If you go to Waterbury

By Mary Collins, Globe Correspondent

The Long Trail is splendid year round, but sections of the trail are closed during the spring, when mud makes things either messy or just plain impassable. Thanks to the relatively low elevation of the Green Mountains, portions of the trail can even be trekked on cross-country skis in winter. The best time to visit if you want to beat the cold, the bugs, and the crowds: late August through early September. Here are some tips on where to get started if you want to plan an outing.

The Green Mountain Club, Route 100, RR 1 Box 650, Waterbury Center, VT 05677. Phone 802-244-7037.

Guidebook:

The Green Mountain Club Long Trail Guide, 1996 edition.

Higher-priced accommodations:

The Inn at the Round Barn Farm, RR 1, Box 247, East Warren Road, Waitsfield, VT 05673. Phone 802-496-2276.

The Pitcher Inn, Warren, VT 05674. Phone 888-TO-PITCHER. (Will pick up and drop off hikers from trail heads.)

Moderate accommodations:

The Fitch Inn, 258 Fitch Hill Road, Hyde Park, VT 05655. Phone 802-888-3834 or 800-639-2903. (Will pick up and drop off hikers from trail heads.)

The Guest House, PO Box 218, Warren, VT 05674. Phone 802-496-5306. (Will pick up and drop off hikers from trail heads.)

Inexpensive accommodations:

Green Mountain Club Long Trail Shelters. Phone the GMC at 802-244-7037.

Cheap eats:

RSVP Pizza, Bridge Street, Waitsfield, VT 05673. The Warren Store, Warren, VT 05674. Phone 802-496-3864. (Open daily from 8-7; Sundays, 8-6.)