Bennington Appalachian Trail Community

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

08/11/2025

More Trailfest highlights from Bennington Banner!

The Bennington Appalachian Trail Community held its 4th Trailfest last weekend at the Bennington Community Center on Gage Street.

07/29/2025

Still soaking in the good vibes from Bennington Trailfest this past weekend, our most packed year yet!

A huge THANK YOU to all of the tables, orgs, and trail folks who came out. We had about 40 hikers come through and the feedback was clear that hikers felt the support from the Bennington. This festival wouldn’t exist without the many people who help make the Bennington Appalachian Trail Community thrive including business supporters, sponsors, tablers, and many volunteers!

Much love to our Trailfest Tables:
Appalachian Trail Conservancy
U.S. Forest Service - Green Mountain & Finger Lakes National Forests
Holey Hiker Backpacking Bidets
Green Mountain Club
Appalachian Mountain Club Western Massachusetts Chapter
Gardner Fitness
In The Moment Massage Therapy
Hoosic River Watershed Association
The Bike Hub
Civil Air Patrol of Bennington
United Counseling Service
Vermont State Parks
Bennington Police Department

And shout out to our weekend supporters:
Town of Bennington
The Abbey Group Food Service
The Blue Benn Diner
Harvest Brewing
Hawkins House Craftsmarket
Chamber of Southwestern Vermont
Bennington Banner
GVH
Bennington Pizza House
Kelli's Tavern
The Angry Egg 2
Bag Balm
Stewart's Shops
Motel
Cody & Co
@ Southwest Tech Graphic Design Class

Happy Trails and see you next year!

07/24/2025

07/24/2025

COME OUTSIDE THIS SATURDAY! 🎉 Help us spread the word!!!
Bennington is the place to be this weekend, with events that showcase the heart and soul of our community!

🌲 TrailFest – Outdoor demos, gear trades, local food, and more!
🎨 ArtsFest – Hands-on art activities and showcases from all of Bennington’s art institutions—fun for all ages!
💃 VAE Latin Fest – A FREE concert and dance workshop, plus amazing Latin cuisine and community celebration.
🎶 Live Music All Over Town –
• Tina’s Cantina at Madison’s (Ticketd)
• GVH at Harvest Brewing
🎆 Fireworks at Lake Paran – 9:00 PM!

🌟 Plus: Pownal Day and so much more!

📍Plan your visit, explore lodging, and see the full schedule at VermontBeginsHere.com

07/24/2025

Bennington Trailfest is this Saturday!

07/10/2025

We are jazzed to be featured in the Vermontbeginshere article highlighting Bennington as a designated AT Community! Check it out!

July itinerary Neighbors, artists, and families come together to celebrate everything we love about Vermont summers. Photo provided. July in Bennington

06/11/2025

New to Trailfest this year, we have reserved rooms at the Catamount Motel for hikers to rest their trail-weary legs the night of Trailfest. Help make this possible by contributing to our fund pool and be recognized in our Trailfest programming!

05/14/2025

We are seeking local entities to join as Bennington Appalachian Trail Community Supporters! This program involves local businesses who will support hikers and the trail itself through services, outreach, and hospitality. For more information, check out the article featured in the Banner.

BBENNINGTON — Bennington was officially designated an Appalachian Trail Community in 2021. In its fourth year, the Bennington Appalachian Trail Community is seeking local businesses, organizations, and nonprofits to become

05/08/2025

Bennington Area Trail System - BATS is bringing back their Trail Mix event next Saturday, May 17th.

BATS Trail Mix 5/17!

It's been 7 years since we've hosted an onsite Trail Mix. We think it's time to bring it back. We'll be setting up in the field across from SVHC on Monument Ave 5/17 from 11-4pm with guided trail rides, hikes, runs, and kids biking. Free food and beverage, contests, skills clinics, and more! Thanks to The Bike Hub Vermont Mountain Bike Association Zero Gravity Craft Brewery Southwestern Vermont Medical Center

04/04/2025

Tomorrow, Saturday, April 5th our local Bennington Section of the Green Mountain Club is hosting a Potluck and Annual Meeting. Share delicious food and mingle with people who love the outdoors. You do not need to be a member to attend.

Where: Social hall of the Second Congregational Churchl, 115 Hillside Street in Bennington.

Meet at 5:30 p.m (socializing first). We will share a potluck meal at 6:00. Bring a dish of some sort to share with the others. Also bring a beverage and whatever eating and serving items you will need such as plates, flatware, cups, etc.

After the potluck dinner we will hold the annual meeting which will include reports from various section leaders. We will also discuss any old and new business. We promise, the meeting part is very short.

Following the business meeting we will move to the sanctuary for a presentation and slide show on "Butterflies of Bennington County" by Terri Armata.

RSVP not required, but you can review their upcoming events on MeetUp

**It's official! The date has been confirmed for Saturday, April 5.** Dear Bennington Section members, It's time for our annual meeting. This year we will be meeting on S

03/21/2025

Take some time to read about local Bennington trails + conservation from the lens of Bennington GMC member and AT Community supporter, Robin Tarnas!

Understanding and living a lifestyle are two different things. For Robin Tarnas, a now-retired physician and recently a recipient of the local Bennington Unsung Hero Award, it is about embracing