Gimme Shelter: Lodges and privies along Vermont's Long Trail

Butler Lodge

Taft Lodge interior with community table and drying backpacking gear

Earlier this month I was fortunate to spend ten days in Vermont with friends backpacking a couple of sections (Mt. Mansfield & Camel's Hump) of the historic Long Trail. While the peaks may seem tame by Pacific Coast standards (Mt. Mansfield's peak is ~4393 ft, the highest point in VT) the trail is fairly challenging with ladders and rock scrambles requiring use of hands. When it rains the water courses down the trail making it difficult to get solid traction on the rocks. Still, the natural beauty, including alpine tundra, and amazing 360 degree ridge views of Lake Champlain and the White and Adirondack Mountains make it well worth the effort.

The Long Trail, which traverses Vermont's length, is the oldest long distance trail in the United States. The non-profit Green Mountain Club (GMC) started developing the trail in 1910 and still maintains it today. In addition to the trail itself, the GMC manages a set of rustic lodges and composting privies that hikers, as well as skiers and snowshoers in the winter, can utilize. The lodges we stayed in were generally constructed early in the trail's history and more recently renovated. They're small and lack plumbing and electricity, but are actually quite comfortable. The lodges all had lofts and could accommodate far more people than you would imagine: as more hikers show up everyone just squeezes in to make room like a cozy clubhouse in the woods. It's great to meet and talk with different hikers before everyone goes to sleep or heads to their next destination in the morning.

The composting privies were surprisingly clean and odor-free. I attribute this to many years of experience under the GMC's belt, dedicated caretakers, and a knowledgeable, respectful user base. The relatively simple structures admit fresh air and natural light while still providing sufficient privacy. Bark mulch is provided as a cover material to reduce odors, absorb liquids, and contribute carbon to the composting process. The biggest challenge is apparently the excess moisture from urine. Hikers are encouraged to urinate in the woods instead of the privy, but some seemingly prefer to take care of all their business in one sitting (so to speak).