Vermont's State Park Near The Appalachian Trail Offers Overnight Stays, Fishing, And Hiking Adventures

What do hikers traversing the Appalachian and Long Trails have in common? Both can break up their multi-day trips with a stop at Gifford Woods State Park. Located at the foothills of Vermont's Killington and Pico Peaks, this 285-acre destination allows you to enjoy a nature escape and soak in the quietude. Visitors can engage in different kinds of outdoor recreation, such as camping, fishing, and of course, hiking. Since part of the Long Trail overlaps with the Appalachian Trail, you can pause en route at this park to catch your breath, recharge, and take advantage of its offerings.

Established in 1931, Gifford Woods State Park is home to one of the last remaining old-growth hardwood forests in the Green Mountain State. This section of the park is a National Natural Landmark that's left in its pristine condition — as one Google reviewer described: "The old-growth trees are something to behold and spend time with!" Thanks to Gifford Woods' proximity to major long-distance hiking paths, you can embark on hiking adventures that put your skills to the test. But don't let that throw you off; you can take it easy with beginner-friendly trails. The state park is nestled on the west side of Kent Pond, which is a nice spot to drop a line. With a number of species inhabiting the pond, make sure to pack your fishing equipment to try your luck.

Whether you're just passing through or planning a dedicated getaway to the park, you can drop anchor for the night. Gifford Woods State Park features a variety of overnight stays, like tent and RV camping, lean-to sites, and cabin rentals. You can get to the state park from Burlington by driving south for 1.5 hours. Stowe is closer at one hour and 20 minutes, and coming from Montpelier takes only one hour.

You have a few options for accommodations at Gifford Woods State Park. Camping is the good, old-fashioned choice, with several options for campsites. The state park's campground boasts 22 standard non-electric campsites across two loops, of which six are tent-only and the rest accommodate both tents and RVs. Vehicle capacity limits vary by site, capping out at 35 feet. Additionally, there are 19 lean-to sites, and one has ADA-accessible features. All campsites and lean-tos are pet-friendly and have a maximum limit of eight guests per spot.

Besides pitching a tent and setting up your RV, you can rent out a cabin at Gifford Woods State Park. There are four of these units available. These come with electricity and sleep up to six guests — three are ADA-accessible and pet-friendly. To stay in a cabin, you must book a minimum of two nights. Campers and cabin guests have access to shared restroom facilities, hot showers, and a dump station, according to the Agency of Natural Resources Vermont State Parks. Nearby, at the day-use area, there's a volleyball court, horseshoe pit, and a picnic area, along with additional restrooms.

Angling at Gifford Woods takes place at Kent Pond. The pond, which covers 101 acres, is situated east of the park. If you want to fish from the shore or launch your watercraft into the water, head to the ramp on the western shore. Get your fishing license from the state park, then cast a line into the lake to catch a wide range of species. The pond is teeming with largemouth bass and yellow perch. Those targeting rainbow trout might yield successful catches on the east side — don't be surprised if you reel in pumpkinseed sunfish, either.

Hikers of different skill levels can embark on hiking adventures at Gifford Woods State Park — and armed with tips from park rangers, you can stay safe on the trails. First, test the waters with the easy-rated Pesky Cairn Trail. This path takes you on a 4.1-mile out-and-back trip toward the Green Mountain National Forest. Ascending 433 feet, the trail guides you to lush forests, with plenty of shade along the way. You may encounter rocky areas, interesting-looking mushrooms growing on trees, and occasional wildlife sightings, such as deer. Mountain bikers are welcome to ride along the trail.

As a novice, you have to watch out for warning signs that the hiking route isn't beginner-friendly. For example, the Overlook Trail that leads you to Deer Leap Mountain is rated moderate on AllTrails due to its elevation gain. The 5.1-mile loop path climbs up to a whopping 1,505 feet, taking an average of 3.5 hours to complete. In terms of scenery, you're in for a treat — expect lots of mountain views at the top, be it Pico or Deer Leap Mountains. As for the journey, you'll be trekking through the woodlands.

Even harder is the segment of the Appalachian Trail that starts from Kent Pond and ends at Green Gate Road. This hike is rated difficult for a reason: The point-to-point path stretches for 13.8 miles. Other than the length, its 4,117-foot elevation gain makes it better suited for seasoned hikers. You'll hike past varied landscapes, such as flower-filled meadows, dense woods, and tree-clad mountains. One of the highlights along the trail is the cascading Thundering Falls. Meanwhile, if you're brave enough to attempt the entirety of America's oldest long-distance hiking route, the Long Trail, you'll have a rocky and mountainous trek ahead.