Vermont Camping on the Long Trail & Bears
The Vermont Fish and Wildlife Department estimates between 4,600 and 5,700 black bears (ursus americanus) live in Vermont as of 2010, with most bears inhabiting the center spine or central peaks of the Green Mountains. Vermont's Long Trail likewise follows the center spine of the Green Mountains from the Massachusetts' state-line to the northern border with Canada. With a few simple preparations, a bear sighting on the Long Trail shouldn't be a crisis for hikers or for the bear.
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Safety
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Black bears are unpredictable and potentially dangerous. Unless startled or surprised, black bears usually detect and avoid humans. Making noise, avoiding hiking at night and being aware of the surroundings can all help to avoid a surprise encounter with a black bear. Never approach a black bear. If a bear approaches, do not panic and run, but slowly back away while making aggressive gestures and noises. In the unlikely event of a black bear attack, do not play dead. Instead, the Center for Wildlife Information recommends fighting with every available weapon including fists, rocks, sticks and ideally pepper-spray.
Hiking
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The Long Trail is the oldest long distance hiking trail in the United States. According to Green Mountain Club the Long Trail was the inspiration for the Appalachian Trail. In fact the Appalachian trail merges with the Long Trail for more than 100 miles before the two trails diverge with the Long Trail heading towards the Canadian border and the Appalachian Trail heading to Maine. Day hikers share the Long Trail with long-distance backpackers, including those hiking the entire length of the Appalachian Trail.
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Camping
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Primative tent camping is allowed on the Long Trail. The Green Mountain Club, the group responsible for maintaining the Long Trail system, maintains dozens of shelters and campsites along the trail. These primitive shelters and tent camping sites are available on a first-come-first basis. Camping is allowed in the backcountry or undeveloped sections of the trail. The Long Trail crosses state land, federal land and private property, each type of property has different regulations for camping.
Geography
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According to the "Long Trail Guide" edited by Steve Laose, The Long Trail is 326 feet above sea level at its lowest elevation and 4,393 feet above sea level at its highest point. The Trail is rated as "difficult" by the guide book. Several "easy" and "moderate" Long Trail day-hikes are outlined in the "Day Hiker's Guide to Vermont" edited by Mary Lou Recor. Black bears are known to inhabit all of the wilderness areas surrounding the Long Trail. The greatest concentration of black bear population is found in the northern areas of the trail near the Canadian border.
Time of Year
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The Long Trail is closed twice a year for mud seasons. Wintertime, when black bears are in hibernation, is the least likely time of year to encounter a black bear while hiking the Long Trail. Winter weather, however, offers other challenges for hikers; heat is not provided at shelters along the Long Trail and higher elevations on the trail can be rendered nearly impassable by heavy snowfall. Spring following black-bear hibernation and autumn immediately preceding hibernation are the times of greatest activity. The Long Trail is closed from mid-April to late May and early October until mid-December to protect the trail from heavy foot traffic during these wet times of year or "mud seasons."
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References
Resources
- Photo Credit bears image by Photoeyes from Fotolia.com Green tent image by Galyna Andrushko from Fotolia.com Puddle image by Antonio Oquias from Fotolia.com
