Map 4 - US Route 4 to Middlebury Gap - The Long Trail, VT
This section of the Long Trail End to End guide on the map begins at route 4 and ends at Emily Proctor Shelter south of Lincoln Gap. Middlebury is the last town you can access with any ease before reaching Lincoln Gap.
Trail Tips:
Tucker Johnson to Sunrise has a fairly steady grade the entire trail. If you're up to it, this can easily be done in one day. Just allow extra food, and take a couple of breaks along the way. However, water is a little scarce between Rolston Rest and David Logan shelters so plan appropriately. 7.5 miles isn't too far but but if it's a particularly hot day you should tank up before leaving and carry a little extra water as a precaution. You don't want to start an 18 mile day getting dehydrated.
Off trail camping is not allowed between route 4 and Wetmore Gap. After Wetmore gap you are in the Green Mountain National Forest and camping is permitted.
Route 73 is well traveled and one shouldn't have a problem getting a ride to either Brandon or Rochester.
From Route 125, on Thursday, Friday and Saturday it is possible to catch a bus to Middlebury from the Long Trail. From Middlebury it is possible to travel to Burlington to the north and as far as Manchester Center to the south by bus. Look in the transportation section of Map 2, 3 and 4 for more information.
Brandon, VT & Rochester, VT
When coming off the LT trailhead at route 73, it is fairly easy to get a ride to either town if necessary. While Brandon is closer by a few miles, Rochester is compact. The laundry, grocery store and post office are all together. If you are not from New England and have never experienced an older cemetery, check out the one next to the grocery store. It is very well taken care of, and very old.
In Brandon, almost everything is in the center of town except the laundry.You'll have to walk about a 1/4 to 3/8ths of a mile north on Route 7 from the center of town to hit the laundry (not air conditioned). Just off the town square there is another interesting cemetery. Within it you will find several veterans of the Revolutionary War. The cemeteries in New England are as important to history and culture as the houses and barns. They are well taken care of and veterans especially are always remembered.
What's in Brandon, VT?
- Post Office - 32 Conant Square - 802.247.6666 - M-F 8:30-4:30, S 9-12
- Brandon Free Library (Internet Access) - 4 Franklin St - 802.247.8230 - T-W 8:30-8, Th-F 8:30-5, Sat 8:30-12
- Grand Union Grocery Store
- Laundromat - North on Route 7
- Watershed Tavern - Sits right on Neshobe Falls, good microbrews, good eats. 802.247.0100
- Briggs Carriage Bookstore - Ball&Chain Cafe - We love their coffee! Excellent bookstore. - 802.247.0050
- Brandon Inn - 802.247.5766 - The Brandon Inn sits right across from the town square on Park Street next door to the bookstore and cafe. It is a beautiful Inn and an enjoyable stay.
What's in Rochester, VT?
- Post Office - 46 Park St - 802.767.3371 - M-F 8:30-4:30, S 9-12
- The Cafe - 802.767.4302 - 7am to 4pm
- Mac's Valley Market - 802.767.3181
- New Homestead Bed and Breakfast - 802.767.4751 - Hiker friendly owners - $75.00 for a double
- Laundromat
Hancock, VT & Middlebury, VT (Route 125 - Middlebury Gap)
From the trailhead at the Middlebury Gap, Hancock is east about 6.5 miles. There usually is sufficient traffic to hitch a ride to town. If you desire you can probably get yet another ride 4 miles south to Rochester.
There is a lot to do and see in Middlebury, with a lot of services. However, access can be difficult beyond Thu,Fri and Sat. There is a local transit bus that runs from the Long Trail to Middlebury on those days. GET THE SCHEDULE HERE.
What's in Hancock, VT?
- Sweet Onion / The Gathering Inn - 802.767.3734 - Vegan Food - Dormitory Rooms for $25.00 - Mail Drops accepted - Work for Stay possible - Shuttles available with notice - Room rate includes ride back to trail
- United States Post Office - 802.767.3313 - Hours are M-F 7:30-12 & 1:30-4:30 - Saturday 7:30-10:15
- Old Hancock Hotel - 802.767.4976 - Rooms are $65.00 for Single/Double
- There are two convenience stores with smaller food items available
What's in Middlebury, VT?
- Shaw's Supermarket
- Shuttle Bus - 802.388.1946 - Current Schedule is only on Thursday, Friday and Saturday - Click HERE for Schedule
- BNB Taxi Service run by Bonnie Clark - 802.989.4064 or 802.388.3882 - 8am - 5pm only
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