The Memorial Day weekend just past marked the official start of the camping and hiking season in the Green Mountain National Forest (GMNF) and the Long Trail.
While campers may find some wet spots, forest roads are in very good shape considering the amount of rain that has fallen in recent weeks. Officials encourage visitors to consider bringing head nets or an effective insect repellant to combat the ever growing black fly and mosquito populations.
The GMNF expects visitation from Vermonters and people from in and around New England to be up this season due in part to high fuel costs. The forest offers several recreational opportunities including picnicking, camping, hiking, backpacking, fishing, hunting, boating and canoeing.
All camping on the GMNF is on a first come, first serve basis, with no reservations required. There is a maximum stay of 14 days in a 30-day period. Visitors can camp anywhere on the forest, unless the area is posted closed to camping. Campers are aske not cut any vegetation and camp at existing sites, and to leave campsites clean by using the Leave No Trace Principles and to “carry out what you carry in.” Visit http://www.fs.fed.us/r9/forests/greenmountain/htm/greenmountain/g_rec.htm for more information.
The trails and shelters on the 273-mile Long Trail are also open for the season. The Green Mountain Club (GMC), the caretakers of Vermont's historic “footpath in the wilderness,” say that the worst of the muddy conditions in the backcountry have past and trails are in generally good shape around the state. They do advise, however, that if a trail is too muddy to walk through, to turn around and seek a drier route.
The GMC also advises that hikers should watch their footing on snow and ice where it still exists on higher elevations and north-facing slopes, and to bring a warm extra layer, as mountain tops are chilly year-round and Vermont's weather can quickly change. Also, since this time of year is still buggy, make sure to bring insect repellent to keep the black flies away and consider taking a pass on your most fragrant soaps and shampoos the night before your hike.
The GMC's annual meeting is June 12 at Plymouth State Park. Visit www.greenmountainclub.org for more information.