During our stay at Gifford Woods State Park in Vermont, we decided to spend a beautiful summer afternoon exploring the Kent Brook Trail. This short loop winds through the park’s peaceful hardwood forest, making it the perfect choice for a relaxing walk close to camp.
Even before reaching the trail, we found evidence that we weren’t the only visitors enjoying the campground. Near the garbage area, there were clear signs that a bear had recently stopped by – if the paw prints on the garbage were not clear enough, I believe I also heard him making those marks in the middle of the night. It was a good reminder that we were sharing these woods with some truly wild residents!
One of the most exciting features of Gifford Woods is that the Appalachian Trail passes directly through the park. The campground serves as a welcome stop for many thru-hikers, offering amenities like bathrooms, showers, and lean-tos. As someone who has always dreamed of hiking the Appalachian Trail, standing on a section of the AT felt surprisingly meaningful. Even though completing the entire trail will probably remain a dream, taking those few steps along its famous path felt like a small accomplishment all its own.
Another trail option from the campground leads toward Killington. While a thru-hike of the Appalachian Trail may never be in my future, hiking from Gifford Woods to Killington seems like a much more attainable goal—and one I’d love to tackle someday.
Our walk along the Kent Brook Trail wasn’t long or particularly challenging, but it offered a little bit of everything: beautiful forest scenery, wildlife reminders, and a chance to connect with one of America’s most iconic hiking trails. Sometimes the shortest hikes leave the most lasting memories.
Happy Hiking!
