Woodford Trail

The Woodford Trail is the lakeside loop hike at Woodford State Park in southern Vermont — circling Adams Reservoir through a unique high-elevation boreal spruce and balsam forest typically found much farther north. At 2.41 miles with just 200 feet of elevation gain, it's an easy, family-friendly walk through one of the more unusual ecosystems in Vermont, set at the highest elevation of any state park in Vermont (~2,400 ft).

The trail is the perfect leg-stretcher for anyone driving the Molly Stark Byway (Route 9) between Bennington and Brattleboro, and a solid base hike for visitors camping at the park.

The Trail

• Distance: 2.41-mile loop
• Elevation gain: ~200 ft (gentle)
• Difficulty: Easy
• Route type: Loop
• Surface: Dirt path with some rooted and rocky sections; occasional muddy spots

The loop traces the entire perimeter of Adams Reservoir, giving you constant glimpses of the water through the spruce-fir canopy. Sections of the trail are right on the shoreline; others climb just slightly into the forest before returning to the lake. Plan for about 1 to 1.5 hours at a relaxed pace.

Why It's Special

Highest Elevation State Park in Vermont At ~2,400 feet, Woodford sits higher than any other Vermont state park. The elevation creates a microclimate that supports a true boreal spruce-fir forest — black spruce, balsam fir, and tamarack are common here, mixed with northern hardwoods. The forest looks and smells more like northern Maine or Canada than the rest of Vermont.

Adams Reservoir The small lake is the centerpiece of the park — calm, scenic, and surrounded entirely by undeveloped forest. The reservoir is popular for:

• Kayaking and canoeing — rentals available at the park
• Fishing — brook trout, brown trout, and rainbow trout
• Swimming — designated beach area near the day-use area
• Quiet paddling — no motorboats allowed beyond electric trolling motors

Wildlife & Birding

The boreal forest character makes Woodford one of the better spots in southern Vermont for spotting northern species:

• Black-throated blue warbler, magnolia warbler, blackburnian warbler — boreal songbirds
• Hermit thrush (Vermont's state bird)
• Common loons sometimes nest on the reservoir
• White-tailed deer throughout
• Moose are occasionally spotted in the wetland areas
• Black bears are present — store food properly if camping

Camping at Woodford State Park

The trail is the perfect day activity if you're camping at the park:

• 103 tent and lean-to sites + 4 cabins
• All sites are well-spaced in the spruce-fir forest
• Reservations strongly recommended — book through vtstateparks.com
• Bathrooms, showers, dump station
• Camp store at the day-use area

The cabins are particularly nice as a basecamp for exploring the Molly Stark Byway.

Seasonal Guide

• Late spring (mid-May–June): Park opens mid-May. Wildflowers, songbird migration peak, mild temps. Bring bug spray — mosquitoes and black flies are intense in June.
• Summer (July–August): Prime swimming/paddling season; pleasant high-elevation temps (cooler than the valley below)
• Fall (mid-September–early October): Peak foliage. The mix of hardwood and spruce/fir creates a beautiful color contrast. Park typically closes around Columbus Day.
• Winter (closed): Park is closed in winter, but the trails remain accessible for snowshoeing/XC skiing during the off-season

What to Bring

• Bug spray (essential in June and early July)
• Sturdy walking shoes
• Water — bring your own
• Binoculars for birding
• Camera for the reservoir overlooks
• Sun protection at the shore sections

Practical Info

• Park: Woodford State Park, Vermont State Parks system
• Location: 142 State Park Road, Woodford, VT (off Route 9 / Molly Stark Byway)
• Coordinates: 42.88982, -73.03871
• Day-use fee: ~$5 per adult (Vermont State Park rates)
• Camping fees: Vary by site type
• Dogs: Welcome on leash
• Open season: Mid-May through Columbus Day (mid-October)
• From Bennington: ~15–20 minute drive east on Route 9
• From Brattleboro: ~45 minute drive west on Route 9

Pair It With

The Woodford Trail sits right on the Molly Stark Byway — one of Vermont's most scenic drives — and pairs perfectly with other stops along the route:

• Mount Olga Fire Tower hike (in Molly Stark State Park, ~15 min east) — short hike to a fire tower with 360° views
• Hogback Mountain Scenic Overlook — the famous "100-mile view"
• Bennington Battle Monument in Bennington
• Downtown Wilmington Historic District
• Long Trail Brewing (a bit further east) for post-hike beer

A full day on the Molly Stark Byway stringing together Woodford Trail, Mount Olga, and Hogback is one of the best low-key adventures in southern Vermont.

Why It's Worth the Stop

The Woodford Trail is short, accessible, and doesn't pretend to be anything it's not — it's a peaceful lakeside walk in a quiet, ecologically unusual corner of Vermont. For families with young kids, travelers passing through, or anyone basecamping at the park, it's a perfect Vermont moment without the crowds of the bigger destinations up north.