What we’re about
Our website, www.benningtongmc.org, has a host of information to assist you in enjoying the outdoors of Southern Vermont. This group is for anyone interested in hiking, walking, biking, snowshoeing, cross-country skiing, trail maintenance, and outdoor activities. Bennington is located in the beautiful Green Mountains and close to the Appalachian/ Long Trail. We are one of the sections of Vermont's Green Mountain Club (GMC) which, since its founding in 1910, has been the protector of Vermont's backcountry - the forests, ridges and mountains that make the Green Mountain State a special place to hike and explore the outdoors. Our first members built the 270 mile Long Trail from Massachusetts to Canada, completing the nation's first long-distance hiking trail.
Our club's members have a wealth of outdoor experience in the local area. All skill levels are welcome, please check the specific activity to see the difficulty range. We look forward to exploring the outdoors with everyone! Please check the Green Mountain Club Bennington Section website for more information. www.benningtongmc.org
In April and May we have trail maintenance trips to spruce up sections of the Long Trail, including from Harmon Hill, south of VT Route 9 in Woodford, north to the top of Glastenbury Mountain. We also take care of the Nauheim shelter (Maple Hill, near Route 9) and the Goddard Shelter (Glastenbury Mountain).
We have two potluck get-togethers a year, usually in November and January, and usually with a speaker or slide show, as well as a summer picnic at Lake Shaftsbury where we can swim and kayak.
RISK DISCLAIMER
Please remember meetups are social events and not a professionally guided trips. By participating in a trip, you are agreeing not to hold anybody responsible for injuries or accidents. Always come prepared and properly equipped. In the event of an emergency, your fellow members will do their best for you, but there is no guarantee any of the participants will have medical or rescue training.
By participating in this event you also acknowledge that you understand the level of difficulty and are physically capable, properly attired and have the necessary gear and supplies required for participation in this activity.
Please note: the organizers of this meetup group reserve the right to remove anything they deem inappropriate from this site.
Upcoming events (2)
See all- Bennington Trailfest Annual EventBennington Recreation Center, Bennington, VT
THIS IS AN ANNOUNCEMENT ONLY, NO NEED TO SIGN UP, JUST SHOW UP!
Bennington Trailfest is a free event for hikers and the community! Our inaugural event which celebrates Bennington as an "Appalachian Trail Community" was held in 2022 and attracted about 200 people including 40-50 Appalachian Trail and Long Trail thru hikers. The event is held each year towards the end of July.
The 2025 Bennington Trailfest will be on July 26, 2025
12:00-2:30
The event is RAIN OR SHINE!We look forward to seeing you at Trailfest! Free food and entertainment, info tables, used gear swap, "trail of fortune" prize giveaway, and more. Hiker and local event combined! The event is held at the Bennington Community Recreation Center located at 655 Gage Street from noon to 2:30 pm.
New this year: Used Gear Exchange! Donations of usable outdoor equipment are underway for this year’s Gear Exchange. Reach out to bennatcommunity@gmail.com if you want more information. All donated equipment will be available for your selection at the trailfest. There is NO cost for acquiring any of the equipment: freely donated - freely given. Boots, hiking poles, skates, skiis, maps, compasses, backpacks, kayaks, roller blades, clothing, jackets, tennis equipment, books, tents, bug spray, first aid kits, … use your imagination and donate your usable outdoor equipment to assist others in celebrating our great outdoors."
For the community: Learn about the amazing hiking and other outdoor resources right in our backyard, learn tips and tricks from thru hikers and community members. There will be a variety of outdoor oriented organizations present. Enjoy free food and entertainment with live music. A family friendly event with activities, informational resources, and giveaways.
For thru hikers: There will be lodging, camping, shuttles, rides to resupply, hiker maps for the town, free Sunday breakfast. We can't wait to welcome thru-hikers to our hometown! More information here:
https://www.benningtonvt.org/services/parks___recreation/bennington_trailfest.phpIn the event of extreme weather: the event is rain or shine. The rain location will be at the Second Congregational Church located at 115 Hillside St, Bennington, VT 05201. Notice will be given if needed on Friday July 25 at 5 pm on the Bennington A.T. Community Facebook Page.
