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Mt Ascutney State Park
4.7 ★★★★★ 545 Google reviews · Running trail in Windsor, Vermont · Posted hours
Runner's snapshot
- Surface
- Natural surface
- Distance
- 1 mi
- Shape
- Not reported
- Shade
- Not reported
- Access
- Posted hours
Confirmed from Mt Ascutney State Park'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.
Park where steep trails through hardwood forests lead to panoramic views from Mt. Ascutney's summit.
What runners say about Mt Ascutney State Park
“Beautiful clean sites and great staff.”
“Once past the waterfalls, you'll walk through a beautiful forest with large boulders, especially as you approach the top.”
So glad I finally decided to the Wethersfield trail! There is a lot to see along the way. I went to the base of Cascade Falls, but that wouldn't have added much more mileage. Note that if you plan to do the same, it is very steep and tricky footing to get to the base of the falls.
For 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…
Best mountain and hiking in mid VT. So beautiful and so many hiking trail choices. The view from the top is insanely good and you can see so far in every direction. The moss and rocks and trees are gorgeous. Trails are moderate-strenuous, some steep parts and rocky parts.
Absolutely wonderful State park. The hike to the summit was easy enough for our 11 year old daughter and our mini schnauzer. Breathtaking views from every lookout. Definitely take the time to go up the lookout tower, the view is beautiful.
Trail conditions & character
“Toll road to multiple pull offs on the mountain make it a great low effort view of the vistas for those unable to make the hiking trails.”
“Tail to the summit (from the upper parking lot) is relatively easy as most places with incline have steps made out of stones or even two places where there are actual metal stairs.”
“There are bathroom stops along the way and a portable one on the top.”
“Tail to the summit (from the upper parking lot) is relatively easy as most places with incline have steps made out of stones or even two places where there are actual metal stairs.”
“If you prefer, you can drive up the auto road and then hike from there to the observation tower, it is a little less than a mile, but keep in mind that it is a bit technical.”
Plan your run at Mt Ascutney State Park
The practical stuff
- AccessPosted hours — posted hours below; park gates sometimes close earlier than the listing says
- SurfaceNatural surface — easiest on the joints and the most fun, but expect roots, rocks and mud after rain
- Distance1 mi as reported — check whether that is one way or a round trip before you commit
- ShadeNot reported. Assume some of it is exposed and carry water in summer.
- At the trailheadparking, restrooms — reported by runners
- DogsWelcome, per reviewers. Leash rules vary by park — the trailhead sign is the authority.
- Websitevtstateparks.com
- Phone(802) 674-2060
- Social Instagram · Facebook
Hours
| Monday | 10 AM–6 PM |
| Tuesday | 10 AM–6 PM |
| Wednesday | 10 AM–6 PM |
| Thursday | 10 AM–6 PM |
| Friday | 10 AM–6 PM |
| Saturday | 10 AM–6 PM |
| Sunday | 10 AM–6 PM |
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