Mount Ascutney State Park

A hike to check out the great views and scout out the trails that come to the top of the mountain. Guided by the Park’s Interpreter, and starting from the parking lot at the top of the road, we’ll hike to Castle Rock, Brownsville Rock, the Observation Tower, the hang glider platform, West Peak, and back to the start.  2.5 miles.  Diverse forestation, geology, and habitats.  Moderate difficulty.  Meet at the parking lot at the top of the mountain road.  FREE 

Learn some interesting and fun things about the big birds in Vermont’s sky.  The Interepreter’s program will highlight their size, nests, incredible sight, amazing strength, unique features and migration patterns.  How can we tell them apart when they are soaring above us?  We will also note how human behavior affects them.  30-45 minute program.

FREE program. Rain or Shine.  Meet at the pavilion/shelter halfway up the Mt Ascutney mountain road.  Ask at the gate about where to park.

Over the last two centuries there were four active quarries on Mt. Ascutney.  This hike takes us to the largest of the four, the Tyler Quarry.  Records indicate that Colonel Benjamin Tyler first removed granite from this quarry in 1768. As recently as 2010, the Town of Weathersfield retrieved a block to use for a memorial sculpture on the Perkinsville town green. This is a quarry with a long history.

There are three sites at the Tyler location.  Expect an adventure moving from one to another.  There is some long grass and brush.  A relatively easy 1 mile hike on an old road into the quarries.  FREE 

Meet at the parking area across the road from the State Park’s main entrance, from which we will drive to the start of the trail. 

Views and more views! Starting from the parking lot at the top of the road, we’ll look for breezes and hike to Castle Rock, Brownsville Rock, the Observation Tower, the hang glider platform, West Peak, and back to the start.  Diverse forestation, geology, and habitats.  Special places with great views in every direction, with a chance to see the launch and soaring of a hang glider.  We’ll talk about each  trail that comes up to the summit, as possibilities for your future big adventure.  2+ miles.  Moderate difficulty.   Meet at the top parking lot at 9:30 am.  FREE entrance to the park.

The Futures Trail to Bare Rock Vista

A short climb through history and beautiful mountain habitats to a terrific view.  The only place on the mountain with a clear view to the south. Moderate difficulty.  2 mile round trip.  Meet at the trailhead beside Campsite #22 at 9:30 am. FREE entrance to the park.