Who We Are
Green Mountain Trail Watch is a volunteer-run community safety group monitoring trail conditions and unusual activity along the Long Trail and Appalachian Trail corridors in Rutland County, Vermont. We are not affiliated with any law enforcement agency, government body, the Green Mountain Club, or any trail management organization.
We started this effort in late 2018 after several hikers in the Clarendon Gorge and Shrewsbury Peak areas reported encounters that did not fit known wildlife patterns. Vermont Fish & Wildlife was notified but their investigations were limited to standard protocols. We believe hikers deserve access to complete information when making decisions about trail safety in this region.
This site serves as a public record of verified reports submitted to us by hikers, trail runners, campers, hunters, and local residents. We verify what we can. We publish what we believe the public has a right to know.
Coverage Area
Rutland County corridor — Killington south to Danby, including Clarendon Gorge, Shrewsbury Peak, Cold River, Pine Hill Park, and adjacent Long Trail sections.
Active Monitors
14 volunteer trail monitors. 12 remote wildlife cameras (9 currently operational). Monthly patrols of key access points.
Reports Received
127 incident reports since 2018. Of those, 43 remain unexplained by conventional wildlife or weather activity.
Contact
greenmountaintrailwatch@proton.me
P.O. Box 1847, Rutland, VT 05701
P.O. Box 1847, Rutland, VT 05701
Est. 2018 • Rutland, Vermont
Incident Log
Below is a chronological record of verified reports submitted to Green Mountain Trail Watch. Entries marked with source notes have been cross-referenced where possible. Names of individuals are included only when previously made public through news reporting or with written consent.
February 14, 2026 DEVELOPING
Unidentified Remains Found Near Cold River Road
Rutland County Search & Rescue responded to a report from a snowshoer who discovered what appear to be partial human remains approximately 0.3 miles off Cold River Road near the Clarendon town line. The area is within 200 yards of the location where Marcus Webb's pack was recovered in 2022. Identity has not been confirmed. The Medical Examiner's office has been notified. We are monitoring this closely.
Source: Rutland Herald, Feb 15 2026; GMTW volunteer confirmation
January 28, 2026 NEW
Multiple Witnesses Report Figure Near Route 4 Overlook
Three separate reports received between January 28–30 describing a tall figure standing motionless at the treeline near the Route 4 scenic overlook between Mendon and Killington, observed at dusk. One witness described the figure as "too still to be a person but too tall to be a deer, and it was facing toward the road." Another reported that when they slowed their vehicle, the figure "moved back into the trees in a way that didn't look right." GMTW volunteers checked the location on January 31 but found only trampled snow and what appeared to be drag marks leading downhill toward Mendon Brook.
Source: Reports submitted directly to GMTW (3 independent witnesses)
Related: Case File #004 →
November 9, 2025
Two Trail Cameras Found Destroyed
During a routine camera check along the Long Trail corridor between Clarendon Gorge and Cold River, volunteers discovered cameras #7 and #11 torn from their mounting positions. Both camera housings were physically crushed. Memory cards were missing from both units. Camera #7 had been secured to a beech tree at approximately 9 feet with steel cable; the cable had been cut, not broken. No footage available. Replacement cameras installed at different locations.
Source: GMTW camera maintenance log
September 3, 2025
Trail Camera Network Expanded
Following the increase in reported incidents through summer 2025, GMTW expanded the trail camera network from 8 to 12 units, covering key intersections along the Long Trail from Killington to Danby. Cameras are motion-activated infrared with cellular uplink capability. Two cameras were donated anonymously.
Source: GMTW operations update
June 18, 2025
Thermal Drone Survey Conducted — Results Inconclusive
A GMTW volunteer with commercial drone certification conducted a thermal imaging sweep of the Cold River corridor over two evenings. The survey covered approximately 3 square miles. Results showed standard wildlife heat signatures (deer, black bear, coyote) and one anomalous stationary heat source near the abandoned CCC logging camp that did not match any known animal profile. A follow-up ground survey of the location found a crude fire pit with recent ash and several stripped animal hides. Vermont Fish & Wildlife was notified.
