Things to Do in Aitken State Forest
Aitken State Forest is a state forest located in Mendon, Vermont, encompassing 918 acres within Rutland County. The forest features varied terrain, including significant elevation changes and reforested areas, with Bald Mountain as a prominent natural feature. This landscape provides a setting for several outdoor activities, including hiking, road cycling, and touring cycling. Aitken State Forest also connects with nearby Jim Jeffords and Coolidge State Forests, contributing to regional landscape connectivity.
Things to Do in Aitken State Forest
Aitken State…
14
Routes
4.5
(13)
Average rating
106
People visited
9
hikers
5.56km
02:09
610m
Moderate hike. Good fitness required. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.
4.0
(1)
1
hikers
5.15km
01:52
330m
330m
Moderate hike. Good fitness required. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.
8.90km
02:56
470m
230m
Moderate hike. Good fitness required. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.
1.68km
00:40
200m
0m
Easy hike. Great for any fitness level. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.
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4.0
(1)
5
riders
71.9km
03:12
500m
500m
Moderate road ride. Good fitness required. Some segments of this route may be unpaved and difficult to ride.
4.0
(1)
2
riders
40.5km
02:01
500m
500m
Moderate road ride. Good fitness required. Mostly well-paved surfaces and easy to ride.
3
riders
27.5km
01:18
240m
240m
Easy road ride. Great for any fitness level. Mostly well-paved surfaces and easy to ride.
4.2
(5)
3
riders
33.5km
01:38
230m
230m
Easy road ride. Great for any fitness level. Mostly well-paved surfaces and easy to ride.
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5.0
(1)
2
riders
30.4km
02:04
490m
490m
Hard bike ride. Very good fitness required. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels.
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Natural areas to explore nearby
Frequently asked questions
Where is Aitken State Forest located?
Aitken State Forest is located in Mendon, Vermont, within Rutland County. It encompasses 918 acres and connects with nearby Jim Jeffords and Coolidge State Forests.
What outdoor activities are available in Aitken State Forest?
Aitken State Forest offers opportunities for hiking, road cycling, and touring cycling. The forest features varied terrain suitable for different activity levels. For more information, explore the Hiking in Aitken State Forest guide.
What are the main hiking trails in Aitken State Forest?
The primary hiking trails include the Bald Mountain Trail, a moderate to challenging route of 3.5 to 4.2 miles (5.6 to 6.8 km) round trip, and the easier Tamarack Notch Trail, which is about 0.5 miles (0.8 km) long. The Bald Mountain Trail offers multiple vista locations. For detailed routes, refer to the Hiking in Aitken State Forest guide.
Are there challenging hikes in Aitken State Forest?
Yes, the Bald Mountain Trail is considered a moderate to challenging hike. It is a 3.5 to 4.2-mile (5.6 to 6.8 km) round trip with significant elevation changes, leading to Bald Mountain at 2087 feet (636 meters). This trail features four vista locations with panoramic views.
Are there easy or family-friendly hikes in Aitken State Forest?
The Tamarack Notch Trail is an easy, approximately 0.5-mile (0.8 km) loop trail suitable for families. It follows an old road and passes by a newly created beaver pond. This area also has historical ties to a Civilian Conservation Corps camp.
What natural features can be seen in Aitken State Forest?
Hikers can experience varied terrain, including reforested Norway spruce and white pine. Bald Mountain offers panoramic views of the Green Mountain range, Otter Creek and Cold River valleys, and Rutland City. The Tamarack Notch area features a beaver pond, attracting various bird species.
Can I go road cycling in Aitken State Forest?
Dedicated road cycling routes within the forest are limited. However, the public roads surrounding Aitken State Forest and the broader Rutland County area offer suitable options for road and touring cycling. Komoot provides a guide for Road Cycling Routes in Aitken State Forest.
Are mountain bikes allowed in Aitken State Forest?
Mountain bikes are permitted on 'drained surfaces' and a short stretch called East Road within Aitken State Forest. However, hiking trails are generally not open to mountain biking. Cyclists should adhere to posted regulations.
Are dogs allowed in Aitken State Forest?
Information regarding specific dog regulations is not provided in the available data. Visitors should check the Vermont Department of Forests, Parks and Recreation website or contact the district office for current pet policies.
How popular is Aitken State Forest on komoot?
Aitken State Forest has received contributions for 1 route on komoot, with more than 200 visitors sharing their experiences. The routes have an average rating of 4.62 out of 5 stars, based on approximately 30 ratings.
What komoot guides are available for Aitken State Forest?
Komoot offers several guides for Aitken State Forest, including Hiking in Aitken State Forest, Road Cycling Routes in Aitken State Forest, and Traffic-free bike rides in Aitken State Forest.
How can I contact Aitken State Forest for more information?
Aitken State Forest is managed by the Vermont Department of Forests, Parks and Recreation. Information can be found on their website at fpr.vermont.gov. For direct inquiries, contact the District 2 (Rutland Office) at (802) 786-0060.
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