Rain or shine, hiking season kicks off this weekend

May 23, 2025 | By Chloe Miller

Though the weather may not feel like it, this Memorial Day weekend officially kicks off Vermont’s hiking season and the Green Mountain Club, which manages and maintains 500 miles of trails including the Long Trail, wants to help hikers get outside and enjoy the outdoors.  

Inside the Green Mountain Club’s new visitor center. Courtesy photo

The club has opened the new Rothberg-Birdwhistell Hiker Visitor Center on Vermont Route 100 in Waterbury Center to help visitors plan their hikes. Information specialists there have information on current trail conditions, recommendations based on needs, and insight

 into Long Trail history and more. 

“The Visitor Center is the perfect place to orient users to the Green Mountains and plan your perfect hike, whether it be a quick nature walk, a challenging summit, or an overnight camping trip on the Long Trail System,” said Emily Mosher, Visitor Services Manager. “Talk to one of our specialists about what you are looking for, peruse trip-planning resources like maps and guidebooks from our Hiker Center, or join an informal Learn to Hike program.” 

The Visitor Center now will be open seven days a week from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Programming, including guided hikes on the “Short Trail” and backpacking workshops, will be offered on a regular basis. 

This weekend will start out cold and rainy, with snow possible at high elevations, so those hitting the trails should be prepared with plenty of layers, supplies, and a commitment to turn back if the weather takes a turn for the worse. Trails will be muddy, so plan to walk directly through the mud, or turn around and find a drier trail at lower elevations.

Low-elevation mud season-friendly trails may be a good option for many until things warm up and dry out next week. GMC staff can offer recommendations. 

The Rothberg-Birdwhistell Hiker Visitor Center has a view looking out to the Short Trail. Courtesy photo

Hiker safety is GMC’s top priority, and hikers can refresh their skills at a recorded or upcoming GMC workshop or take advantage of hiking guides on our website and social media. 

Out on the trails, hikers can expect to see GMC trail crews, caretakers, and volunteers working and helping visitors statewide. Crews will begin flood recovery work in southern Vermont and continue employing sustainable trail-building strategies to further protect recreational areas from extreme weather. 

Caretakers and volunteers are stationed at busy mountain summits and ponds to help visitors make the most of their hikes and learn more about how to protect fragile environments. 

Connect with the club for hiking information and inspiration all season long. The public can reach GMC staff via email to gmc@greenmountainclub.org, by phone at 802-244-7037, and via social media messages on Instagram and Facebook. The Facebook group Long Trail Hiking — GMC Community is also a good way to connect with other hikers.

Chloe Miller is the Green Mountain Club’s communications manager.