As a Vermonter and hiker this is the most thorough and honest description of an experience on the Long Trail I have ever heard. You are so thorough and organized with this presentation and really captured the things people should be prepared for. The Long Trail can be a brutal experience. Imagine everything you experienced and add Black Fly season. lol But I will say that fall can provide a much better experience. Especially if it’s a dry fall. Even later in fall when the leaves are gone is really nice. No heat or humidity. No bugs. Dryer trail. A different perspective of the topography without the green tunnel. I would not even dream of doing that trail again unless I was doing it in late October or early November.

@jonallenoutside

10 күн бұрын

@@lucybarrington4634 That’s good insight on the impact of the season. Now that I think about it, I rarely hike in summer back home in the Midwest because of the conditions, but fall hiking is incredible.

This is good info Jon, as a fellow end to ender, giving brutally honest info is a huge service. This trail will beat you down mentally and physically. I remember days of endless rain, singing out loud, jogging along like a mad person to entertain myself from the craziness of it all just wanting to be at the next shelter.😂 Some other items to consider for those newer to his trail. A rain kilt served me well, open, airy and happy. An umbrella. Now this will cause debate, however, at around half a pound, it was worth it to me. Some spots you just can’t use it, and the rain jacket will be necessary. BUT, when you’re on a hard climb, pouring sweat, the last thing you want is a rain jacket on. Fasten it to your pack, put on your kilt, and keep moving. Bring some for lube for the night time. Some squirrel nut butter or similar product helps your feet while you sleep. One last thing is thigh long compression shorts, not too tight, but stop the rubbing. It’s what I use for ultras, with constant movement for 30 plus hours. Ok one more. Train train train!! Train more than you think is reasonable. Good luck all, this is such a like changing experience.

@jonallenoutside

Жыл бұрын

I did more training than I've ever done in the past before starting the Arizona Trail this spring. Four months of weight training and lots of practice hikes with my pack on. It paid off big time.

Wow, is that accurate. I have lived in central Vermont along the Long Trail for over 30 years and every hike we do includes the LT one way or another. I dream of sunny, dry walkable hikes and once the kids are gone maybe I'll get to try some. Until than bloody shins and bent poles are a way of life around here, Be safe and hike on.

@jonallenoutside

4 ай бұрын

The trail has some of the most interesting features like ladders and fun rock formations to walk through. It kicked my butt though.

@lucybarrington4634

10 күн бұрын

I also live in Vermont and hike often and boy do I hear you. 😄

I agree 100% about the trekking poles!!! Mine snapped halfway through. I also had a rude awakening when it came to the elevation. Way more up and down than I expected.

@jonallenoutside

8 ай бұрын

It’s a tough hike!

I can't tell you how much this video resonated with my own experience. I am a veteran hiker. The Long trail kicked my butt, indeed, I broke my ankle around mile 240 on Mount Belvedere. After a harrowing rescue lasting 10 hours, I spent the next several months healing. Many thanks to the Vermont volunteer fire departments for responding. I was able to finish the trail next year in 2019, in October, in the rain (watch out for bear hunters). I ruined two pairs of poles and bent a 3rd. The only addition I would make to your suggestions is to use snow baskets on your poles to keep them from being eaten by the rocks. May God bless all who take this path, this Long Trail.

@jonallenoutside

Жыл бұрын

I felt very fortunate to make it through without serious injuries. I almost broke my arm and Callan smashed his knee, but we were able to continue. Countless other minor injuries.

I did the LT back in 2015 and came across two 2014 AT thru hikers around Tillotson. They were both surprised at how much more challenging things were up north and how slow their pace had gotten. It’s rough, but I’d do it again in a second given the opportunity. This trail is what turned me into an ultra runner LOL!!!

This was a great video and resonated with me and my wife. We chuckled watching this because I carry permanent scars from the rocks, roots, and other LT obstacles, not to mention finding out I used muscles I never knew I had. I also experienced a quad strain that challenged me both mentally and physically...adding to the misery! We proudly completed the trail July 17-Aug 19, 2022 and wouldn't trade the experience for anything. You forgot to mention the mosquito's and other annoying black flies! Thanks for your candid review...a must watch video for anyone considering the LT!- Clam Chowdah (LT 2022)!

