Explore the Marsh-Billings-Rockefeller National Historic Park in charming Woodstock to learn the story of generations of families working towards conservation near the Green Mountains of Vermont. The 2.5-mile Pogue Loop starts on a gentle carriage trail and then circles a 14-acre pond tucked within the hills of Mount Tom. The trail meanders through a mixed hardwood forest filled with ferns and wildflowers in this pristine park.
George Perkins Marsh grew up on this family farm in the early 1800s. His love of nature and observations made during travels in the Mediterranean as an American diplomat led him to write the groundbreaking Man and Nature. This book, which describes the human impact on nature, became a founding text of the environmental movement.
In 1869, Frederick Billings, a Vermont native who'd made his fortune as a San Francisco attorney, bought the Marsh family farm. He continued to model wise land stewardship, developing one of the nation's first programs for scientific forest management. Billings died in 1890, but his plan endured through his wife, three daughters and later, his granddaughter, Mary French. In 1934, Mary married Laurance S. Rockefeller, which strengthened the conservation commitment, since The Rockefeller Family had created or enhanced over 20 national parks. At 41, Mary inherited the extensive grounds, dairy farm, and mansion of the Billings estate. In 1992, Mary and Frederick donated the property to the state and it was turned into the Marsh-Billings-Rockefeller National Historic Park.
Visitors can tour the mansion and gardens here, kept in the 1800s Queen Anne style architecture with furnishings intact. The mansion also contains an extensive art collection of American landscape paintings. The park also offers tours of its working dairy farm, Billings Museum, and National Park Carriage Barn Visitor Center. The most exciting aspect of this magnificent property is the 20 miles of carriage roads and trails that crisscross Mount Tom.
The trailhead parking for the Pogue Loop is located on Prospect Road, a six-minute drive from the mansion and visitors center. From the Billings Barn & Museum parking, turn left onto Old River Road. In 100 feet, turn right onto VT-12N. In 2.6 miles, turn left onto Prosper Road. In 0.7 miles, turn left into the parking lot. Locate the trailhead at the far center to follow the loop clockwise.
These trails allow dogs on leash, although they're not permitted in the pond. Here is the All Trails link for maps and GPS. For the best food options close by, check out the Woodstock Farmer's Market located at 979 West Woodstock Road (Route 4). They offer a wide variety of grab-and-go sandwiches and salads, a bakery, and the best cup of coffee I've ever had. No joke.
You may also want to stop at the Quechee Gorge on your drive home, which is about 15 minutes from Marsh-Billings-Rockefeller Park. It's a bit touristy but still impressive. It's also an easy walk down to the gorge, so do check it out if you have extra time. Here are some pics. Dogs and swimming are welcome here.
I'll returning to Vermont this fall to explore more trails so stay tuned! If you missed my post about Thundering Brook Falls in Killington, read that here. I'm sure you'll fall in love with Vermont like I did. It's impossible not to.
Comments