Location: Woodstock, Vermont, in Windsor County
Website: https://www.nps.gov/mabi/index.htm
Google map: Click here
Trail map: You can print out a map here, or get one at the Visitor Center at Marsh-Billings-Rockefeller Park or at the Billings Farm or which is just across Rt. 12 from park.
Description: Marsh-Billings-Rockefeller National Historical Park is Vermont’s only National Park. This 550-acre property is one of the oldest scientifically-managed forests in the country. Three families have been stewards of the land for over 200 years, and their dedication to conservation is evident in the magnificence of this forest. Trails and old carriage roads wind through mature stands of white oak, ash, white pine, and other New England species.
There are approximately 25 miles of trails in the park. Horses are allowed on all trails except the Precipice Trail and North Peak Trail.
Terrain: The footing is excellent because the trails are extremely well maintained. The carriage roads are wide with soft dirt or a gravel base. The trails are soft dirt or grass. There are many opportunities for trotting and cantering, including two beautiful meadows.
Access: The park is in Woodstock, in eastern central Vermont, west of White River Junction. From the north it is accessed via Rt. 12, from the east or west via Rt. 4, and from the south via Rt. 106 or Rt. 12.
Parking: There are two options for parking. We suggest parking at the lot on Prosper Rd., which is on the west side of the park. The lot is about 120′ x 44′. Depending on the length of your rig and if there are other cars in the lot, you might be able to turn around without backing up, or with some backing. We are able to make a loop with our 36′ long rig (truck + trailer). Alternately, you can back in from the road, which is a dirt road and not heavily traveled.
You can also park at the Billings Farm overflow lot, which is on the eastern side of the park, off Rt. 12 next to downtown Woodstock. Some riders have found this site to be too busy with people and cars, so we suggest parking here only if the Prosper Rd. lot is full.
If you park here, you have to cross Rt. 12, which is a paved two-lane 25-mph road that has fairly heavy traffic on summer weekends so you must use extreme caution and have a horse that is not easily be spooked. We strongly suggest having one person stop traffic and another walk the horses across the road. On the other side there are stone walls and benches which you can use for mounting assistance if needed.
If you are bringing a carriage, call ahead to make arrangements 802/457-3368 x222.
Restrictions and warnings:
There is no fee to utilize the park during non-winter months. Hiking, horseback riding, and carriage driving are allowed. In the winter, cross-country skiing and hiking are allowed, but there may be a fee. Bikes are not allowed.
- Trail and road conditions can change at any time. The actual conditions you encounter may differ from the information presented here. Horseback riding is inherently dangerous and you must employ independent judgement and use the information herein at your own risk. By accessing this site, you acknowledge and accept these limitations and agree to hold harmless Horse Trail Chicks, Monica Raymond, and Kerrie Garvey, from any liability, damages, injury, or death that result from using this information.