Source: GMTW volunteer drone survey report; VT F&W incident #25-R-1187
May 2, 2025
Hiker Reports Nighttime Encounter on Bucklin Trail
A solo through-hiker camping at the Bucklin Trail shelter near Killington reported being awakened at approximately 2:40 AM by "scratching sounds on the outside of the shelter wall, moving slowly from one end to the other." The hiker activated a headlamp and heard rapid movement into the surrounding woods. In the morning, the hiker found long parallel scratch marks on the exterior shelter boards and what they described as "bare footprints in the mud that were too large and too narrow to be normal." The hiker cut their trip short. Photos were submitted to GMTW.
Source: Report submitted directly to GMTW with photo evidence
See evidence photos: Case Files →
February 6, 2025
Anonymous Map Received — Update
Follow-up on the hand-drawn map received anonymously in February 2024 (see below). Of the seven locations marked on the map, GMTW volunteers have now been able to visit five. Three contained evidence of recurring human presence in remote areas with no trail access: fire pits, improvised shelters, and in one case, a collection of animal skulls arranged in a circular pattern approximately six feet in diameter. The remaining two locations are inaccessible without technical climbing equipment. We are seeking volunteers.
Source: GMTW field investigation log
November 11, 2024
Local Resident Photographs Figure at Cemetery Treeline
A Rutland resident taking an evening walk past West Street Cemetery photographed what appears to be a tall figure standing at the treeline at the rear of the cemetery property. The figure appears to be wearing a light-colored garment. The resident stated the figure was motionless during the approximately 90 seconds they observed it before leaving the area. The photograph is low-quality due to distance and failing light but has been submitted for analysis.
Source: Report submitted directly to GMTW
May 14, 2024
Missing Hiker: Jamie Robles, 28
Jamie Robles of Burlington, VT departed for a solo day hike at Killington via the Bucklin Trail on the morning of May 14. When Robles did not return by the planned time, family reported them missing. A search operation was conducted over four days covering the Bucklin Trail, Killington Peak, and surrounding ridgeline. Robles' vehicle was found at the trailhead, locked, with personal belongings inside. Their hiking boots were found 0.7 miles up the trail, placed neatly beside the path. No other trace has been found. The case remains open.
Source: Rutland Herald, May 17 2024
Case File #003: Jamie Robles →
February 21, 2024
Anonymous Letter with Hand-Drawn Map
GMTW received an unmarked envelope postmarked Rutland, VT containing a single sheet of paper with a hand-drawn map of the area between Clarendon Gorge and Shrewsbury. Seven locations were marked with X symbols. A note in block letters read: "SHE WATCHES FROM THESE PLACES. DON'T GO AT NIGHT." We have not been able to identify the sender. The map has been preserved. We are planning site visits to the marked locations.
Source: Correspondence received by GMTW, Feb 2024
See evidence: Case Files →
October 4, 2023
Authorities Close Investigation
Following a formal inquiry by GMTW, local authorities stated they had reviewed all submitted reports and determined that the incidents described were "consistent with known wildlife activity in the region, including black bear, moose, and eastern coyote." Authorities declined to open a formal investigation. GMTW respectfully disagrees with this assessment. Black bears do not use tools. Eastern coyotes do not stand at treelines and watch people. We will continue our own monitoring efforts.
Source: Official correspondence to GMTW, October 2023
July 22, 2023
Campers Report Tent Slashing at Gifford Woods
A family of four camping at Gifford Woods State Park reported waking to find the rain fly of their tent had been slashed in three parallel cuts. All four family members were asleep inside. No other campsites were disturbed. A camp neighbor reported hearing "something moving through the campground at about 3 AM, not on the path." Park rangers attributed the damage to raccoons. The cuts were clean, approximately 18 inches long, and evenly spaced.
