Let’s HikeVT! We’re featuring easy, moderate, and difficult trails on the Appalachian Trail in Eastern Vermont. These trails all showcase view-filled “open areas” on the AT. Open Areas are actively maintained by the GMC, the Appalachian Trail Conservancy, and the US Forest Service to provide critical wildlife habitat, control invasive plant species, preserve some of the agricultural history of Vermont’s farmland, and of course provide great views.
The accessible trail is at nearby Marsh–Billings–Rockefeller National Historical Park in Woodstock. Vermont’s only National Park, it is also free-of-charge to explore the beautiful grounds.
- Lewis Field – EASY
- Dupuis Hill – MODERATE
- Joe Ranger Rd to Pomfret Rd – DIFFICULT
- Marsh-Billings-Rockefeller Mansion Grounds and Gardens – EASY, ACCESSIBLE
From Route 12:
Lewis Field from Route 12 – EASY
» .3 mi round trip, approx. 200 ft elevation gain
Starting at the Route 12 AT parking lot, head west/south on the white-blazed AT South (not across the road). Cross a bridge and pass through an active livestock field. Pass into the next field and follow the trail as it follows the edge of the field up to the top, where you’ll have a lovely view of the farms and fields below.
Driving Directions to Appalachian Trail Parking Lot at Route 12:
From 89 North: Take exit 1 in Vermont off 89 N and turn left onto Route 4 West. Continue straight onto Route 12 North. Parking area will be on your left in about 4 miles.
From 89 South: Take exit 3 off 89 South and turn right onto Route 107 West. Turn left onto Route 107 W/ Route 12 S. Turn left onto Route 12 S and continue to follow for 12.5 miles until you reach the trailhead on your right.
From Pomfret Road:
Dupuis Hill from Pomfret Rd – MODERATE
» 2.6 mi round trip, approx. 750 ft elevation gain
From the Parking area, head north on the white-blazed AT North. You’ll hike up a steep hill for about a half mile, then reach the beautiful open meadow on Blake Hill. Continue along the “Old Kings Highway,” which is bordered by an impressive old stone wall. Head up Dupuis Hill to reach the open meadow on top, which features wide views of the surrounding valley.
Driving Directions to AT Parking Lot on Pomfret Rd:
From Woodstock: Heading North on Route 12, bear right on Pomfret Rd. Drive 2.6 miles. At Teago Store bear right to stay on Pomfret Road. Trailhead is a small dirt pull-off 1.0 mile on the left, after Bartlett Brook Road.
From West Hartford: From VT-14, turn onto Quechee West Hartford Rd across the street from the library. Immediately cross the White River and take an immediate right on Pomfret Rd. 1.9 mi after passing the Pomfret Town Clerk, the parking lot will be on your right. Look for the small dirt pull-off immediately after a long guard rail.
From Joe Ranger Road:
Joe Ranger Rd to Pomfret Rd Traverse on Appalachian Trail – DIFFICULT
» 5.6 mi one-way, approx. 1300 ft elevation gain
Hiking from Joe Ranger Road trail south to Pomfret Road is a nice one-way hike on the Appalachian Trail. You’ll traverse rolling woods and pass through quite a few open meadows that provide excellent views and picnic opportunities. You’ll also walk along the “old Kings Highway,” which is bordered by an impressive old stone wall.
This hike does require a car drop, so right now it’s best for family groups! We like hiking from Joe Ranger Rd to Pomfret Rd, but you can go either way. Directions to Pomfret Rd can be found in the Moderate Hike above, and directions to Joe Ranger Rd can be found below. Drive both cars to Pomfret Rd, then leave one there and take the second car to Joe Ranger Rd. Hike back to the car left at Pomfret Rd. Be sure to bring all car keys with you!
Driving Directions to AT Parking on Joe Ranger Road:
From Woodstock: Heading North on Route 12, turn right onto Pomfret Rd. In 7.8 miles, take a sharp right onto Bunker Hill Rd. Turn left to stay on Bunker hill then stay straight on Joe Ranger Rd. The trail crosses the road in about 0.2 miles with limited parking along the road.
From West Hartford: Head west on Quechee/West Hartford Road for 1.5 miles. Turn right on Joe Ranger Road. The AT crosses Joe Ranger Road after 1.8 miles.
Please note: Joe Ranger Rd. has minimal parking. Please choose another hike if there are no safe parking options, and please do not park on or block neighboring properties.
In Marsh-Billings-Rockefeller National Historic Park:
Mansion Grounds and Gardens – ACCESSIBLE/EASY
This national historic park contains an extensive trail network including accessible paths that leave directly from the mansion garage. They allow for exploration of the mansion’s grounds and elaborate gardens. There is a small accessible parking area next to the mansion. Folks who do not need to use this parking area can park across the street at the Billings Farm and Museum lot.
Access to the outdoor paths does not require an entrance fee, but tours typically require an admission fee. Visit Marsh-Billings-Rockefeller National Historic Park’s website for more information and maps. See their accessibility page for some FAQ’s.
Driving Directions to Marsh-Billings Rockefeller mansion parking lot:
From White River Junction: Head west on US-4 W. In downtown Woodstock, bear right on VT-12 N, then turn right to stay on VT-12 N. In .5 mi, turn left at the brown sign for Marsh-Billings-Rockefeller. Stay left at the fork and follow signs for the Mansion.
From Killington/Rutland: Head east on US-4 E. Stay on US-4 E when it splits from VT-100 in West Bridgewater. Pass through West Woodstock, then bear left on River St just before crossing the Ottauquechee River. When River St ends at VT-12, turn left on 12 N. In .2 mi, turn left at the brown sign for Marsh-Billings-Rockefeller. Stay left at the fork and follow signs for the Mansion.
*Note: Mansion is not a valid destination on Google Maps. Follow driving directions to Carriage House driveway entrance, then follow signs to Mansion.
Billings Farm and Museum parking lot is off Rte 12 just north of the turn for the Mansion.
Where to eat and drink nearby:
- The Worthy Kitchen for farm to table dining and craft beers
- Woodstock Farmer’s Market for sandwiches and many other food options to choose from
- The Skinny Pancake for crepes, burgers, and more
- The Snack Bar at the Gorge for anything from ice cream to hot dogs and sandwiches
- Trail Break Taps and Tacos for after hike beers and tacos
