Long's Trail

Long's Trail runs the entire length of the state of Vermont. The Appalachain Trail and Long's Trail are one and the same until Mendon Vermont when the Applachain Trail heads east to New Hampshire. We hiked north of here in the Breadloaf Wilderness. This area was designated wilderness by an act of Congress which means no roads or civilazation. This entire area is located in the Green Mountain National Forest. It's one of the most beautiful and remote areas in Vermont for hiking and excellent place to take your JRT's.... WARNING:.... The weather can change in minutes and usually does. Do not get lost, they may never find you.

We left from the New Haven River which has two trailheads. The Cooley Glen Trail and the Emily Proctor Trail both leave from the parking area and end at Long's Trail making a very long day hike. We went up the Cooley Glen Trail to the Cooley Glen Shelter at Long's Trail. The day was pleasant, but the terrain soon became very steep. We followed Long's Trail over three mountain summits through very rough terrain including Mt. Roosevelt. Elevations ran from 3100' to 3800' on Long's Trail. The hike over these mountain peaks was very damp and visibility was 30'. You were inside a cloud most of the way. The climb made you sweat, but the air was very cold. The JRT's didn't mind, but we did. At the Emily Proctor Trail and shelter, we turned back down the mountain to our vehicle. The hike took over nine hours to complete, and we would rank it as one the top five hardest hikes we ever completed. The JRT's were still going strong, but we were shot!.... A word of warning:.... Be prepare for anything on this hike including staying overnight. This is a very hard trip to complete in one day. Good Luck