Mount Ascutney State Park, VT

Mount Ascutney State Park was one of the first Vermont State Parks. It was built between 1935 and 1938 through the efforts of the Civilian Conservation Corps, a Depression-era program aimed at putting young men to work. The original park consisted of the summit road, the stone toilet buildings, campsites 1 - 18 and the ranger's quarters. The original stonework is all of Ascutney granite. The pavilion makes a beautiful spot for a wedding reception. Today, the park has four trailheads and more than 12 miles of hiking trails. The trails lead hikers to the sites of former quarries and homesteads, relics of past logging operations and other remains of a bygone era. Each trail boasts vistas with spectacular viewpoints of the Connecticut River Valley en-route to the observation tower at the summit. Visitors seeking a less-strenuous trek may drive up the 3.7-mile Mount Ascutney Parkway to a parking lot at an elevation of 2,800 feet. A hike of nearly one-mile leads to the summit. In addition to hiking, the park is popular with visitors seeking a less-traditional visit. Each summer hundreds of participants from all over New England compete in automobile, bicycle and running races up the auto road. With its two launching sites, the park is also a favorite of hang gliders.

Mount Ascutney, which is named from the derivative of several Abenaki words meaning "mountain of the rocky summit," has long been a popular hiking destination. Vermont's, and possibly America's, first organized mountain-hiking trail was cut through its forests in 1825.

In 1909, while hiking on the mountain, James P. Taylor had the inspiration for the creation of Vermont's Long Trail, which eventually spawned both the Green Mountain Club and the idea for the Appalachian Trail.

Excellent camping, hiking and picnicking. Many performance cyclists enjoy the challenge of biking up the mountain road.

5 rental cabins, 38 tent/RV sites and 10 lean-tos, restrooms with flush toilets, hot and cold running water and coin-operated showers. There is a picnic pavilion that can seat up to 30 people with picnic tables and grills. Drinking water is available throughout the park. There is a RV sanitary station but there are no hookups. No camping in or around pavilions. Camping on designated campsites only.

Vermont Institute of Natural Science, Saint-Gaudens National Historic Park, Harpoon Brewery

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