I had so much fun hiking with my team of Essex Hikers last year that I am doing it again! Since our hike up the Burrows Trail on Camel's Hump last year, I have had the pleasure of hiking many other routes to witness the incredible work the GMC does. Not only does the expert field crew work tirelessly maintaining and improving the trails with the latest sustainable trail design practices, but GMC is working to protect the more than 500+ miles of Vermont trails that comprise the Long Trail System so it will be accessible and open to all for generations to come. GMC is also the go-to resource for providing education for the hiking community. Whether you use the trails during occasional visits to Vermont, you live and play here and hike them every day, or you never hike but simply care about conserving our natural recreation spaces, supporting GMC with a gift to my Long Trail Day hike is a great way to show the trails (and me!) some love. .

The GMC could not do the work it does without financial support from its network of supporters. I hope you will support me and my hike as part of Long Trail Day 2026. Every donation—big or small—demonstrates your love for the Vermont trails. 

Here's how you can help:

• Donate: Contribute whatever you can. No amount is too small!
• Join our team: the more the merrier. We can decide on hike details later, you can register and start fundraising now. 
• Spread the Word: Share my fundraising page with your friends, family, and social networks. Let’s spread awareness so we can raise more!
• Join and form a team yourself and expand the fundraising!

Happy Hiking! - Rhonda