Gifford Woods State Park
🌲 Camp in an Old-Growth Forest Where the Appalachian Trail Meets the Long Trail — Gifford Woods State Park near Killington, Vermont, rare old-growth hardwood forest, Appalachian Trail, Long Trail junction, CCC-built campground, Kent Pond, fall foliage, wildflowers, National Natural Landmark — Rutland County, VT
Two of America’s most famous hiking trails meet at this park. The Appalachian Trail and Vermont’s Long Trail converge at Gifford Woods — and the campground sits in one of the last old-growth hardwood forests in New England. Sugar maples and yellow birches that were growing here before the Revolution still stand, their canopy unbroken, their root systems anchoring centuries of Vermont soil.
The Civilian Conservation Corps built this campground in the 1930s, and the stone work, the lean-tos, and the ranger’s quarters are now on the National Register of Historic Places. The old-growth forest is a National Natural Landmark. And Killington Peak — Vermont’s second-highest — rises above it all. This is where Vermont’s hiking heritage lives.
What to Do
| Activity | Details |
|---|---|
| Old-Growth Forest | Walk the Old Growth Interpretive Trail through a 7-acre stand of virgin hardwood — sugar maple, beech, yellow birch, white ash, and hemlock that have never been logged. The trees are massive. The understory is carpeted with wildflowers in spring. This is a National Natural Landmark and one of Vermont’s most precious ecosystems |
| Appalachian Trail | The AT passes directly through the park — 2,194 miles from Georgia to Maine. Through-hikers stop here for a night in the lean-tos. Day hikers can access the trail for sections in either direction. The park has sites specifically reserved for AT through-hikers |
| Long Trail | Vermont’s Long Trail — the oldest long-distance hiking trail in America (1910) — joins the AT near the park. The 272-mile trail runs the length of Vermont along the Green Mountain ridgeline. The junction here is where two legendary trails become one |
| Camping | 22 tent/RV sites, 19 lean-tos, and 4 rental cabins — all in a CCC-built campground surrounded by mature forest. Flush toilets, hot showers, and the kind of campground character that modern facilities can’t replicate. The lean-tos are the Vermont camping experience at its most traditional |
| Kent Pond | Across the road — a quiet pond with fishing and a boat launch. Brook trout and stocked rainbow trout. Paddle a canoe at sunset with Killington Peak reflected in the water. The pond is small, accessible, and perfectly Vermont |
The Vermont Setting
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Killington Area | Vermont’s largest ski resort is minutes away — but in summer and fall, the area is about hiking, mountain biking, and the scenic gondola. The park sits at the base of Killington and Pico peaks, in the heart of the Green Mountains |
| Fall Foliage | The old-growth forest produces some of Vermont’s most spectacular fall color — sugar maples turning orange and red, yellow birches glowing gold, beech fading to amber. The enclosed canopy concentrates the color. Peak foliage typically arrives in early to mid-October |
| Wildflowers | The old-growth understory supports a rich spring wildflower community — trillium, bloodroot, hepatica, jack-in-the-pulpit, and wild leeks. The unlogged canopy allows spring light to reach the forest floor in a way that managed forests can’t replicate |
| CCC Heritage | The campground was built by the Civilian Conservation Corps during the Great Depression — the stone walls, structures, and layout are historic. The ranger’s quarters and office are on the National Register. The craftsmanship is visible in every stone |
Best Time to Visit
| Season | Best For |
|---|---|
| Fall (Sep–Oct) | 🍂 Old-growth foliage at peak color. The most stunning campground in Vermont. Hiking on the AT and Long Trail |
| Spring (May–Jun) | 🌸 Wildflower season in the old-growth. Trillium carpets. The forest awakening. Cool camping. Creek running |
| Summer (Jul–Aug) | Full canopy shade. AT through-hikers passing. Kent Pond fishing. Green Mountains green. Warm days, cool nights |
| Winter (Nov–Apr) | Park closed for camping. Killington skiing nearby. Snowshoeing possible on trails. The old-growth in winter silence |
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I just visit the old-growth forest without camping?
Yes — day-use visitors are welcome. The Old Growth Interpretive Trail is open to all. Plan 30–60 minutes for the trail. The forest is the main attraction even if you’re not camping. Combine with a hike on the AT or Long Trail for a full day.
Do I need reservations for camping?
Strongly recommended, especially for fall foliage season. The lean-tos and cabins book early. The campground is small (about 45 sites total) and popular. Reserve through Vermont State Parks online.
🌲 Old-Growth Maples. Two Legendary Trails. A CCC Campground. Vermont at Its Most Vermont.
Sleep in a lean-to under 300-year-old sugar maples. Walk a forest that’s never been logged. Step onto the Appalachian Trail heading north or the Long Trail heading south. And watch the oldest trees in Vermont turn color in October — the same color show they’ve performed since before the CCC built the campground around them.