@jonallenoutside

Жыл бұрын

Surprisingly, we didn’t encounter many bugs. That might have broken us!

very good vid; interesting and super helpful; appreciate the honest perspective

This was a great video bro. I enjoyed my hike, and wouldn't trade it for anything, but not a trail I would repeat. At least no time soon. 🤘🕓

@jonallenoutside

2 жыл бұрын

Thanks ER. You summed it up perfectly.

I love it ,best times ever

It looked pretty rough from our perspective too Jon. I'm glad no bones were broken in the making of that vlog series.

Thanks for your honnesty

A very good video. I appreciate a realistic discussion of the LT. I have been on portions of the trail and it is hard. Your presentation really shows the difficulty.

Hi Jon Thanks for your review of your LT experience. I would love to experience the challenge of completing the LT. I have the Guthook app all I need is the time. Have a great day and hope to see you on the trail one day ☮️

Yup, I snapped a pole. (Luckily just outside Manchester Center). Good video. I had better weather in 2019 (July 5-26). The trail was very challenging. New Hampshire and Maine (AT) difficult after the Maine Junction. I did it solo and would consider doing it again, but only tagging along with someone else! Cheers, and welcome to the club.

Good stuff. Bear in mind that 2021, and especially July, was an unusually wet year. There's always some mud and there's always some water on the trail, but this year was exceptional. I've been all over the LT for 35 years and this year was about the worst I've seen in those respects. Makes me wonder where we crossed ways this summer, I was SOBO from 7/20 to 8/8.

@jonallenoutside

2 жыл бұрын

We for sure crossed paths. We hiked almost the same window but NOBO.

I remember researching the trail and reading about the mud and rough terrain thinking that we would be just fine as we hike the white mountains in NH all the time. We were quite shocked with some of the challenges this trail provided for us. I have to go back to finish still as planters fasciitis is still acting up and the long trail did a number on it. I think I will return at a later date once I’m healed as that tampered with the experience for me. I enjoyed following the videos and getting someone’s else views about the trail. We can always learn from each other. Can’t wait to see what you do next.

@jonallenoutside

2 жыл бұрын

Hope your feet heal to 100%. I’m on the Ice Age Trail right now. Just doing a long weekend with friends and will post the video next Monday.

thanks for the tips and love your honesty. usually trail amnesia sets in but you were pretty adamant! No, never again. 😂

@jonallenoutside

2 жыл бұрын

I stand by that comment even a year later lol!

I have thought about doing the Long Trail in a couple years but would definitely not do it in the spring after seeing your video. Late summer early fall would be best and probably waterproof boots and gaiters if I did it earlier

As a veteran of the LT and many Adirondack hikes, this is good info for others. You may possibly get by with 3 pairs of socks, but some places at certain times are so wet that it would not be out of line to have 6 pair. I would safety pin the socks to the outside of the pack to dry them, but sometimes you get prolonged periods of wet weather that they just won't dry and thus the 6 pair. Fall is cooler with less humidity, but often cold and just as rainy as any other time of year. Yes, we can thank the GMC for their support, but they're often the enemy, along with the Forest Service, in creating the clearcuts at most of the shelters so hikers can get a view from those shelters. It's called vista blight. You are correct about the dangers of the trail. Some sections on Mt. Manfield should be re-rerouted. And daily mileage does take a hit. I averaged only 8 miles a day, but I had the time to do it that way and did not burn out by the end like so many others do.

Nice video. Great info. I have section hiked the entire long trail. Section 1 was Rt 4 North to Canada. Section 2 was MA border to Rt 4 while completing my AT thru hike. I'm thinking of a thru hike starting late Aug this year. I had no idea it has 66,000 ft of elevation gain. I just remember it being mostly up north that it went up and down. My son and I got stuck on top of Jay peak for a zero day in the hut because of a rain storm with 60+ mph winds. The lift operators left us there at 10 am and told us we could stay all day but they weren't coming back.

@jonallenoutside

Жыл бұрын

We hid out in the same spot on Jay Peak when a thunderstorm came thru. So glad we could get in!

