The Long Trail, which runs the entire length of Vermont from the Massachusetts border to the Canadian border, is not to be attempted by the novice backpacker but is more suited for an expirienced long distance trekker. At 272 miles in length this ambitious undertaking is typically a month long effort. One of the oldest long distance trails in the United States designed and built in the early 1900s and maintained by the Green Mountain Club since it's inception over 100 years ago. The southern section of the Long Trail shares the route with the Appalachian Trail for around 100 miles before continuing north and the A.T. continuing east.
The Pemigewasset Loop is one of the most popular backpacking routes in all of the northeast. The typical starting and finishing point of this over 30 mile loop is the Lincoln Woods trailhead parking lot. There are numerous backcountry tent sites along the route operated by the AMC and require small nightly fees. Water Sources are also available along the route. Backpackers will cross over 10 peaks over 4,000ft and 2 over 5,000ft with options for side treks to add other 4,000 footers. An incredibly beautiful, pristine, and well managed wilderness area that will be an amazing adventure for hikers of all skill levels.
In the heart of the Catskill Mountains in New York State within the Slide Mountain Wilderness is the popular loop trail commonly known as The Burroughs Range Loop. The loop passes over 3 peaks above 3,500ft in elevation including the Catskills highest peak, Slide Mountain at 4,180ft. A roughly 15 mile trek with approximately 5,000ft of total elevation gain, the loop can be a challenging 1 day hike but a more enjoyable overnight at one of the primitive tent sites along the route. Water can be scare on this route but there is a spring near Slide Mountain. The crisp air and balsam fir forests of this range hit the senses unlike anywhere else.