Bennington Trailfest Annual EventBennington Trailfest is a free event for hikers and the community! Our inaugural event was held in 2022 and attracted about 200 people including 40-50 Appalachian Trail and Long Trail thru hikers. The event will be held each year towards the end of July.
The 2024 Bennington Trailfest will be on July 27, 2024 - DETAILS will be posted here when they are available (usually by end of May)
DOWNLOAD the Hiker Information Sheet for Bennington
For additional information on Hiker and Biker resources available in Bennington, check out the Bennington GMC hiker resource page.
Support Bennington Trailfest
• Become an A.T. Community Business Supporter
• Offer a special discount for that day/weekend
• Consider being an event sponsor
• Help promote the event through your social media
• Help promote the event with in store signage/flyers
Bennington Trailfest
Trailfest 2023 is Saturday, July 29 • noon to 2:30 pm
We look forward to seeing you at Trailfest! Free food and entertainment, info tables, trivia contest, and "trail talk" by hikers for hikers. Hiker and local event combined! The event is held at the Bennington Community Recreation Center located at 655 Gage Street from noon to 2:30 pm.
For thru hikers: Enjoy a zero day in Bennington! Free camping available Friday and Saturday nights. Shuttle provided to and from Trailfest and the Route 9 Trailhead on July 29 from 11 am to 3 pm; and shuttle to trailheads on Sunday morning to both Route 9 and other nearby trailheads. Free rides to resupply at local grocery stores on Saturday after Trailfest. We know you'll be hungry. Free lunch at Trailfest on Saturday. There will be a free pancake breakfast including eggs, bacon and coffee on Sunday morning for those camping. Bennington is home to great brew pubs, restaurants, and distilleries. We can't wait to welcome you to our hometown!
For the community: Learn about the amazing hiking resources right in our backyard, learn tips and tricks from thru hikers and community members. Enjoy free food and entertainment with music by Cindy Baxter and Greg Van Houten. A family friendly event with activities, informational resources, and giveaways.
Resources:
Trailfest 2023 is Saturday, July 29 • noon to 2:30 pmWe look forward to seeing you at Trailfest! Free food and entertainment, info tables, trivia contest, and "trail talk" by hikers for hikers. Hiker and local event combined! The event is held at the Bennington Community Recreation Center located at 655 Gage Street from noon to 2:30 pm.
For thru hikers: Enjoy a zero day in Bennington! Free camping available Friday and Saturday nights. Shuttle provided to and from Trailfest and the Route 9 Trailhead on July 29 from 11 am to 3 pm; and shuttle to trailheads on Sunday morning to both Route 9 and other nearby trailheads. Free rides to resupply at local grocery stores on Saturday after Trailfest. We know you'll be hungry. Free lunch at Trailfest on Saturday. There will be a free pancake breakfast including eggs, bacon and coffee on Sunday morning for those camping. Bennington is home to great brew pubs, restaurants, and distilleries. We can't wait to welcome you to our hometown!
For the community: Learn about the amazing hiking resources right in our backyard, learn tips and tricks from thru hikers and community members. Enjoy free food and entertainment with music by Cindy Baxter and Greg Van Houten. A family friendly event with activities, informational resources, and giveaways.
Resources:
Bennington Appalachian Trail (A.T.) Community
In June of 2021, Bennington was designated an A.T. Community. Our volunteer-run community group is committed to raising awareness of the A.T. in Southwestern Vermont. The Appalachian Trail Community™ program, administered by the Appalachian Trail Conservancy, recognizes towns and cities that help promote and protect the A.T. The program helps grow outdoor recreation economies and stewardship opportunities to protect the Trail and adjacent lands. To learn more visit, https://appalachiantrail.org/explore/communities/.
We would love to have you become an A.T. Community supporter! All you have to do is be willing to support hikers visiting Bennington. That can be offering a discount at your place of business, a place to charge devices, access to wifi, provide hiker information, or even just letting hikers use your bathroom.
Download this A.T. Community supporter application and send it back to our Bennington A.T. Community Committee. Please email Silvia Cassano at silcassano@gmail.com
Download this A.T. Community supporter application and send it back to our Bennington A.T. Community Committee. Please email Silvia Cassano at silcassano@gmail.com