Summary
The park covers 292 acres of land and is home to a variety of plant and animal species.
One of the main attractions at Gifford Woods State Park is the network of hiking trails that wind through the forests and along the streams. The trails range from easy to difficult, so there is something for everyone. Some of the most popular trails include the Long Trail, the Appalachian Trail, and the Kent Pond Trail.
In addition to hiking, visitors to Gifford Woods State Park can also enjoy fishing, swimming, and camping. The park offers a number of campsites that are equipped with picnic tables, grills, and fire rings. There is also a playground and a volleyball court for visitors to enjoy.
Interesting facts about Gifford Woods State Park include its history as a logging camp and the abundance of beaver dams in the area. The park is also home to a number of rare plant and animal species, including the Bicknell's thrush and the black-backed woodpecker.
The best time of year to visit Gifford Woods State Park is during the summer months when the weather is warm and the trails are open. However, visitors can also enjoy the beauty of the park during the fall when the leaves change color and the forests are ablaze with vibrant hues.
Overall, Gifford Woods State Park is a must-see destination for anyone visiting Vermont. With its beautiful scenery, diverse wildlife, and abundance of outdoor activities, it is the perfect place to escape from the hustle and bustle of everyday life and reconnect with nature.
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Park & Land Designation Reference
Large protected natural areas managed by the federal government to preserve significant landscapes, ecosystems, and cultural resources; recreation is allowed but conservation is the priority.
State Park
Public natural or recreational areas managed by a state government, typically smaller than national parks and focused on regional natural features, recreation, and education.
Local Park
Community-level parks managed by cities or counties, emphasizing recreation, playgrounds, sports, and green space close to populated areas.
Wilderness Area
The highest level of land protection in the U.S.; designated areas where nature is left essentially untouched, with no roads, structures, or motorized access permitted.
National Recreation Area
Areas set aside primarily for outdoor recreation (boating, hiking, fishing), often around reservoirs, rivers, or scenic landscapes; may allow more development.
National Conservation Area (BLM)
BLM-managed areas with special ecological, cultural, or scientific value; more protection than typical BLM land but less strict than Wilderness Areas.
State Forest
State-managed forests focused on habitat, watershed, recreation, and sustainable timber harvest.
National Forest
Federally managed lands focused on multiple use—recreation, wildlife habitat, watershed protection, and resource extraction (like timber)—unlike the stricter protections of national parks.
Wilderness
A protected area set aside to conserve specific resources—such as wildlife, habitats, or scientific features—with regulations varying widely depending on the managing agency and purpose.
Bureau of Land Management (BLM) Land
Vast federal lands managed for mixed use—recreation, grazing, mining, conservation—with fewer restrictions than national parks or forests.
Related References
Area Campgrounds
| Location | Reservations | Toilets |
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Gifford Woods State Park
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Calvin Coolidge State Park
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Silver Lake State Park
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Chittenden Brook
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Chittenden Brook Campground
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