How To Visit The 2 Amazing National Parks In Vermont -

How to visit the 2 amazing National Parks In Vermont

20th January, 2023

How to visit the 2 amazing national parks in Vermont- a guide. So you are searching for the best time whilst visiting Vermont’s 2 stunning national parks? But where do we start from here? Read on as I break down the go-to plans of visit, best accommodations and an essential packing list.

Contents

What is a national park?

Before I start with the details, what exactly is a national park? A national park is an area protected due to its cultural heritage, diverse wildlife and unique and beautiful landscapes. National parks aim to protect and preserve these sites to prevent from environmental damage, whilst also allowing these parks to be enjoyed and explored by the public. Local economies benefit heavily from national parks as they act as a big tourist attraction, meaning there are not only environmental benefits, but also economic benefits.

The ‘National park service‘ manages 423 national parks across America, in aims of conserving the ‘natural and cultural heritage for the benefit of current and future generations’.

Why visit the 2 national parks in Vermont?

Why visit the 2 national parks in Vermont? First of all, the 2 national parks in Vermont are incredibly unique. Marsh-Billings-Rockefeller is the only national park to highlight the conservation history and the ever growing nature of land stewardship in America. Marsh billings is all about history, boasting beautiful landscapes and the gorgeous ‘Marsh Billings house’. Appalachian National Scenic Trail on the other hand is centred around hiking, woodland and wildlife. So it’s definitely worth a visit if you love a scenic trail!

The best accommodation when visiting the national parks in Vermont

What is the best accommodation when visiting the national parks in Vermont? Look no further:

Here you can find the most convenient accommodations for visiting the national parks in Vermont , at the best quality and price.

Booking.com

The Vesper Woodstock

The Vesper Woodstock is located just 0.5 miles from Marsh billings Rockefeller. It boasts a colourful and light-hearted interior with extra spacious rooms, and of course, amazingly comfy beds! This accommodation is perfect for coming back to after a whole day of exploring Marsh billings. Wake up to a candle lit breakfast served every morning, and indulge in a jacuzzi included in the bathroom. Relax, rewind and enjoy the convenience of The Vesper on your trip! Click here to find out more.

Woodstock Inn & Resort

The Woodstock Inn and Resort is a luxury 5 star accommodation situated in ‘Village green‘, just a five minute walk from Marsh billings Rockefeller, This resort is the perfect destination for the Vermont holiday you’ve been waiting for. The site and interior is absolutely stunning, boasting top facilities including a pool, sun loungers, a spa, sauna and mani Pedi service. I’d recommend this particular accommodation for visiting in summer, so you can cool off after a hot day of exploring the national parks in Vermont. Click here to find out more.

The Lincoln Inn & Restaurant At The Covered Bridge

The Lincoln Inn is a charming countryside accommodation, located just a half an hours walk away from Marsh Billings Rockefeller. Immersed in natural beauty, this accommodation is surrounded by lakes, trees and gardens which you can explore and view from the windows, setting the mood for venturing Vermont’s natural scene. The Lincoln inn is favoured for its amazing restaurant and bar, which serves up meals that not only taste amazing, but also look the part! Relax in Lincoln inns beautifully decorated interior complete with a lavish double bed and window seating area. Click here to find out more.

Essential packing list when visiting the national parks in Vermont

So you’ve got the standard packing list covered, but what is the essential packing list when it comes to visiting the national parks in Vermont? Here are the essentials that will make your trip that much easier!

Raincoat

Vermont is one of the rainiest states in the USA. That’s why it’s important to take no chances. This Trespass foldable raincoat is super convenient for packing space, whilst being a great quality raincoat that protects from the heaviest of downpours.

Picnic bag

Whilst hiking the national parks in Vermont it’s best to bring your own meal with you. Not only can you enjoy scenic views whilst picnicking, you can save money too! A picnic bag is great for keeping all utensils in one pace for maximum space efficiency. I recommend the GEEZY family picnic bag because not only does it carry utensils but it’s also a cool bag for food storage and holds picnic blankets at either side.

