How Long Does It Take To Hike The Sheltowee Trace Trail

Jess thru-hike over Mt. Ellen. — Jess Royer thru-hikes over Mt. Ellen. Photograph courtesy: Royer family

And so you're because a thru-hike forth the Long Trail? Thru-hiking consists of traversing the LT's 272 miles in ane go; insufficiently, an terminate-to-end hike could be finished in i stretch, in sections, or in several day hikes. An end-to-end hike could besides take several years.

For thru-hikers, there's specific training you'll want to explore, and we're here to go you started. Proceed reading for more on completing the nation's oldest footpath.

When is the Best Time to Thru-Hike?

April through late May is still mud season. If you program to start early on, be aware that the trails will exist wet and muddy, and in that location is hiker etiquette that you should follow to keep the trails in shape.
In early on June, there could still be snowfall on the ridgelines. Program to have Microspikes and other winter preparations.
Late June and July take less risk of dry water sources. Be warned, notwithstanding, that it is black wing season — and they seize with teeth.
Late summer and early fall are ideal times. You'll avoid the flies, the crowds, and the estrus.
If hiking in late autumn, there is a higher chance of snow. Snow appears at college elevations as early on as Oct, and can concluding through mid-June. It's imperative to exist prepared for these icy, cold conditions.

How Long Does it Accept to Thru-Hike the Long Trail?

Boilerplate: 20-30 days
The Vermont terrain is rugged and each hiker has dissimilar abilities and goals. Equally the saying goes, "hike your own hike." Knowing how much daily mileage you tin cover and how much time you plan to spend in town will help yous program your hike.
Don't forget to review Trail Updates for reroutes, shelter closures, and more when planning and hiking.

What Should I Pack for my Thru-Hike?

Outset with these 10 essentials and weather considerations.
And then, join our online hiking community for suggestions on gear and planning. Join the Long Trail Hiking Grouping on Facebook.
You'll also want trail maps. Nosotros suggest starting with the Long Trail Guide, the Long Trail Map, and the End-to-Ender'due south Guide.

How and When do I Resupply?

Resupplying in towns is relatively easy, as you lot'll reach a road or trailhead several times a week. You can conform a shuttle or resupply drop around these points.
To jumpstart your grocery list, check out these 18 recipe suggestions.
To learn from previous thru-hikers, check out our End-to-Ender Panel.
For a list of transportation options — including public, commercial, and private listings — check out the End-to-Ender's Guide. You can also email the Visitor Centre for a list of public transport options. Exist aware that many places are closed or have limited chapters due to pandemic conditions; please ostend with service providers beforehand.

What Sorts of Permits practice I Demand?

No permit is required to hike the Long Trail.
There is a $5 fee charged at overnight sites with GMC caretakers in the summer and fall. Larn more than about overnight sites here.
There is a food storage mandate in the Dark-green Mount National Woods. This means, you must use bear-proof storage. This includes using installed bear boxes (see locations listed here), a portable behave canister or Ursack, or a proper comport bag hang.

Where can I Discover More than Resources?

New to backpacking? Check out our Backpacking 101 video.
We interviewed former End-to-Enders for their advice. Find it hither in Part I and Part 2.
Unfamiliar with Vermont's backcountry? Read more than virtually overnight sites, wildlife, and hiker etiquette.
Folks who menstruate typically take more than to consider in terms of backcountry hygiene. Get started with our guide on periods, peeing, and hygiene in the woods.

How do I Certify my Accomplishment?

Nosotros're and then glad you lot asked! Consummate the certification awarding online or mail in a paper form. More on End-to-Finish certification here.
Cease-to-Enders receive a document, an End-to-End rocker patch, a GMC logo patch, and your name listed in the next Long Trail News!
First-time members will as well receive a complimentary, 1-year GMC membership.
End-to-Finish applications are processed twice yearly. More info hither.