Check out the GMC's video update of the project which includes an interview with major project benefactor Daan Zwick -- a GMC caretaker from 1938-1941!

When the project is completed (shooting for June 2014), it is going to foster a much more natural transition between Camel's Hump and Mount Mansfield. The GMC would greatly appreciate supportive donations to the project, which can be made online: here.

If Summer 2014 is void of plans, why not schedule a visit to Vermont? Do some hiking and camping, take the factory tour at Ben & Jerry's, try the globally acclaimed Heady Topper by Alchemist Brewing, ride the Alpine Slide at Spruce Mountain; there's so much to do here in the heart of the Green Mountains.

But of course, while you're here, come see us at CC!

A Break for Backpacking Mt. Mansfield

The July 4th break is over but not before getting the family out on some backpacking on Mt. Mansfield. We broke in the kids' Deuter hiking backpacks this weekend with some low key, very scenic packing from Butler Lodge to Taft Lodge on the Long Trail. Friday's short buggy and humid hike was followed by a cool, windy and socked in summit and ridge hike along Mt. Mansfield. The sky opened into a glorious day for our decent after lunch. And we got to see the Stowe Balloon Festival from the deck of Taft Lodge after dinner. We also enjoyed meeting the Green Mountain Club's 2011 Mansfield caretakers. Of course we got to test more gear so we'll try to keep a live feed of product reviews and pictures over the next few days.

GMC's Project 10,000 needs you!

The Green Mountain Club needs your help! With less than 48 hours to go, Project 10,000 is down to the wire. The GMC needs about 50 more new members to hit the goal of 10,000 dues paying members in their 100th Anniversary year. The Green Mountain Club manages the oldest, long distance hiking trail in the United States--the Long Trail--which was the inspiration for the Appalachian Trail which share the Long Trail's southern section. The Long Trail runs 273 miles spanning the length of Vermont from the Berkshires of Massachusetts to the Canadian border. While many club members are locals who love the Long Trail--many others live out-of-state and visited Vermont to hike all or sections of the Long Trail. All joined the club to help preserve a place that is special to them.

Whether you've hiked the trail or not, your support can help in many ways from helping to maintain established trails to building and protecting new sections of trail through easements and land purchases. If you're looking for a great place to get away to this summer learn more about Vermont's Long Trail. And if you need lightweight gear and backpacking supplies rest assured, we're located only 2 miles north of the Club's Visitor Center