First Steps on the Long Trail: A Challenging Introduction

The morning sun rises on a new adventure as a hiker prepares for their first day on Vermont’s Long Trail. After a hearty breakfast at a hotel buffet, they set off with their fiancé, Steph, toward the Pine Cobble Trail. The drive is serene, marked by a family of turkeys-a good omen for the journey ahead. With a final check of their gear, the couple begins the Pine Cobble Approach, a fitting introduction to the Long Trail’s rugged character: winding roots, elevation changes, and stunning views, not to mention some of the most fascinating mushrooms they’ve seen. ## Reaching the Long Trail The approach trail is beautiful, but the real excitement comes when they spot the iconic wooden sign marking the southern end of the Long Trail. A celebratory pizza and a pump-up song later, the hiker says goodbye to Steph and steps onto the trail alone. The path ahead is rocky and root-filled, crossing several beaver ponds under a blazing sun. As the trail winds into the woods, the hiker finds their rhythm, originally planning to stop at Congdon Shelter, the second shelter on the Long Trail. But upon reaching a large stream just before the shelter, they refill their water bottles and decide to push on. The day is still young, and the shelter is empty-an opportunity to keep moving. ## Storms and Struggles A few miles later, the sky darkens, and the distant rumble of thunder grows louder. The hiker reaches Harmon Hill, where the first great view of the trail also reveals an approaching storm. Rain begins to fall as they descend into the shelter of the forest. The trail ahead is steep and rocky, especially as it nears Route 9. The descent is treacherous, forcing the hiker to slow to a crawl, their legs turning to rubber by the time they reach the road. The climb on the other side is just as challenging, but the hiker presses on, determined to reach Melville Shelter before sunset. ## A Hard-Earned Rest As the light fades, the shelter seems impossibly far away. At 7:40 p.m., with less than 20 minutes until sunset, the hiker spots a dirt road and considers pitching a tent. But a sign reveals they’re only a quarter-mile from the shelter. Pushing through exhaustion, they arrive at Melville Shelter, where they finish their leftover pizza, roll out their sleeping pad, and drift off to sleep, content with the day’s hard-won progress.