Amig@s,

I plan to complete the LT on the northern end at approximately 3:41 PM August 16th 2008. I have an AMTRAK departing from Pittsfield, MA (near the southern end) at 3:41 PM August 17th, precisely 24 hours from my completing of the trail. Would someone kindly recommend how I can get from the northern end to Pittsfield in this time frame?

How's the hitching situation? I am a fairly decent hitchhiker (friendly, etc). So would I be able to hitch from the northern end to a town where I could take a bus down to Pittsfield (or Williamstown or North Adams, etc.)?

I appreciate any well-intentioned suggestions about this topic!

Thanks and see ya on the LT August 3-16.

You can take a bus from Montpelier or White River Jct to Pittsfield. It will take you a few hours to hitch from North Troy to Montpelier but it's doable and you can find a cheap motel in town. Or you can take the train from Montpelier, Waterbury or Essex Jct to White River Jct and then take a bus to Pittsfield.

I plan to complete the LT on the northern end at approximately 3:41 PM August 16th 2008.

Approximately? Why, couldn't you get it to the last millisecond? :-?

Probably a good idea to arrange a shuttle to at least Montpelier/Barre or White River Junction. You can never catch a ride when you really need one (at least I can't). Being that it's on a weekend, the hitching is usually worse....since tourists are the main cars on the road and have a different view of hitchhikers.

Good luck.

Probably a good idea to arrange a shuttle to at least Montpelier/Barre or White River Junction. You can never catch a ride when you really need one (at least I can't). Being that it's on a weekend, the hitching is usually worse....since tourists are the main cars on the road and have a different view of hitchhikers.

Good luck.

I'd say it has a lot to do with what time you actually finish on the 16th. If you want to finish earlier on the 15th and get a ride to the Long Trail Fest in Rutland, let me know.