WCAX.COM Local Vermont News, Weather and Sports-Hiker Follows Fall Foliage

Hiker Follows Fall Foliage

Windsor, Vermont - September 24, 2009

Landscape photographer Eli Burakian of Windsor is at home in the woods.

"Long-distance backpacking is something that is really special," he said. "I've done over a thousand miles of the Appalachian Trail and well as thousands of miles on trails all over the country and it is really something I love."

But this weekend, Burakian begins a new adventure.

He plans to hike the entire Long Trail starting at the Canadian border then heading south to Massachusetts. The 270-mile trek is expected to take just under four weeks.

"Most people hike from the Massachusetts border to the Canadian border, however I feel that I will get more bang for my buck, if you will, if I follow the foliage south," Burakian explained.

Burakian has been preparing for the hike for months; stocking up on supplies and mapping out his daily goals. He'll be snapping shots with his still camera just about every step of the way.

"I may see a few moose here and there, and some birds and what not, but mainly it is just for the foliage," he said. "I'll be hitting the five tallest peaks in Vermont as well and from there I will get unimpeded views across the state."

The Long Trail is the oldest maintained footpath in the country. Next year, the track will be celebrating its 100th birthday. That is part of the reason Burakian is taking up the tall challenge. He recently self-published a photo essay book on Mount Moosilauke in Warren, N.H., which celebrated a similar centennial.

"This is the 100th anniversary of the Dartmouth Outing Club and I thought that was a great way to promote Mount Moosilauke," Burakian said. "And I think that Vermonters, as well as people across the country should know that we have a great footpath here in the Long Trail."

A trail that spans the entire state. One Burakian plans to capture for all to see.

We will be following Burakian's progress as he hikes the 270-mile route. You will be able to see some of the pictures he takes from the Long Trail right here on our website.

Adam Sullivan - WCAX News