Woodford State Park
Rate this placeLast Updated: December 5, 2025
Woodford State Park, located in the state of Vermont, offers visitors a picturesque and serene getaway surrounded by the beauty of nature.
°F
°F
mph
Wind
%
Humidity
Summary
Here is a summary of the park, including reasons to visit, specific points of interest, interesting facts, and the best time of year to visit, verified across multiple independent sources.
Reasons to Visit:
1. Scenic Beauty: Woodford State Park is nestled amidst the Green Mountains, offering stunning views of dense forests, rolling hills, and a picturesque lake.
2. Outdoor Activities: The park provides opportunities for various outdoor activities, including hiking, fishing, boating, swimming, picnicking, camping, and wildlife viewing.
3. Peaceful Atmosphere: With its tranquil setting, Woodford State Park is an ideal destination for those seeking relaxation and an escape from the hustle and bustle of daily life.
4. Family-Friendly: The park offers facilities suitable for families, such as a sandy beach, designated picnic areas, playgrounds, and well-maintained camping grounds.
5. Fall Foliage: During autumn, the park transforms into a kaleidoscope of vibrant colors, drawing in visitors to witness the spectacular display of foliage.
Points of Interest:
1. Adams Reservoir: The centerpiece of the park is the beautiful Adams Reservoir, providing opportunities for boating, fishing, and swimming.
2. Woodford Hollow: A scenic trail leads to Woodford Hollow, a picturesque valley surrounded by towering trees and a tranquil brook.
3. Molly Stark State Park: Adjacent to Woodford State Park, Molly Stark State Park offers additional recreational opportunities and a campground.
Interesting Facts:
1. Woodford State Park covers an area of approximately 398 acres and was established in 1938.
2. The park is named after the town of Woodford, which borders the park and is located in Bennington County, Vermont.
3. The lake within the park offers excellent fishing opportunities, with species like rainbow trout, brown trout, and largemouth bass.
Best Time to Visit:
The best time to visit Woodford State Park largely depends on personal preferences and desired activities. However, the park is typically most popular during the summer months (June to August) when the weather is pleasant and ideal for swimming and boating. Additionally, the fall season (September to October) attracts visitors looking to experience the stunning fall foliage that blankets the area.
Sources:
1. Vermont State Parks - Woodford: https://vtstateparks.com/woodford.html
2. Tripadvisor - Woodford State Park: https://www.tripadvisor.com/Attraction_Review-g57406-d105055-Reviews-Woodford_State_Park-Bennington_Vermont.html
3. Vermont State Parks - Molly Stark: https://vtstateparks.com/mollystark.html
Weather Forecast
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 |
|---|---|---|
Woodford State Park
|
||
Red Mill Brook
|
||
Clarksburg State Park
|
||
Molly Stark State Park Campsites
|
||
Molly Stark State Park
|
||
Grout Pond Recreation Area
|
Wilderness George D. Aiken
Wilderness Glastenbury
Clarksburg State Park
Wilderness Lye Brook
Shaftsbury State Park