The student hikers were a true cross section of our community. They were a lovely mix of new and returning students who each had varying degrees of hiking experience. Leading the expedition was once again Director of Place-Based Learning and Environmental Studies Christine Armiger. She was accompanied by VA faculty members Charles Butler, Jessie Liss-Noda, Kevin Macaluso, and Petar Vujicic. For Christine, one of the most exciting parts of the trip was, “seeing this great big group of faculty and students all lined up in front of Sturtevant House with their packs on and everyone so eager to hit the trail.” She also explained how they all acknowledged everyone’s diverse levels of hiking experience and their shared nervousness about the challenges they would soon face. 

The group departed Vermont Academy the following morning for a 2.5 hour drive to their starting point, Codding Hollow Road. When everyone first got on the trail, there were already some challenges that needed to be solved. Gabby ’27, a brand new backpacker, struggled with figuring out how her backpack straps should be, but she kept experimenting until they felt more comfortable. Once they ended their three-mile hike to Roundtop Shelter, it was time to establish camp and the opportunity to learn some key backcountry skills such as water purification, camp cooking, and securing food with bear hangs. By then, the group was ready to relax and settle in, feeling the full embrace of the natural world.

The most physically challenging demand of the week was scheduled for the next day—a 6.8-mile hike to Bear Hollow Shelter. Departing camp at 9:00 a.m., the group focused on critical trail skills such as Leave No Trace (LNT) principles, map reading, pacing, and trail nutrition. Lessons on foot care and hydration were equally important as the students pushed themselves to cover the longest distance of the trip. When reflecting on the trip as a whole, a 9th grade hiker noted that she, “was challenged whenever [the group] came to an uphill area.” Her experiences on the trail at that point, however, allowed her to overcome this challenge by pushing through it and keeping pace with the rest of the group. By evening, they all arrived at Bear Hollow Shelter, exhausted but proud of their accomplishment.

The fourth day brought both a steep ascent and beautiful views as the group summited Whiteface Mountain. Elizabeth ’27, a second year Long Trail hiker, said that ascending Whiteface was her most difficult moment. “It was challenging for almost everyone including myself,” explained Elizabeth ’27. “Through the long uphill I just had to take breaks, and refuel. My favorite approach was stopping and looking around, admiring my surroundings.” That day ended at Beaver Meadow Lodge, where the group reflected on the day’s success and their growing resilience in the face of physical challenges.

After a short one-mile hike to rejoin the Long Trail, the next day took the group to the summits of Morse Mountain and Madonna Peak. The reward for their hard work was a refreshing swim and a relaxing afternoon at Sterling Pond, a picturesque spot that provided a perfect backdrop for the hikers to unwind and enjoy the beauty of Vermont’s landscape. This day was one of the students’ favorites, where Elizabeth ’27 described it as, “...smooth, and filled with memories. We hung out on top of Madonna Peak and by Sterling Pond which were both so beautiful. Every other day was also filled with fun experiences but that day really made a mark in my memory.” Students had the option to sleep under the stars at Smugglers’ Notch Ski Resort that night.

When thinking about the entire trek, Gabby ’27 noted, “I loved this experience and I felt more in touch with nature which was therapeutic for me. I especially liked swimming in Sterling Pond and the views from atop mountains.” Christine also noticed Gabby ’27’s enjoyment of nature, describing how on one of the last days of the hike, Gabby ’27 told her that, “there were moments [on the hike] that were just so beautiful I felt like I was going to cry.” That statement caused Christine to get an emotional lump in her throat, and blew her away at the fact that even after about 10 years of doing this trip, she still has those amazing moments. One of those moments for her this year happened on their last morning. “Charles made a pot of coffee and we all just sat there sipping slowly from our tin cups and looking down from the mountaintop into the valley fog below.” Christine described. She also said that during that moment, Kevin turned to her and said, “this is why I moved to Vermont.” 

By the time they all arrived back to campus for packout, students were filled with a sense of accomplishment, ready to be picked up by their families after six days of adventure. One parent exclaimed that she loved how her daughter was able to make connections with the VA community before she started school, and that her daughter “reported enjoying the freedom, responsibility, and respect she felt on the trip.” As always, this annual tradition at Vermont Academy continues to inspire students to embrace one of VA’s four pillars, the land, and challenge themselves in new and meaningful ways.

For more information about the Vermont Academy Long Trail experience, please contact Director of Place-Based Learning and Environmental Studies Christine Armiger at carmiger@vermontacademy.org.