Power bank

A power bank is an essential when it comes to visiting the national parks in Vermont. Whilst hiking it’s important to have a charged phone in case of emergency. I recommend the Solar power bank, which charges very quickly and efficiently whilst being environmentally friendly.

Paracetamol

It’s always best to bring some pain relief for a hike, just in case of small injury or aches. Panadol tablets offer fast relief from any aches or soreness so you can continue your journey pain free.

Blister plasters

Blister plasters are an essential for hiking, because being on your feet all day has its downsides. These Compeed blister plasters are great for relief, with deep cushioning for extra sore blisters and extra sticky surface to ensure they don’t curl up, totally recommend!

How to visit the 2 national parks in Vermont

So you want to know how to visit the 2 national parks in Vermont? Planning on navigating such large sights can be daunting. However here I will break down everything you need to know for your trip, including when to visit and what to bring! Here are some tips on how to make the most of your visit to the national parks in Vermont.

Marsh billings Rockefeller

Marsh billings Rockefeller is one of the most scenic destinations in Vermont. The landscape boasts sugar maple trees, green mountains and covered bridges, perfect for exploring and learning. It’s a site of history as well as beauty, described as ‘a land of loss, recovery and conservation‘.

You may be wondering where the name ‘Marsh Billings Rockefeller’ comes from. It is adapted from 3 significant names in American history that each played significant parts in conservation, George Perkins Marsh, Frederick Billings and Laurence S Rockefeller.

So how do you visit Marsh Billings Rockefeller?

The best time of year to visit is Autumn, when Vermont’s natural landscape thrives with dusky reds, beautiful greens and golden yellows.
Be prepared! If you are a hiker, make sure to bring the essentials which I have listed above.
Take note of the events going on when you arrive. Marsh billings often have interactive activities such as landscape painting, so there’s always something unique to engage in.
Explore the history within Marsh Billings. There are sites that are not worth missing, including the Billings mansion and Billings farm and museum.

Marsh Billings Rockefeller offers many routes for hiking, but what are the best routes?

The Junior ranger loop is a great easy hike for beginners. Here’s how you do it:

This trail is just 1 and 1/4 miles long, so its pretty easy going, and there are plenty of attractions along the way! You will pass the Marsh billings mansion, constructed in 1805, with its stunning architecture and gardens. Feel free to take a look inside where you will find the house left the same as the Rockefellers had in 1997.

However if you are looking for a challenge, check out the Precipice Trail!

If you like a long hike, the Precipice trail is for you. This hike is uphill, climbing the Southwestern side of Mount Tom. Starting from the upper meadow road, continue uphill through the rocky outcroppings until you reach South Peak and enjoy the view of the park!

Appalachian National Scenic Trail.

The Appalachian national scenic trail is 2,180 miles long, stretching along the Appalachian mountains. It passes through 14 states, starting in Georgia and ending in Maine! It is said to be the largest hiking footpath in the world! But of course you will only be exploring the section in Vermont, which just happens to be a beautifully scenic part of the route!

So how do you visit Appalachian scenic trail?

Make sure you pick up a guidebook so you know your route!
Bring the essential hiking gear, food, plenty of water and appropriate clothing.
Don’t visit between April and May. This is the muddy season for the trails, which not only will badly effect your hike, but also the environment.
The best time for visits will be in Summer or Autumn. Both of these seasons are safe for hiking, however when visiting in Summer make sure to stay sensible, apply SPF and bring plenty of fluids.
Don’t leave your rubbish behind. Obvious as it may be, any litter contributes negatively to the environment, and the GMC (Green Mountain club) asks kindly to reduce waste from the site.

The section in Vermont follows the ridge of the Green mountains, passing some well known peaks including Stratton and Killington. Killington is notably one of the most beautiful parts of the trail, so it’s worth a stop off here, as the viewing point of Vermont’s greenland is spectacular. The trail offers different routes for all abilities, ascending from 400ft to 4000ft!

Below is a rough guide map of the Appalachian trail in Vermont. Click the image to print out for your travels!