Source: Report submitted by camper; GMTW volunteer follow-up
December 7, 2022
Crude Shelter Found Near Abandoned Logging Road
GMTW volunteers conducting a winter trail check discovered a makeshift shelter constructed from branches, bark, and what appeared to be tanned animal hides. The shelter was approximately 1.5 miles from the nearest maintained trail, accessible only by following an abandoned CCC-era logging road. Inside the shelter were the remains of several small fires and a collection of personal items including a wristwatch, a pair of eyeglasses, and a hiking boot (single, left foot, men's size 10). Items were photographed in place. Local authorities were notified.
Source: GMTW volunteer patrol log
See evidence: Case Files →
September 15, 2022
Hunters Report Screaming Near East Wallingford
Two hunters scouting locations east of Wallingford reported hearing prolonged screaming from a wooded ravine at approximately 5:45 PM. Both described the sound as "human-sounding but wrong — too long, no pauses for breath." The screaming lasted an estimated 4–5 minutes. When it stopped, both hunters reported the forest going "completely silent — no birds, no insects, nothing" for several minutes. They left the area and did not return.
Source: Report submitted to GMTW
June 12, 2022
Unidentified Tracks Near Shrewsbury Peak
Vermont Fish & Wildlife was called to examine a series of tracks found in soft mud along a seasonal stream near the Shrewsbury Peak trailhead. The tracks were bipedal, barefoot, with an unusually long stride. F&W was unable to match them to any catalogued species and suggested they may be from a bear walking upright, "although the stride length does not support that conclusion." Track casts were made.
Source: VT Fish & Wildlife field report; GMTW volunteer follow-up
March 19, 2022
Missing Hiker: Marcus Webb, 31
Marcus Webb of Manchester, VT departed for a solo overnight hike along the Long Trail near Clarendon Gorge on March 18. When he failed to return, family reported him missing. Webb's backpack was found approximately 0.4 miles south of Clarendon Gorge, roughly 30 feet off the trail. The pack had been opened, contents scattered. His food and water were untouched. His phone was missing. A five-day search involving SAR teams and K-9 units found no further trace. The case remains open.
Source: Valley News, March 23 2022
Case File #002: Marcus Webb →
November 3, 2021
Trail Camera Footage Corrupted — 47 Hours
Trail camera #3, positioned along the Long Trail near Minerva Hinchey Shelter, recorded 47 consecutive hours of corrupted footage between November 3–5. The footage consists primarily of static with intermittent frames showing the normal trail view. Upon frame-by-frame review, GMTW volunteers identified three frames at approximately the 31-hour mark that appear to show a pale figure at the far edge of the camera's field of view. The images are too degraded for positive identification. The camera was functioning normally before and after the corrupted period.
Source: GMTW trail camera archive
See extracted frames: Case Files →
July 9, 2021
"Woman in White" Reported Near Thundering Falls
Three separate hiking groups reported seeing a woman in white clothing standing near the base of Thundering Falls on the Appalachian Trail near Killington. All three reports were from the same week. Descriptions were consistent: tall, thin, wearing what appeared to be a white or light-colored dress, standing motionless and facing the falls. In each case, when hikers called out or approached, the figure was no longer there when they rounded the next bend in the trail. Local folklore has no matching legend.
Source: Three independent reports submitted to GMTW
October 17, 2020
Multiple Campsite Disturbances Near Long Trail
Over a two-week period in October, four separate overnight campers along the Long Trail between Clarendon and Wallingford reported finding their campsite disturbed during the night. In each case, gear was moved or scattered, tent guy lines were cut, but food and valuables were untouched. One camper reported waking to find their boots moved approximately 20 feet from their tent and placed "facing toward the trail, like someone was telling me to leave."
Source: Reports compiled by GMTW from four independent witnesses
May 23, 2020
Missing Hiker: Sarah Kessler, 23
Sarah Kessler of Killington, VT was reported missing after failing to return from a day hike on the Long Trail near Route 4. Her vehicle was located at the Long Trail/Route 4 parking area. Search operations covered an 8-mile radius over six days. Kessler's water bottle and one hiking pole were recovered near the Clarendon Gorge suspension bridge. Scuff marks on the bridge railing were noted but could not be conclusively linked. No body has been recovered. The case remains open.
