Gifford Woods State Park

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An interpretive trail loops through a stand of old-growth hardwoods and short loop options link up to the Appalachian Trail the state park campground in beautiful Gifford Woods State Park
Trail Activity
Hiking Snowshoeing
Length
1.70 miles, Network
Difficulty
Easy, Moderate
Town
Killington (VT)
Surface
Packed Earth/Dirt
Pets
Permitted on leash
Fees
Yes

Description

Gifford Woods State Park was established in 1931 and is known for its beautiful fall foliage. It is located near the base of Killington and Pico Peaks with easy access to hiking in the park and on the nearby Long and Appalachian Trails, and a growing mountain bike trail network on adjacent national forest.

Gifford Woods State Park contains one of the only easily-accessible old-growth hardwood forests in Vermont. The forest is both a State Natural Area and National Natural Landmark. The Old Growth Interpretive Trail leads hikers through the forest with stops at interpretive panels containing information about forest ecology and natural history.

The Kent Brook Trail loops through the Park from the park office to the campground. A loop can be made by walking on the campground roads back to the Park Office. The Appalachian Trail also cuts through the Park and intersects with the Kent Brook Trail.

On-leash pets are permitted throughout the park and campground with the exception of some cabins.

Other Information

Gifford Woods State Park is open for day use 10 AM to sunset from mid-May through mid-October. Off season hikers should park at the off-season access at 515 VT-100 and walk in. There is a plowed pull-off in which to park.

There are 21 tent and RV sites, 19 lean-to sites and 4 cabins in the campground, which was originally constructed by the Civilian Conservation Corps. 

Trail Manager

For more information, visit the Gifford Woods State Park website or contact:

Green Mountain Club
4711 Waterbury-Stowe Rd.
Waterbury Center, VT 05677
Phone: (802) 244-7037
gmc@greenmountainclub.org
View website
VT Dept. Forests, Parks & Recreation District 2: Rutland District
271 North Main Street, Suite 215
Rutland, VT 05701-2423
Phone: (802) 777-7480
lisa.thornton@vermont.gov
View website

Trail Tips

Dispose of Waste Properly
Dispose of solid human waste in a cathole 6-8 inches deep and at least 200 feet from water, camp, or trails. Don't forget to cover it up when you're done!

Trailhead Information

Parking for the trails is at the Gifford Woods Park Office. Go 0.5 miles north on VT-100 from the VT-100/US-4 intersection in Killington. Turn left into the Park. Please check in at the Park Office on the right after you enter the park and pay the day-use fee.

Legend
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