Safety Alert Issued for Long Trail Hikers After Reports of a Man Making Threats with Knife
"Joshua," from Chittenden County, has been spotted at multiple locations along the trail, including Jay Camp, where he reportedly stayed for several nights, and at the Hazen’s Notch road crossing.
Hikers on Vermont’s iconic Long Trail are being urged to exercise caution following reports of a man exhibiting erratic behavior, including threatening a group of hikers with a knife.
The Green Mountain Club (GMC), the organization responsible for maintaining the trail, issued a safety alert through its social media channels, prompting concern within the state’s tight-knit hiking community.
The individual, identified by authorities as Joshua from Chittenden County, has been spotted at multiple locations along the trail, including Jay Camp, where he reportedly stayed for several nights, and at the Hazen’s Notch road crossing.
According to the alert, Joshua was last seen driving a red Subaru and may have temporarily left the area but is considered “likely to return.” The Vermont State Police confirmed that Joshua has a history of mental health issues and may not initially appear suspicious, as he blends in with other hikers.
Local authorities are advising hikers to avoid approaching or engaging with Joshua if spotted and to report any sightings immediately to law enforcement. The Vermont State Police have not released an official statement on the matter, and further details about Joshua’s activities remain limited.
Attempts to access additional information from the GMC’s social media posts were constrained, but the alert’s key points have been widely shared within hiking circles.
This incident is not the first time safety concerns have surfaced on the Long Trail, which stretches over 270 miles from the Massachusetts border to Canada. In 2021, a sexual assault case on the trail made headlines, underscoring the importance of vigilance in remote areas. The GMC and local law enforcement have since emphasized the need for hikers to travel in groups when possible, carry communication devices like personal locator beacons, and stay updated through trusted sources.
For now, the GMC is encouraging the hiking community to remain cautious but not deterred, but also to check the GMC’s website for updates on trail conditions and safety alerts.
Anyone with information about Joshua’s whereabouts is urged to contact local law enforcement immediately.
For more information or to report trail concerns, visit the Green Mountain Club at www.greenmountainclub.org or contact the Vermont State Police.