Rutland County: Lakes, Trails, and History

Those planning a trip to Rutland County can combine nature experiences with cultural history. The Paramount Theatre was built by George T. Chaffee in 1912 and 1913 and opened on January 16, 1914. Lakeside parks, biking and hiking trails, and historic museums each offer their own distinct highlights.

Lakes, Shorelines, and Parks

Bomoseen State Park covers 3,576 acres in the Taconic Mountains on the shore of Lake Bomoseen. The lake is the largest located entirely within Vermont. The park features a public beach as well as opportunities for boating and fishing. Hiking trails are located at each of the two campgrounds, with another trail connecting them. The park brings together shoreline, water activities, and trails across a spacious landscape.

Lake St. Catherine State Park covers 117 acres on the shore of Lake St. Catherine. It has a boat launch and an accessible nature trail with scenic overlooks. Canoes, kayaks, and pedal boats are available to rent for outings on the water; a loop with mountain biking trails also runs near the north parking lot. Since boat rentals are seasonal, it’s a good idea to check availability before your visit.

Biking and Hiking

Trail options range from individual loops to extensive networks. Killington Bike Park has more than 30 miles of mountain biking trails for all skill levels. Pine Hill Park covers 300 acres and has a 16-mile singletrack trail network. These figures alone do not provide a direct comparison of the trails: they describe different offerings and terrain. Another option is the 5.1-mile Carriage Trail, which connects Pine Hill Park in Rutland to Proctor Skating Rink in Proctor in one direction. Check for local trail updates before heading out.

Seasonal changes are also part of planning a visit to Killington Resort: summer operations as a mountain destination run from late May to mid-October. In winter, the resort covers 1,500 acres of terrain across six mountain peaks; 73 miles of trails and glades are served by 19 lifts. Operating conditions and lift status vary by season, so it’s worth checking the current calendar before your trip. Slate Valley Trails offers more than 60 miles of public hiking and biking trails in Poultney, Castleton, and Wells. Gifford Woods State Park is near the Appalachian Trail and the Long Trail; Gifford Woods Natural Area encompasses 7 acres of old-growth northern hardwood forest.

Explore History and Culture

Hubbardton Battlefield is a historic site commemorating the only battle of the American Revolutionary War fought entirely within the territory of what would later become the state of Vermont. The site includes open meadows and expansive views of the Green, Taconic, and Adirondack Mountains. A permanent exhibit features period artifacts as well as objects recovered during earlier investigations of the battlefield.

In Brandon, the museum is housed in the home where Stephen A. Douglas was born in 1813. Its exhibits explore Brandon’s industrial, social, cultural, and architectural history. The Brandon National Historic District includes about 250 buildings. Another way to explore cultural history is the Chaffee Art Center, housed in a Queen Anne Victorian mansion built by George Thrall Chaffee. The historic grounds include more than a dozen gardens, including a 100-foot-long pollinator garden and a sculpture garden. The Carving Studio & Sculpture Center focuses on stone sculpture, with workshops, residency programs, and exhibitions.

Wilson Castle is a mid-19th-century architectural landmark featuring design elements from European styles. The castle opened for tours in 1962. During the season, historical tours take place Thursday through Monday between 10 a.m. and 5 p.m.; the last tour begins at 4 p.m. Check the visiting schedule before you arrive.

Plan Your Trip and Local Visit

For rail travel, the Ethan Allen Express runs from New York City to Rutland via Albany and Castleton. Check the schedule for your travel dates. Rutland Southern Vermont Regional Airport offers daily commercial flights to Boston; here, too, it’s a good idea to check the current flight schedule. The Vermont Farmers Market takes place year-round on Saturdays: in summer, it’s at Depot Park; in winter, at Vermont Farmers Food Center. Confirm seasonal dates and locations before your visit.

Discover more destinations: Mendon, Shrewsbury, Castleton, Rutland, Killington, Chittenden, Danby, Brandon.

For the main travel overview: Vermont.