Thank you for making this video!!!! Honest and realistic. Wish more people did this.

@jonallenoutside

2 жыл бұрын

The trail is both amazing and difficult at the same time. Now that I've had more time to reflect, I think better weather would have made a huge positive difference.

@mtadams2009

2 жыл бұрын

Please keep in mind if you plan on doing the LT last year was a one off when it comes to rain. It essentially rained all the time last summer throughout New England. It does not normally rain that much and the trial is not a mud fest especially later in the summer. He just picked a bad year. He is correct there are no switch backs. In general east coast hiking is much more difficult than west coast switch back hiking with smooth trails. I start my hike next week. I am used to this terrain and weather so I should be fine. If it rains like it did on him I would get off. He is pretty bad ass for sticking with it. That did not look fun.

Very well done. There's nothing wrong with saying honestly that you did that but want to go do other things. The Pacific Coast Trail on Vancouver Island has similar challenges, but is much shorter overall and has ocean scenery instead of the green tunnel.

Just finished LT two days ago...definately a summer of mud with all the rain and I got bruises on top of bruises. I would definately do it again.

Two comments: I was on the long trail doing a day hike and lost my shoe to the mudd. I can't even imagine what I would've done if I didn't have a camp shoe as a back up. Not ideal but the mudd is relentless in areas. Second, the rain is real. Always make sure you have your gear and dry clothes safe regardless of the frogg togs.

Thanks for this, looks like I’m never gonna do the long trail.

@mtadams2009

Жыл бұрын

Don’t pick a bad year. Vermont received about 5 X times as much rain as normal. I hiked it recently and rarely wore a rain coat. Timing is everything.

Thanks for taking the time to make this video and giving your honest opinion. Just so you know last year was not even close to a normal rain year. I live in Massachusetts and we received nearly 5 X the rain as normal. It was crazy wet. Just wondering are you a western hiker? This terrain is normal for us. Most of my trips take place in the Whites of NH and you are correct there are no switch backs. I don’t think there are any in New England. I plan on doing it this September. Thanks for the heads up on the Duplex. One person said I would be better with a free standing tent. I have both but will go light with the Zpacks. Sorry you had such a lousy time. To be honest given last years terrible weather I think most people would have. Your son and you are pretty bad ass in my book for dealing with that terrible weather. Your better than me, I would have gone home. Then again it’s close to me and I am retired so it’s no big deal. I am using the Long Trail as a shake down to the PCT. I am more interested in the PCT for some of the things you did not like about Vt. The PCT has switch backs, views and not much rain. The AT would be way to much green tunnel for me. I am hoping my body and mind can handle the Long Trail, especially my left knee. Again thanks take care

@jonallenoutside

2 жыл бұрын

I noticed that many of the east coast hikers were much more tolerant of the conditions than people used to trails in the central and western part of the country. I have hiked some of the AT in Virginia and found it much, much easier. You will LOVE the PCT. If you can do the Long Trail you can do the PCT.

@mtadams2009

2 жыл бұрын

@@jonallenoutside Thanks for getting back to me. I hope the rain is much less this year but you never know. The PCT has always been my dream. Take care

dang sounds like it really is no joke! tentatively planning a thru hike for june and came across this. definitely helpful! howd it compare to the AZT for ya? gonna check out a few of ur trail vids too.

@jonallenoutside

4 ай бұрын

The AZT was pure joy to hike and I loved every day. The Long Trail was nothing like that. Some people seemed to enjoy it, but I prefer west coast hiking.

nice Ive done sections from Bennington rt9 area up to Moosalamoo area if anyone has their ham radio license some of us locals monitor 146.52 simplex every half hour on the hour in case anyone has an emergency

I'm honestly a little baffled by most of this video. I thru-hiked the Long Trail in August '99, and my experience was 100% the opposite direction. The footbed was dry and hard-packed in most areas, even the Lye Brook region (which is typically a mudfest). I only had one fall of any significance, when I slid on a bit of wet moss on one of the "human fly" portions somewhere up near Hazen's Notch. I had no problem setting 15mi/day as a standard pace, and had a few 18's when I had a shelter gap. I even jogged down from Pico Peak to make the mail cutoff at the Inn, averaging 6mph all the way down. I believe what you're saying, but it just goes to show that the same trail can present itself incredibly differently from year to year. Or maybe it's that my formative backpacking experiences were on the Long Trail, and all of that became my idea of "normal!" Either way, I'll jump at the chance to go back if I ever get it. Meanwhile, you couldn't *pay* me to hike the Fiery Gizzard trail again, down here in TN. A footbed made of mostly tumbled rocks with lots of loose ankle-twisters, and very little elevation change for variety.

