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The trail at Woodford State Park is littered with tan and yellow leaves that crunch underfoot. To your left is the boggy shoreline of Adams Reservoir, the still water mirroring the bright blue sky and brilliant spikes of reflected trees in fall color, early morning mists hanging like wraiths above the middle of the lake.
Located on a densely wooded mountain plateau at 2,400 feet, Woodford State Park on the Massachusetts border is Vermont's highest state park, which hints at its appeal. So do the many signs along Route 9 warning drivers to watch out for moose.
The 398-acre state park sits in the heart of the Green Mountain National Forest between Bennington and Brattleboro, just east of the Appalachian and Long Trail. Besides coming here to experience nature and fall foliage up close and personal, there's lots of ways to get further back into the wilds. Hike the Long Trail, mountain bike up to Somerset Reservoir, or paddle out on the reservoir, catching colorful brook trout for breakfast if you're lucky. Hardy souls might even take a dip in the water from the park beach if they have ice water in their veins. One thing is sure: You'll have a wild time.
INFORMATION
Woodford has 103 campsites, with 20 lean-tos, hiking and nature trails, boat rentals and picnic areas, and nearby mountain biking. During summer there's a naturalist program and kid's playground. Nearby are the resort area of Mt. Snow/Haystack and historic Bennington. Open mid-May to Columbus Day, 800-658-1622, summer 802-447-7169, winter 802-483-2001.
Other parks to try for wilderness peace and quiet: Underhill, Groton State Forest, Molly Stark, Allis, Half Moon Pond, Knight Island, Townshend and Jamaica.
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