Nestled in the heart of the Green Mountains, Mt Ascutney State Park is a nature lover's paradise. Whether you're an avid hiker or just looking for a scenic spot to go for a run, this park offers plenty of opportunities to get outside and explore.
One of the best things about Mt Ascutney State Park is the 3.7 mile auto road that is closed to car traffic in the off season. This makes it the perfect place to go for a hill training run, as you'll have the road all to yourself. The road is challenging, with a steady incline the entire way up, but the stunning views of the surrounding mountains make the effort well worth it. And if you're not up for running the entire way, there are plenty of places to stop and catch your breath along the route.
But the auto road isn't the only attraction at Mt Ascutney State Park. The park also boasts several hiking trails, ranging from easy strolls to challenging treks up the mountain. The trails are well-maintained and offer a variety of terrain, from wooded paths, rocky outcropping and a lookout tower with panoramic views.
For those looking to make a day of it, there are picnic areas and restrooms available at the base of the mountain. And if you're feeling adventurous, you can even bring your camping gear and spend the night at one of the park's campsites.
Overall, Mt Ascutney State Park is a wonderful place to visit year-round, but it's particularly beautiful in the off-season once the snow has melted and you have the place all to yourself. Whether you're a runner, hiker, or just looking for a scenic spot to spend the day, you won't be disappointed with a trip to this...
Read moreFor a small fee per person, you can drive up the mountain almost to the top and just that alone has beautiful views. Then, you can hike a fairly easy 3/4 of a mile to the summit and climb a tower for breathtaking 360 degree views with signs that tell you what mountain ranges and cities you are looking at in the distance. I've been to Mt. Ascutney State Park many times both for camping and hiking over the years and it truly never disappoints! Here, you will find some of the best views in New England, outside of the White Mountains, and I often bring visitors here from out of state to witness the majestic beauty of the Vermont and New Hampshire region. As far as camping, it is a clean and peaceful campground, however there is no water source unless you drive about 15 minutes down to Wilgus State Park to access the Connecticut River, which they let you do for free if you are staying at...
Read moreMt Ascutney State Park is a wonderful campground. It is very clean, the park workers are very knowledgeable, and it is less populated during the week. We arrived on a Thursday, and there were about 5 other campers (I believe there are around 30 sites). It was pretty full on Friday and Saturday, but there were fewer people on Sunday night.
Would have given it 5 stars, but the traffic from the interstate is loud, and due to tree disease, many trees have been cut, so your sites have views of fallen trees, branches, and some brush. But even with that, the campground is worth the visit.
Restrooms are clean, but there is only one shower per restroom, so you may have to wait on the weekends.
If camping at the park, you may drive up the auto road for free. It's a beautiful drive, and once in the parking area near the top, you can hike 0.7 miles to the summit. It's a nice hike up with...
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