Thetford Hill State Park
Vermont’s Upper Valley Trail Park — 5-Kilometer Woods Hill Trail, Cross-Country Running, Skiing & Snowshoeing Through Hardwood Forest Near Thetford Academy
Thetford Hill State Park is an undeveloped day-use park in Thetford, Vermont, featuring the 5-kilometer Woods Hill Trail — a well-maintained loop trail through hardwood forest used for hiking, cross-country running, cross-country skiing, and snowshoeing.
Thetford Hill was formerly a developed state park with a campground, but now operates exclusively as a day-use trail park. The Woods Hill Trail, maintained in partnership with nearby Thetford Academy, is considered one of Vermont’s finest cross-country running and skiing trails. The 5K loop winds through mixed hardwood forest with rolling terrain that provides a satisfying workout for runners and a scenic woodland experience for casual hikers. The park requires no entrance fee and has no visitor facilities — it’s a pure trail experience.
Things to Do
Hiking
- Woods Hill Trail: 5-kilometer (3.1 miles) loop
- Terrain: Rolling hardwood forest with moderate elevation changes
- Maintained by: Vermont State Parks in partnership with Thetford Academy
- Difficulty: Easy to moderate
Trail Running
- Cross-country running: The 5K loop is popular for competitive and recreational running
- Used by: Thetford Academy cross-country team and local runners
Winter Sports
- Cross-country skiing: The trail is groomed or tracked for XC skiing
- Snowshoeing: Permitted throughout the trail system
Park Information
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Type | Undeveloped day-use park (no camping) |
| Hours | 10:00 AM to sunset |
| Admission | Free |
| Facilities | NONE — no restrooms, no water, no visitor center |
| Parking | At the old park entrance |
| Trail Length | 5 kilometers (3.1 miles) |
| Pets | Welcome — clean up after your pet |
Best Time to Visit
| Season | Highlights | Considerations |
|---|---|---|
| Fall (Sep–Oct) | ⭐ BEST: Peak foliage through hardwood forest; cool running/hiking; photography; XC season begins | Shorter days; cooling; some wet leaves on trail |
| Winter (Dec–Mar) | ⭐ XC skiing + snowshoeing; winter forest beauty; quiet; snowy trails | Cold; short days; check snow conditions |
| Summer (Jun–Aug) | Full canopy shade; trail running; birding; warm; long days | Mosquitoes; humid; thunderstorms |
| Spring (Apr–May) | Wildflowers; green-up; birding migration; uncrowded; soft trail surface | Muddy trails; variable weather; bugs |
Visitor Tips
- 5K trail: The Woods Hill Trail is exactly 5 kilometers — perfect for a timed cross-country run or a relaxed 1-hour hike.
- No facilities: There are no restrooms, no water, and no staffing — bring everything you need.
- Free admission: No entrance fees — just park at the old park entrance and hit the trail.
- Thetford Academy: The trail is maintained in partnership with Thetford Academy — you may encounter cross-country runners during the school year.
- Winter use: The trail is excellent for cross-country skiing and snowshoeing — a great winter destination.
- Former campground: The campground is permanently closed — this is now day-use only.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is there camping at Thetford Hill State Park?
No — Thetford Hill State Park in Thetford, Vermont, no longer offers camping. The former campground has been permanently closed, and the park now operates as a day-use trail facility only. The park features the 5-kilometer Woods Hill Trail, a well-maintained loop through hardwood forest used for hiking, cross-country running, cross-country skiing, and snowshoeing. There are no restrooms, no drinking water, and no visitor facilities. Admission is free.
How long is the Woods Hill Trail?
The Woods Hill Trail at Thetford Hill State Park is exactly 5 kilometers (3.1 miles) long. It is a loop trail through rolling hardwood forest with moderate elevation changes, maintained in partnership with Thetford Academy. The trail is used for hiking, cross-country running, cross-country skiing, and snowshoeing. The park is free to visit with no entrance fees and is open from 10:00 AM to sunset. Pets are welcome on the trail.
Last updated: May 2026
