Description
With its location at the base of Killington and Pico peaks and its close proximity to the Appalachian and Long trails, Gifford Woods State Park is a favorite of hikers. Many through-hikers pass the park on their Appalachian Trail journey from Georgia to Maine. The park is also a popular destination during the fall foliage season for its dramatic autumn colors.
Geography:
Today, Gifford Woods contains one of the few old-growth hardwood tree stands remaining in Vermont. The stand has many grand-sized sugar maple, beech, yellow birch, white ash and hemlock. The understory is rich with native wildflowers. In 1978, seven acres of forest in this area was designated the Gifford Woods Natural Area. An additional 13 acres was designated as Gifford Woods National Natural Landmark by the National Park Service in 1980 because of the exemplary quality of the old-growth forest. To preserve the natural state of the Natural Area, no trails are permitted nor development of any kind.
Recreation:
Excellent camping, hiking, picnicking. Nearby fishing and mountain biking.
Facilities:
4 rental cabins, 21 tent/RV sites, 19 lean-tos, restrooms with flush toilets, hot and cold running water and coin-operated showers. There is a wooded picnic area behind the rangers' quarters with a play area. Drinking water is available throughout the park. There is a RV sanitary but there are not hookups.
Nearby Attractions:
Mountain biking at Killington bike park, Killington Gondola Rides, Marsh-Billings-Rockefeller National Historic Park, Coolidge State Historic Site, Vermont Institute of Natural Science.