Gifford Woods State Park

Leaf peepers rejoice! Gifford Woods’ 285 acres render some of the best fall foliage you can find. The National Park Service named Gifford Woods a National Natural Landmark because of its top-notch old-growth forest. Gifford Woods houses one of the few old-growth hardwood tree stands remaining in Vermont. The stand has ginormous sugar maple, beech, yellow birch, white ash and hemlock (not to mention an understory with native wildflowers galore).

A stone’s throw from Killington and Pico peaks and a hop, skip, and a jump off the Appalachian and Long Trails, the park is a favorite of all flavors of hikers. If you're looking to stay the night, choose from cabins, tents, RV, and lean-to sites within two camping loops. There’s plenty of day hiking trails to explore as well as easy access to the AT, should you get the sudden, inexplicable urge to trek 2,000 miles.