Get Started
Long Trail Day is an annual social fundraiser and day of celebrating hiking in Vermont. You can register as an individual or a team and set a fundraising goal. We suggest $272 - $1 for every mile of the trail.
Having trouble registering or getting back into your account from previous years? Check out our how-to document.
Please reach out if you have any questions: longtrailday@greenmountainclub.org
FAQ
How do I register?
First, determine if you want to register as an individual or form a team/join a team. Whether you’re new to Long Trail Day or participated in the past, you’ll need to register anew for this year’s event. Registration requires a $25 fee, which goes straight towards your overall fundraising goal.
How do I register or sign into my Participant Center from last year?
Even if you've participated in past Long Trail Days, you'll need to register for this year. However, you can access all of your custom content that you previously created. If you're having trouble, check out this step-by-step guide to the process.
The homepage login button doesn't work – what do I do?
The login button on the top right of the homepage is on the fritz! Use this link as a temporary workaround until we're able to troubleshoot the issue.
What is the Participant Center?
This is your custom fundraising central. Here, you can update your personal story and answer the question of what the Long Trail means to you. You can add a photo and send emails out to family and friends to inform them of your fundraising endeavor. (Check out the sample emails as a starting point).
How do I access my Participant Center?
You can access your Participant Center at any time to send emails, update your fundraising goal, and update your page. You must login to access your Participant Center. There's also a link in your confirmation email from when you signed up.
Should I join a team?
Teams are perfect for groups who want to work together to reach a higher goal. Teams are a popular option for GMC Section members, local businesses and corporate partners, clubs, groups, etc. We ask all participants on each team to register, and teams of up to 10 participants are welcome.
What are the rewards?
There is a $25 fee for each participant to register, which includes a Long Trail Day sticker and a free digital Long Trail Map. If you reach your $272 goal, you'll receive a special edition Green Mountain Club beanie. All participants will also be entered in the Trail Sign raffle.
There are four prizes for the top fundraisers in the following categories:
- Individual who raises the most money
- Individual with the highest number of donors
- Team that raises the most money
- Team with the highest number of donors
As you can see, it pays to cast a wide net.
The individual prizes are a custom-made Thuja hoodie. The group prizes are a Happy Hour of your choosing on GMC!
What's the Trail Sign Raffle?
New this year, all participants will get a chance to take home an authentic Long Trail trail sign that guided hikers in the woods for 20 years! You get one raffle ticket for signing up, and one additional raffle ticket for each person who donates to your personal fundraiser. More information can be found here.
How do I download my free Long Trail map?
To download your digital Long Trail map, first install the Avenza Maps app from the App Store or Google Play. Then you can download the map by scanning the QR in your registration confirmation email. The download cannot start without having the app.
When is the deadline to register?
We take registrations up to October 7th, the day of the hike! It’s never too late. Donations will stay open for a week or two after the event so you can get any last minute fundraising in.
Where do the funds go?
All funds raised through Long Trail Day go to support the maintenance of the Long Trail system of trails in Vermont, which is largely supported by our seasonal trail crews and backcountry caretakers. These instrumental staff members clear tree blowdowns and prevent erosion on the trail. They educate hikers, manage waste, and care for the local ecology of the trail. The Long Trail has been free for over 100 years. Your hard work will keep it that way.
The Green Mountain Club is a nonprofit 501(c)3 organization. All donations are tax-deductible as allowed by law.
How do I turn in donations for myself or team members?
Please share your personal fundraising page with your network. The easiest way for them to give is online by clicking your personal page DONATE button. However, to mail donations, please send to: Green Mountain Club 4711 Waterbury-Stowe Rd. Waterbury Center, VT 05677. Please indicate team name and hiker in the check memo.
What do we do on Long Trail Day itself?
Long Trail Day is October 7, 2023. We celebrate hiking! Visit GMC tables at Barnes Camp in Stowe, and up and down the state for hiking community, conversation, and treats. GMC has organized guided hikes that suit a range of interests and abilities – sign up for a hike here. We can't wait to see you!
What happens if I cannot hike on Long Trail Day, October 7th?
You'll be a virtual hiker! We will miss seeing you out on the trail, but completely understand that you love the Long Trail and just can't make it that day. Hike any other time in honor of Long Trail Day and send us your photos or tag us on social media!
What’s the significance of the number 272?
The Long Trail is 272 miles long from the Vermont-Massachusetts border to Quebec. This is a fun goal for your fundraising and other participant incentives.
Long Trail Day Fundraising Tips and Tricks
Choose one of these FUNdraising activities or create your own event to help your team make an impact in the support of the Long Trail!
Social media: Utilize Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, or whatever platform you like! Share your reason why the Long Trail is important to you, and use the hashtags #HIKEVT #LONGTRAILDAY
Just ask: Ask everyone for a donation – your hairdresser, doctor, neighbor, coworker, sister, grocery clerk, cousin…the key is just to ask! Also, by talking about your love of hiking and how important it is to care for trails, many folks are inspired to give.
Self-donate: Hikers who make a self-donation fundraise twice the amount of a hiker who does not donate. Set an example for your team and make that self-donation!
Update your team and personal page: Hikers who customize their fundraising page raise 3.5 times more than those who do not update their page.
Share your story! Having trouble coming up with a plan? Contact one of us and we can help you determine how to share your story to inspire support of the Long Trail.