@jonallenoutside

Жыл бұрын

I've heard that 2021 was a ridiculously wet year for the VT area and I'm sure that had an impact. There were some phenomenal days on the trail for sure, especially the last few days where the trail was slightly less muddy, but sludging through that deep mud mile after mile most days was tough.

@FrancisBeanBlades

Жыл бұрын

​@@jonallenoutside Yeah, it would be, for sure. The gigantic mud pits along the Taconic Crest Trail always slowed me to a crawl on the ATV section around Mt. Berlin. As for the Long Trail, Aug '99 was dry enough that there were times I actually had trouble finding water! The Chittenden Reservoir section was the worst... I didn't find good water until very late afternoon, literally nothing from Rolston's Rest to David Logan. I was praying for rain to fill the dry streambeds. I suspect the climate up there has shifted a bit in the last 20-odd years, too. It might feel completely alien to me now.

It rains a lot in Vermont, eh? Never mind the weather can be generally variable. Over-heating one day followed by chanking cold the next day? Yeah, Scotland says hold my ale.

@jonallenoutside

Жыл бұрын

Totally agree. I found that hikers from the east coast didn't seem to care about the weather but those of us from the midwest and especially western states had a harder time dealing with it.

Jon Quick question after the AT split how crowded was the remainder of the trail. Did you mostly have shelters to your self’s.

@mtadams2009

Жыл бұрын

I just got back from the LT and since I was on the trail after the majority of the AT bubble had passed shelters were never full. I hiked with my dog and often we had them to ourselves. The weather also was nothing like he described. This year it’s dry and there was little to no mud. I rarely wore my rain coat and my shoes never got really wet. I hike mostly in the Whites so my mileage increased about 20 to 30 percent, until Brandon Gap mile 125. it then stayed about the same as my miles in the Whites. I think you could pretty much hike the whole trail without a tent. Especially if you hike later in August, September or October. It’s to bad he picked the worst year of weather possible but that’s how it goes. My last four out of five trips out West to ski have pretty much sucked. This year I got lucky. Vermont only averages about four more inches of rain then the rest of the country. The trail after the split is often just day hikers and section hikers. I would definitely do it again. Maybe South bound next time and I would not bring a tent if my dog was not with me.

Have you done any thru- hikes before? I did the Appalachian trail a couple of years ago, and what you're telling me sounds like most of that trail. I didn't understand why Vermont didn't take care of the trail like other States. I think a lot of that mud could be alleviated with some trail maintenance. I'm hoping to start my hike of the long trail in June. Hopefully I won't be as surprised as you were with the difficulty of it of it.

@jonallenoutside

2 жыл бұрын

700 miles of the PCT and many other trails. All the AT hikers said VT sucked more than the rest of it. Funny thing is it got much worse after they split off to the east.

@isleofsmiles1015

Жыл бұрын

I have hiked most of the AT with my parents, and I thought the AT portion in Vermont was quite relaxing compared to what came next. Haha. Yes, the steps down into Bennington were a bit harrowing in a downpour (as my dad fell three times) and it rained quite a bit, but I thought Vermont was pretty nice! It is the part north of the AT that worries me. We are contemplating doing the Long Trail. I would feel fine doing it with people my age, but it would worry me doing it with my 70 and 72 year old parents. Sure, they finished the AT in 2021 (my mom with a new knee), but I'm barely sure how we came out alive of that experience. Lol. It is terrifying hiking dangerous terrain with older people! Ha. Goose Eye on the AT in the cold rain was the scariest experience of my life!

