glastenbury

For those who seek the true, untamed spirit of the Vermont outdoors, the Glastenbury area in Shaftsbury offers an unparalleled backcountry experience. Located within the sprawling Green Mountain National Forest, the Glastenbury Wilderness encompasses over 22,000 acres of remote mountain terrain. This is not your typical drive-in campground; rather, it is a destination for the dedicated hiker and primitive camper looking to escape the modern world. The area is famous for its dense forests of beech and birch, its high-elevation ridgelines, and a touch of local mystery that has earned it a reputation as one of the most intriguing and "creepy" places to hike in the state. For local Vermont residents, Glastenbury represents the ultimate frontier for solitude and self-reliance.

Camping in Glastenbury is synonymous with primitive wilderness immersion. Managed by the U.S. Forest Service, this region is a federally protected wilderness area, which means human impact is kept to an absolute minimum. There are no paved roads, no electrical hookups, and no running water systems here. Instead, visitors find a quiet, remote landscape where the primary goal is to provide a habitat for wildlife, including black bears and rare bird species like the Bicknell’s thrush. Whether you are traversing the legendary Long Trail or seeking out a secluded spot near a mountain stream, camping at Glastenbury requires a high level of preparation and a deep respect for the "Leave No Trace" philosophy that keeps this rugged corner of Vermont pristine.

The Glastenbury Wilderness is located northeast of Bennington and just east of the town of Shaftsbury, Vermont. While the wilderness area itself is vast and roadless, most campers access it from trailheads along Route 9 to the south or via secondary roads in Shaftsbury to the west. The area's proximity to Bennington makes it technically accessible, yet once you step past the trailhead, the terrain becomes steep and demanding. Accessibility for vehicles is limited to the peripheral parking lots, as motorized vehicles and bicycles are strictly prohibited within the wilderness boundaries to protect the natural character of the land.

For those arriving with specific accessibility needs, it is important to note that the wilderness trails are rugged and often steep. However, the nearby Lake Shaftsbury State Park offers a more accessible alternative with a wheelchair-accessible parking lot and smoother paths for those who want to experience the lower foothills of the Glastenbury range. For the true wilderness trek, hikers typically use the Long Trail/Appalachian Trail (LT/AT) crossing, which runs north-south through the heart of the area. Because the region is so remote and cell service is notoriously spotty, local experts always recommend bringing a physical map and informing someone of your itinerary before heading into the "Bennington Triangle" of the Glastenbury mountains.

• Primitive backcountry camping allowed throughout most of the wilderness area (subject to Forest Service regulations).
• Access to the historic Long Trail and Appalachian Trail for long-distance through-hiking.
• Goddard Shelter, a three-sided wooden lean-to located near the summit of Glastenbury Mountain for backpacker use.
• Access to the Glastenbury Mountain Fire Tower, offering 360-degree views of the Green Mountains and Taconic Range.
• Designated parking areas at major trailheads, including the Route 9 Long Trail crossing.
• Wildlife viewing opportunities, specifically for black bears, moose, and a variety of high-altitude bird species.
• Seasonal hunting and fishing opportunities in accordance with Vermont state law and federal wilderness regulations.
• Forest Service management that ensures trails are cleared and wilderness boundaries are maintained.

• High-elevation camping: The summit of Glastenbury Mountain reaches 3,748 feet, providing a unique alpine-like atmosphere.
• Seclusion and silence: As a designated wilderness area, there are no motorized sounds, making it one of the quietest places in Vermont.
• Historical intrigue: The area is home to "ghost towns" and abandoned 19th-century logging sites, adding a layer of history to every hike.
• Rugged hiking trails: Over 15 miles of maintained trails ranging from moderate loops to strenuous mountain climbs.
• Pet-friendly wilderness: Dogs are allowed in the Glastenbury Wilderness, though they must be under voice control or on a leash to protect local wildlife.
• Old-growth characteristics: Extensive stands of mature beech trees that serve as critical habitat for the regional bear population.
• Kid-friendly lower trails: While the summit is hard, the lower sections of the West Ridge and Bald Mountain trails are great for adventurous older children.

Because the Glastenbury area is part of the Green Mountain National Forest, there is no single "office" on the mountain. Instead, information and permits for large groups are handled by the Manchester Ranger Station. You can visit them or call for current trail conditions and camping rules. The general location for GPS purposes is the Glastenbury Wilderness near Shaftsbury, VT 05262, USA. The Manchester District Ranger Office can be reached at (802) 362-2307. For emergencies, campers should be aware that help can be a long way off, so carry proper safety gear at all times.

What makes Glastenbury worth choosing is the sheer authenticity of the experience. In a world where many "campgrounds" feel more like suburban parks, Glastenbury remains a place where you can truly test your outdoor skills and find a deep sense of peace. It is worth choosing for the hiker who wants to see the stars without light pollution and the camper who values the effort it takes to reach a spectacular view. Standing on the fire tower at the summit, looking out over miles of uninterrupted green forest, you realize that this is one of the few places left where the wild still reigns supreme.

Furthermore, the "creepy" and mysterious reputation of the area adds a fun, legendary quality to the trip. Whether or not you believe in the local folklore, the atmosphere of the deep woods here is undeniably powerful. It’s an ideal choice for the local Vermonter who has seen the standard state parks and is looking for a more profound connection to the land. From the challenging ascent of the West Ridge Trail to the simple pleasure of a campfire at a remote site (where permitted), Glastenbury offers a rugged, beautiful, and unforgettable New England adventure that is simply in a class of its own.