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Hard

Appalachian Trail;Long Trail

Shaftsbury, Massachusetts · Bennington County · Green Mountain Club

Appalachian Trail;Long Trail is a hard hiking trail near Shaftsbury in Bennington County, Massachusetts.. Managed by Green Mountain Club. Trail data is sourced from OpenStreetMap.

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42.94222, -73.08564
Open in OpenStreetMap
5-Day Forecast

Weather at Appalachian Trail;Long Trail

Live forecast for the trailhead. Use it to pack and time your hike.

Avg High71°F
Avg Low56°F
Peak Rain Chance64%
Humidity87%
UV (avg)5
Air Quality49 · Good
Today
🌧
Heavy Rain
75°/60°
💧 20%🌬 12mph
5:39 AM8:18 PM
Wed
🌧
Heavy Rain
66°/58°
💧 64%🌬 14mph
5:40 AM8:16 PM
Thu
🌦
Light Drizzle
59°/56°
💧 55%🌬 5mph
5:41 AM8:15 PM
Fri
🌦
Light Drizzle
78°/51°
💧 12%🌬 5mph
5:42 AM8:14 PM
Sat
🌦
Drizzle
78°/57°
💧 5%🌬 4mph
5:43 AM8:13 PM

Forecast data © Open-Meteo. Refreshed every 6 hours. Always check the most recent forecast before heading out.

About Appalachian Trail;Long Trail

Appalachian Trail;Long Trail is a hard hiking trail near Shaftsbury in Bennington County, Massachusetts.. Managed by Green Mountain Club. Trail data is sourced from OpenStreetMap.

What “Hard” Means

Steep, technical, or long. Requires good fitness and experience.

Difficulty is derived from OpenStreetMap’s Swiss Alpine Club (SAC) hiking scale, trail visibility, surface, distance, and elevation gain. Always verify current conditions before heading out.

What to Pack & Wear

Personalised to this trail’s length, elevation, difficulty, and the live forecast.

👔 What to Wear

  • 👕
    Moisture-wicking T-shirt
    Light color, breathable.
  • 🩳
    Lightweight shorts or pants
    Quick-dry preferred — sweat dries fast.
  • 🧢
    Brimmed sun hat
    Better than a cap for back-of-neck protection.
  • 🥾
    Trail runners
    Breathable mesh uppers.
  • Rain jacket / shell
    64% chance of precipitation in the forecast.

🎒 What to Pack

  • 💧
    Water
    Bring at least 1L of water; more in heat.
  • 🍫
    High-energy snacks
    A snack for the trail.
  • 🧴
    Sun protection
    Sunscreen, sunglasses, brimmed hat.
  • 🔦
    Headlamp + spare batteries
    Long days can run late — never rely on phone flashlight alone.
  • 🩹
    First-aid kit
    Blister patches, ibuprofen, tape, antiseptic wipes.
  • 🗺
    Offline map
    Download your route in advance via Gaia, Caltopo, or OSM-based apps.
  • 🛍
    Dry bags for electronics
    Phone, camera, and snacks should stay dry.

Recommendations adapt to the current forecast + trail stats. Use them as a starting point — local conditions, your experience, and the time of day you start all matter.

Trail Safety in Massachusetts

Trail conditions in Massachusetts change with weather, season, and fire activity. Closures, washouts, and rerouting are common. Before heading out:

  • Check with the land manager for current conditions and closures
  • Tell someone your plan and expected return time
  • Know your turn-around limits — conditions can change fast
  • Carry the 10 essentials: water, food, navigation, first aid, light, fire, shelter, knife, sun protection, extra clothes

Frequently Asked Questions

How hard is Appalachian Trail;Long Trail?

Appalachian Trail;Long Trail is rated Hard. Steep, technical, or long — good fitness and experience recommended.

Can I ride a bike on Appalachian Trail;Long Trail?

No — this trail is closed to bicycles.

Are horses allowed on Appalachian Trail;Long Trail?

No — this trail is closed to horses.

When is the best time to hike Appalachian Trail;Long Trail?

Massachusetts has trail conditions that vary by season. Spring and fall usually offer the best mix of temperature and trail conditions. Check the 5-day forecast above for current outlook. Always verify trail status (closures, washouts, fire restrictions) with the local land manager before going.

Who manages Appalachian Trail;Long Trail?

Appalachian Trail;Long Trail is managed by Green Mountain Club. Check the operator’s website for current permits, fees, and restrictions.