@mtadams2009

Жыл бұрын

You could join the Green Mountain Club or or send them a donation. They are doing the best they can. I hiked the Long Trail last year and plan on returning again in a few weeks. I thought the trail was fine, then again I was not hiking in the worst summer we have had in decades. I never even got my feet wet. I mountain bike and hike in Vermont all the time and I have never had any issues.

I'm thinking about doing the long trail how many places where there for you to camp and where you allowed to stealth camp and make he camp fire ?

@jonallenoutside

2 жыл бұрын

Most people stick to the shelters but there are plenty of places to camp. I’m not aware of any stealth sites where campfires are legal. Shelters are the best place for that. The Far Out app is invaluable on the trail.

@stopasking9745

2 жыл бұрын

@@jonallenoutside thank you so much for the information and thank you for the video

What dates did you go? Early summer? I've been hearing and reading a lot of recommendations that the best time to hit the LT is in mid to late September to avoid the snow melt.

@jonallenoutside

Жыл бұрын

Late July.

@davidhollis3510

Жыл бұрын

@@jonallenoutside Right on. Thanks, Jon!

I’m assuming that you don’t hike in northern New England very often.

@jonallenoutside

Жыл бұрын

Nope. Locals were much more accustomed to it than those of us from other parts of the country.

When exactly was your hike?

@jonallenoutside

Жыл бұрын

July into August

Sounds like a nightmare

I plan on doing this trail with a friend of mine this august. I was wondering what your opinion was about blisters. I dont get them, but my friend does every trail. Do you have any tips to help prevent them?

@jonallenoutside

Жыл бұрын

Yes. 1) Toughen feet ahead of time with lots of practice hiking. 2) Wear trail runners; boots = blisters. 3) Darn Tough socks. 4) This one is critical… use Body Glide on your feet every morning before hiking. Not your whole foot, just where you are prone to blisters. Then stop immediately if you feel one coming on and apply Body Glide to that spot.

@joejoe127

Жыл бұрын

@@jonallenoutside thank you! I’ll show him this comment. Have you hiked the NPT in New York, wonderful trail. Mostly flat with great scenery.

@jonallenoutside

Жыл бұрын

@@joejoe127 I’ve not hiked that one.

@mtadams2009

Жыл бұрын

Your hiking shoes should be one size bigger then you normally wear. Your feet will swell and your normal shoes size will rub. I used light weight hiking shoes. Not boots and not trail runners and they worked great. Have a great hike, it’s awesome.

@Why_we_live

Жыл бұрын

@@mtadams2009 Thanks I'll have to let him know. I don't personally get blisters.

What were the dates you hiked?

@jonallenoutside

Жыл бұрын

We started 7/21/21 and hiked for 25 days.

What month did you hiked?

@jonallenoutside

Жыл бұрын

We were there late July into August of 2021.

Did you say what month you hiked it? I can't find it.

@jonallenoutside

2 жыл бұрын

Late July into early August.

@pk6400

2 жыл бұрын

@@jonallenoutside I'm planning to hike it in September 2022. I hope it will be less muddy. Do you regret your choice of your Duplex tent with all the rain? Would you rather have had the double wall tent your son used?

@jonallenoutside

2 жыл бұрын

@@pk6400 I found the Duplex to be much better in the wet conditions because it repels water. My son’s nylon tent was a heavy wet mess after a night of rain whereas I could just shake mine off.

@pk6400

2 жыл бұрын

@@jonallenoutside Good to know! Thanks!

@tonydankers1842

2 жыл бұрын

@@pk6400 Hi pk6400, I retired this year and I'm planning to hike the LT in September in 2022 after I run the Falmouth Road Race in late August. Would you like to get in touch to see if we would be compatible hiking partners. I gathered from Jon's post doing the LT solo is not a great idea.

Hiking in the Green Mts is wet, muddy, hot, and cold with elevation changes? Hmm? Most towns have a high school track you can always walk around.

Wow man…..total buzz kill. Cold, hot, wet, muddy, dangerous and….to top it all off……CHAFING. Sounds like the worst trail in the US. Appreciate the ‘heads up’ - I’ll pass.