Bennington Appalachian Trail Community

07/31/2026

Bennington Trailfest 2026 is a wrap! A week ago we welcomed long-distance hikers, community members and visitors to town to celebrate the Appalachian Trail and Long Trail. Attendees came from near and far (OR, WV, FL, NY, and beyond). About 19 long-distance hikers experienced the generosity of our hiker-friendly community.

In our logbook a hiker wrote, "best trail magic on the AT"; that is a testament to the services and support you provided during the weekend and all hiking-season long! Though we've had more hikers take a "Zero Day" at our event in past years, we were pleased with hiker and community attendance. This time of year welcomes the confluence of Long Trail hikers with A.T. hikers heading heading North or South, and long distance hikers have to plan where they come off the Trail for resupply, rest, etc.

Trailfest happens thanks to our many volunteers and partnerships, business supporters, sponsors,and groups or individuals that provide activities and information tables.

Much love to those that had tables (tags in comments due to FB tag issue):

Appalachian Trail Conservancy
The Bike Hub*
Bennington Police Department- Operation Copsicle
Dottie Foods
Green Mountain Club, Bennington Section
Hoosic River Watershed Association
In The Moment Massage Therapy
Leave No Trace "Camp Oh No" & DIY Blockprint Postcard (with Silvia & Co)
United Counseling Service
U.S. Forest Service - Green Mountain & Finger Lakes National Forests
wickedwaystation Hostel

Live Music enthusiastically played by Immune Friction & Ghostlamp

A shout out to our weekend supporters (tags in comments):
The Abbey Group Food Service
The Angry Egg 2
The Blue Benn Diner
Bennington Pizza House& Woodford General Store
Bridget Elder & Ken Milman
Cassano Family
Love, Cody, and Co, CPAs, P.C.
Kelli's Tavern
The Bike Hub*
Town of Bennington
Vermont Department of Health
+ various Trail Angels who helped our hikers and came to the event
+ Catamount Motel for working with us to provide lodging to our hikers on Saturday

We'd love your ideas; please consider becoming a volunteer next year. Send us a message! Happy Trails!

07/24/2026

Tomorrow is the day! Bennington Trailfest from 12- 2:30pm at the Bennington Skatepark on Depot Street. We are excited to be welcoming our Bennington area community and long distance hikers of the Appalachian Trail and Long Trail.

Live music by Immune Friction & Ghost Lamp, free lunch, info about hiking & outdoor activities, our local environment, and a used gear exchange. If you have gear in clean, good condition please consider bringing it.

Artsfest (12-4p) is also a short walk down Riverwalk. Two great events, connected by a trail!

▶Learn More
https://www.benningtonvt.org/services/parks___recreation/bennington_trailfest.php

💚If you cannot attend, but want to contribute, we are still seeking donations to help support hosting hikers. Link in website above. Thank you everyone who has helped make Trailfest possible!

Better Bennington Corporation Town of Bennington

07/14/2026

We look forward to seeing you at Trailfest next Saturday, July 25th! Free food and entertainment, info tables, used gear swap, prizes giveaway, and more. Hiker and local community event combined! The event is held at the Bennington Skatepark located on Depot Street from noon to 2:30 pm.

Find all the info at: https://www.benningtonvt.org/services/parks___recreation/bennington_trailfest.php

06/25/2026

Save the Date! Bennington Trailfest is back on Saturday, July 25th, 12pm-2:30pm at the Bennington Skate Park. If you are interested in participating, please fill out the vendor interest form below!

Vendor/ Participation Interest Form Thank you for your interest in joining us for our 5th Annual Bennington Trail Fest! Event details: Saturday, July 25th, 12:30-2:30 PM, Location Bennington Skate Park. Please let us know if you are interested in participating by tabling, hosting an activity, sponso...

01/08/2026

Did you know that Stratton Mountain was where the inspiration for the Appalachian Trail was born? Listen more about the origins of the AT right here in Southern Vermont on the Brave Little State Podcast.

Brave Little State · Episode