Shelters Reopen on Long Trail, Appalachian Trail in Vermont

Shelters and privies on the Long Trail and Appalachian Trail in Vermont have reopened with suggested COVID-19 guidelines as of Friday, June 26.

The Green Mountain Club, which oversees the trails in Vermont, posted the guidelines for overnight camping and general hiking suggestions here.

Visitors to backcountry overnight sites are being asked to adhere to the following guidelines:

Postpone a visit unless you’re healthy and have not been recently exposed to someone who has tested positive for COVID-19.

Bring your own hand sanitizer (the CDC recommends at least 60% alcohol content) and CDC-approved sanitizing wipes/spray for all high-touch surfaces; facilities are not cleaned or sanitized.

Maintain at least six feet physical distance from anyone you did not travel to the facility with.

Leash your dog at all times.

Wear a  face covering whenever you might encounter others.

Privies at shelters and remote campsites will be operational but not cleaned or sanitized. Hikers should bring your own toilet paper and hand sanitizer
Users should avoid or sanitize high-touch surfaces.

Because privies are confined and enclosed spaces the GMC recommends allowing time to pass if possible between non-household members using privies.

Face coverings are recommended while in the enclosed space of the privy
Please use privies if available: this will eliminate human waste risk to staff and other visitors

Campers coming from out of state will be subject to the latest cross-state travel requirements including any quarantine requirements prior to starting their activity. Read the requirements here.

Except in emergency situations or bad weather, hikers should plan to use their tent, hammock or other shelter if non-household members are already occupying the structure.

Caretaker fees will not be collected in person this season: The Long Trail system is managed (including composting human waste in privies) by the Green Mountain Club, which encourages people to support this work by becoming members.

Trail users planning overnight trips should evaluate primitive camping guidelines for their chosen destinations to ensure that they will be able to locate adequate locations for tent camping. Some designated overnight sites on the trail system do not have adequate space outside of the shelter.

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