Gifford Woods State Park

Old-growth maples where the Appalachian Trail crosses.

A small, wooded campground at the foot of Killington and Pico, with lean-tos, a few rustic cabins and one of Vermont’s rare old-growth hardwood stands. The Appalachian Trail and Long Trail pass right by, Kent Pond is across the road, and the Killington bike park is minutes away. It suits hikers, leaf-peepers and anyone who wants a quiet base for a Killington weekend.

At a glance

Tent/RV sites

22 (no hookups; dump station)

Lean-tos

19

Cabins

4 rustic, sleep 4; $60–85/night, 2-night minimum

Showers

Token-operated hot showers in both loops

Reservations

Open 11 months ahead, rolling daily at 9 am

What’s here

• Tent sites
• Cabins
• Lean-tos
• Showers
• Pets allowed

Gear, rentals and guides

• Base Camp Bike and Ski

  Killington bike and backcountry shop on Route 4, a minute from the park, for repairs, gear and local trail advice.

• Killington Bike Park rentals

  Downhill and trail bike rentals at the resort, plus lessons and camps for first-timers.

• Green Mountain Club

  The nonprofit that maintains the Long Trail; trail conditions, maps and guidebooks for hikes from the park.

Where to stay

• slopesideKillington Grand Hotel

  The resort’s big slopeside hotel, with a pool and spa, a short drive up the Killington Road.

  10 min drive
• lodgeMountain Meadows Lodge

  Casual lodge on the shore of Kent Pond, with the Appalachian Trail crossing the property and boats for guests.

  5 min drive
• innInn at Long Trail

  Rustic hikers’ inn on Route 4 with an Irish pub that has fed Appalachian Trail and Long Trail hikers for decades.

  5 min drive

Nearby

• Thundering Brook Falls · 10 min drive

  A wheelchair-accessible boardwalk on the Appalachian Trail leads across a wetland to a tall cascade.

• K-1 Express Gondola scenic rides · 15 min drive

  Ride to the top of Killington Peak for long views over the Green Mountains, especially good in foliage season.

• Kent Pond · Across the road

  Quiet pond across the road from the park for a paddle or an evening of fishing.

• McGrath’s Irish Pub · 5 min drive

  Irish pub fare, Guinness and live music at the Inn at Long Trail; a classic stop for AT hikers.

• Long Trail Brewing Company · 20 min drive

  Big riverside brewery and pub on Route 4 with a deck over the Ottauquechee.

• Pine Hill Park · 25 min drive

  Rutland’s woodsy network of about 16 miles of singletrack, a good half-day ride.

Getting there

• Burlington International (BTV) · about 2 hr 5 min drive
• Albany · about 2.75 hr
• Boston · about 3.5 hr
• Verona, NY · about 4.5 hr

Directions in Google Maps