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Aitken State Forest
4.6 ★★★★★ 45 Google reviews · Running trail in Mendon, Vermont · Hours vary
Runner's snapshot
- Surface
- Natural surface
- Loop distance
- Not reported
- Shape
- Loop
- Shade
- Not reported
- Access
- Not reported
Confirmed from Aitken State Forest's own listing, the park or land manager's website, and runner reviews. Blank cells mean we could not verify that fact — we would rather say "not reported" than invent one. There is no Easy / Moderate / Hard rating on this page on purpose: a one-word difficulty score tells you nothing about whether a trail suits your run. Surface, distance, shade and hours do.
What runners say about Aitken State Forest
Moderate hike with great vistas. I went in early November when all the leaves were down so the views were even better
Aitken State Forest is a lovely little park tucked away behind Rutland in Mendon. There's a main hiking loop that takes you to the top of Bald Mountain, and has several vistas overlooking Rutland City, Pico, and the southern Green Mountains. The trail is a little muddy but lovingly maintained and well marked.
Love the Bald Mountain loop. I almost never run into anyone on the trails, which is shocking because they are right outside of Rutland and have great views!
Very nice and private hike. Not too challenging with nice views of various mountains.
Trail conditions & character
“There's a main hiking loop that takes you to the top of Bald Mountain, and has several vistas overlooking Rutland City, Pico, and the southern Green Mountains.”
“The trail is a little muddy but lovingly maintained and well marked.”
“There's a main hiking loop that takes you to the top of Bald Mountain, and has several vistas overlooking Rutland City, Pico, and the southern Green Mountains.”
Plan your run at Aitken State Forest
The practical stuff
- AccessHours vary — hours are not posted for this trail, so check before an early or late run
- SurfaceNatural surface — easiest on the joints and the most fun, but expect roots, rocks and mud after rain
- DistanceNot reported. Trail systems often quote total path mileage rather than a single loop, so measure the route you actually want before you drive out.
- ShadeNot reported. Assume some of it is exposed and carry water in summer.
- At the trailheadparking — reported by runners
- Websitefpr.vermont.gov
- Phone+1 802-828-1534
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