Vermont hosts a spectacular mix of hiking trails, from woodland strolls to rugged mountain treks. The two premier long-distance pathways in Vermont are the Appalachian and Long trails; day hikes are easily carved out of these longer trails. The Green Mountain National Forest (www.fs.fed.us/r9/gmfl) offers 500 miles of hiking trails. Any of the four Green Mountain offices will make a good stop for picking up maps and requesting hiking advice from rangers. The main office is in Rutland (tel. 802/747-6700). District ranger offices are in Middlebury (tel. 802/388-4362), Rochester (tel. 802/767-4261), and Manchester (tel. 802/362-2307).
Vermont also has about 80 state forests and parks. Guides to hiking trails are essential to getting the most out of a hiking vacation. Recommended guides include the Green Mountain Club's Day Hiker's Guide to Vermont and 50 Hikes in Vermont published by Countryman Press, both widely available in bookstores throughout the state.
