Hikes / Parks near Killington that aren't closed for the season?

Submitted by TruthintheBones t3_y7got4 in vermont

I was really looking forward to visiting Gifford Woods state park (https://vtstateparks.com/gifford.html) and I messed up and didn't notice that they closed for the season two days ago. Feeling dumb and sad. Well now I'm here and looking for alternatives and I'm noticing a lot of parks have a similar calendar. Does anyone have any recommendations? I would be grateful.

1

Comments

You must log in or register to comment.

Twombls t1_isui0z1 wrote

wear bright orange. And if you have a dog make it wear bright orange

3

AdventureSheepies t1_isug1wz wrote

Scroll down to the section on off-season camping. Just keep in mind that you need to supply your own water and must pack out everything you bring in, including human waste.

Alternatively, you can probably find something on hipcamp.

2

treeline918 t1_isul1s2 wrote

Are you looking for day hikes, or camping?

2

TruthintheBones OP t1_isullv9 wrote

Day hikes, thanks. I was especially interested in seeing the old growth forest, but would be open to anything.

1

treeline918 t1_isut89g wrote

You should be fine on any trails you were looking at. The seasonal closure just refers to facilities like visitor centers, bathrooms, etc. More info here and as somebody else pointed out, be sure to wear your orange.

Would also recommend Inn at the Long Trail for an awesome post-hike meal!

3

TruthintheBones OP t1_isuzx7g wrote

Thanks for this info!! I thought it might be referring to visitors centers, etc. but there was a big locked gate thrown across their drive. Perhaps I need to find an alternative way to walk in. And I will certainly wear orange. And thanks for the food rec!

2

Magilladagorilla t1_isum2vm wrote

Try deers leap. It’s right behind, The Inn at Longtrail. & across the street is other trails. To take you up killington, I believe.

2

NurseHibbert t1_isv432u wrote

Sherburne trail up the east side of Pico, park across from the inn at long trail. It's about 3 miles, 2000' elevation gain. Best hike in Vermont IMO.

Also, you can actually still park in Gifford's winter lot by the maintenance garage, or at the Kent pond access. Wear blaze. It's only bow season, but I imagine those arrows are painful.

2

Optimized_Orangutan t1_isuhm9s wrote

Also keep in mind that the fall in Vermont is for hunters. Be careful not to disturb a hunt. Or piss off the guy with a gun, what do I care.

1

hippiedoodledoo t1_isv2rpz wrote

Anything on the Appalachian trail/ long trail also pretty sure you can camp all over the place in National forest land

1