| Gifford Woods State Park was established in 1931. In 1933 & 1934, the Civilian Conservation Corps (CCC) built the picnic area & ranger's quarters. In 1939, the CCC constructed a camping area. During 1959-60, a new camping area was built by the Forests & Parks Department.
The Appalachian Trail runs through the park, & joins the Long Trail about 1-1/2 miles from the camping area. Many "through hikers" pass through the park on their journey from Georgia to Maine or vice versa. The park is a very popular spot during the fall foliage season for its northern hardwood fall colors. There are spectacular views from Deer Leap Mountain & lovely waterfalls where Kent Brook enters Kent Pond & along Thundering Brook Trail.
Across Route 100 from the developed campground lies Gifford Woods Natural Area, a 7-acre stand of virgin hardwoods. It is perhaps Vermont's best known old-growth northern hardwood stand, with many grand individual trees of sugar maple, beech, yellow birch, basswood, white ash, & hemlock. The understory is rich with native wildflowers. It was designated a National Natural Landmark in 1980 & a State Fragile Area in 1982. No trails or development of any kind has been done in the stand in order to preserve its natural state.
There are 27 tent/trailer sites & 21 lean-to sites situated in two camping loops. Each loop has a rest room with modern plumbing & hot showers ($). There is a trailer sanitary station, but no hookups. A wooded picnic area is located behind the ranger's quarters with a play area. Day hikes are available & there is an easy hook up with the Appalachian Trail.
Area Attractions: Killington Gondola, & Pico Alpine Slide, Sherburne; Vermont Marble Exhibit & Wilson's Castle, Proctor; Maple Museum, Pittsford. |
Gifford Woods State Park Campground Web Site
Driving Direction GPS Coordinates:
43.675362, -72.810658
|
Campground: Gifford Woods State Park in Killington Vermont *