Source: Rutland Herald, May 27 2020
Case File #001: Sarah Kessler →
September 2, 2019
Trail Camera Captures Unidentified Figure
Trail camera #1, positioned along the Long Trail south of Killington, captured an image at 3:17 AM showing what appears to be a tall, thin figure standing approximately 40 feet from the camera. The figure appears to be facing the camera directly. Due to the infrared exposure, details are limited, but the figure does not appear to be wearing standard hiking clothing and the proportions do not match typical human anatomy. The image has not been manipulated. Original file metadata is intact.
Source: GMTW trail camera #1, SD card archived
See original image: Case Files →
June 7, 2019
Animal Remains Found in Unusual Arrangement
A day hiker near Shrewsbury Peak reported finding the remains of several small animals (identified as two snowshoe hares and one red fox) arranged in a deliberate pattern along a flat rock outcropping. The remains appeared to have been there for several days. Vermont Fish & Wildlife attributed the arrangement to "scavenger activity" but GMTW volunteers who visited the site noted the remains were placed in a symmetrical pattern unlikely to result from natural predation.
Source: Report submitted to GMTW; VT F&W file reference
January 14, 2019
Green Mountain Trail Watch Established
Following a series of reports from hikers in late 2018 describing unusual sounds and unexplained encounters in the Clarendon Gorge area, a group of concerned local hikers formed Green Mountain Trail Watch to document and share trail safety information. Initial focus areas: Clarendon Gorge, Shrewsbury Peak, and the Long Trail corridor between Killington and Wallingford.
Source: GMTW founding documentation
Trail Safety Guidelines
These recommendations are based on GMTW's experience monitoring the Rutland County trail corridor. They supplement, but do not replace, standard wilderness safety practices recommended by the Green Mountain Club and Vermont Department of Forests, Parks & Recreation.
1
Avoid Solo Hiking at Dusk
The majority of unexplained reports we have received occurred between 5:00 PM and 6:30 AM. If you must hike during these hours, travel with at least one companion.
2
Stay on Marked Trails
All three missing person cases in our coverage area involved individuals who were solo and either off-trail or in sections with limited visibility. Stay on blazed trails.
3
Carry an Emergency Transponder
Cell service is unreliable through much of the corridor. A personal locator beacon (PLB) or satellite communicator can reach emergency services when your phone cannot.
4
Leave a Detailed Itinerary
Tell someone exactly where you are going, which trailhead you are using, and when you expect to return. Register at trailhead kiosks where available.
5
Trust Your Instincts
If something feels wrong, leave. Multiple reports in our log describe witnesses who initially dismissed their unease. Your instincts exist for a reason.
6
Document Everything
If you see or hear something unusual, photograph or record it. Note the time, GPS coordinates if possible, and weather conditions. Submit reports to GMTW so we can cross-reference with other accounts.
Special Advisory (Updated Jan 2026): GMTW recommends avoiding overnight camping in the Clarendon Gorge – Cold River corridor until further notice. This recommendation is based on the pattern of incidents documented on this site and has been communicated to the Green Mountain Club and Vermont Department of Forests, Parks & Recreation.
Monitored Area
GMTW's primary coverage area spans the Long Trail/Appalachian Trail corridor through Rutland County, from Killington Peak south to the Danby-Peru area. Key locations of interest include Clarendon Gorge, Shrewsbury Peak, Cold River Road, Gifford Woods, Thundering Falls, and the abandoned CCC logging roads east of Wallingford.
▲ Interactive trail map coming soon.
In the meantime, GMTW camera locations and incident markers are available upon request. Contact us at greenmountaintrailwatch@proton.me.
Camera Network Status
GMTW currently maintains 12 motion-activated trail cameras across the coverage area. Cameras upload via cellular connection where available; others are checked manually on a bi-weekly schedule. As of February 2026, 9 of 12 cameras are operational. Cameras #7 and #11 were destroyed in November 2025 (see incident log). Camera #4 is offline due to a connectivity issue and is scheduled for service.
Report a Sighting
If you have experienced or witnessed anything unusual on the trails in our coverage area, please submit a report below. All submissions are reviewed by GMTW volunteers. Your personal information will not be published without your written consent.