Caution
Extreme Heat Warning July 1 - 3
The National Weather Service has issued an Extreme Heat Warning for Woodstock, VT from the afternoon of July 1 through the evening of July 3. Plan ahead to prevent serious heat-related illnesses during dangerously hot conditions. Most buildings are not air-conditioned and tours many be modified or canceled to ensure visitor and staff safety. Water and air-conditioning are available in the visitor center.
Information
Marsh-Billings-Rockefeller National Historical Park is Cashless
Tours may be purchased online (recreation.gov) or in person with a credit or debit card only. Cash transactions are not available at the park.
Marsh - Billings - Rockefeller National Historical Park
VT · Woodstock
Walk through one of Vermont's most beautiful landscapes under the shade of the Mount Tom Forest, the oldest continuously managed scientific forest in the United States. This is a landscape of loss, recovery, and conservation. This is a story of stewardship, of people taking care of places - sharing an enduring connection to land and a sense of hope for the future.
Riding guide
Horses provided
Highlights
Marsh‑Billings‑Rockefeller National Historical Park protects a historic conservation landscape on the slopes of Mount Tom in Woodstock, Vermont.
Riding
Rideable terrain here is noted as 20 miles, giving riders a clearer sense of scale before they ever unload. For equestrians, the park offers a compact but scenic trail system through hardwood forests, open meadows, and historic carriage roads. Roughly 20 Miles of carriage roads and forest trails crisscross the park and are generally open to horseback riding during the non-winter months.
Rideable terrain
20 miles
Trailer parking
Prosper Road Trailhead Parking Lot Location: Prosper Road on the west side of the park, Woodstock, Vermont. Why riders use it Primary equestrian staging area with space suitable for horse trailers Direct access to the park’s carriage road and trail network Quieter access point with fewer visitors and vehicles than the main park entrance Convenient entry to many of the park’s ~20 Miles of carriage roads and trails open to horseback riding. Billings Farm & Museum Overflow Parking Lot Location: Near 69 Old River Road, Woodstock, Vermont, across Route 12 from the park. Why riders use it Large overflow parking area that can accommodate horse trailers Common staging location used by visitors accessing the park’s trail system Located next to the park entrance and visitor facilities. Important note Riders parking here may need to cross Vermont Route 12 to access the trail network, so caution is required when leading horses across the road. Helpful tip for equestrians The park is relatively small (about 643 acres) and only a couple Miles across, so riders can access most of the trail system from either staging location. Many riders prefer the Prosper Road lot because it tends to be quieter and easier to maneuver larger rigs.
Horse regulations
Horseback riding at Marsh-Billings-Rockefeller National Historical Park is permitted on most park trails and carriage roads and is managed to protect the forest ecosystem and historic landscape. However, several key regulations and guidelines apply for riders in the park. Riding Areas Horses are allowed on most carriage roads and trails throughout the park, but riders should avoid using the Precipice Trail and North Peak Trail, which are not suitable for equestrian travel. Seasonal Use Equestrian use is generally allowed during the non-winter months and when trail conditions are dry. Trails may close or become unsuitable during wet conditions to prevent erosion and trail damage. Trailer Parking Horse trailers may park at: • Prosper Road parking lot (primary equestrian staging area) • Billings Farm & Museum overflow lot on the east side of the park. Carriage Use Horse-drawn carriages are allowed but must contact the park in advance to make arrangements before arrival. Tethering Horses When not riding, horses should be properly tethered, and animals that paw or dig may need to be hobbled to prevent damage to the ground. Horses should also be tied at least 200 feet away from streams or ponds. Trail Etiquette Riders are expected to: • Maintain control of horses at all times • Ride single file where trails narrow • Share trails with hikers and other visitors • Avoid creating new trails or damaging vegetation.
Getting here
Use 69 Old River Rd, Woodstock, Vermont as your primary planning reference before you haul in. Prosper Road Trailhead Parking Lot Location: Prosper Road on the west side of the park, Woodstock, Vermont. Why riders use it Primary equestrian staging area with space suitable for horse trailers Direct access to the park’s carriage road and trail network Quieter access point with fewer visitors and vehicles than the main park entrance Convenient entry to many of the park’s ~20 Miles of carriage roads and trails open to horseback riding. Billings Farm & Museum Overflow Parking Lot Location: Near 69 Old River Road, Woodstock, Vermont, across Route 12 from the park. Why riders use it Large overflow parking area that can accommodate horse trailers Common staging location used by visitors accessing the park’s trail system Located next to the park entrance and visitor facilities. Important note Riders parking here may need to cross Vermont Route 12 to access the trail network, so caution is required when leading horses across the road. Helpful tip for equestrians The park is relatively small (about 643 acres) and only a couple Miles across, so riders can access most of the trail system from either staging location. Many riders prefer the Prosper Road lot because it tends to be quieter and easier to maneuver larger rigs.
Planning your visit
Riding at Marsh-Billings-Rockefeller is relatively accessible compared with many national parks, but there are several practical things horse travelers should know before planning a visit. Limited Trailer Staging The park has only two practical horse-trailer parking areas, and the Prosper Road lot is typically preferred because it is quieter and easier to maneuver large rigs. Shared Trail Network The trails are shared with hikers and walkers, especially near the popular Pogue Loop and Mount Tom trails, so riders should expect frequent encounters with other visitors. Winter Trail Changes In winter, many carriage roads are groomed for cross-country skiing and snowshoeing, and equestrian access may be restricted during this period. Compact Park Size The park is relatively small, and the entire trail system can be explored in a few hours. Riders looking for longer rides often connect to nearby regional trail networks around Woodstock. Historic Landscape Protection The park protects a historic conservation landscape and working forest. Riders should remain on designated trails and avoid disturbing historic features or sensitive areas such as The Pogue pond. No Entrance Fee The park has no entrance fee, making it one of the more accessible national park sites for equestrian day trips.
Where to stay
Billings Farm & Museum is the main visitor-contact point tied to this destination, which is helpful when you want current conditions, maps, and stock-use updates before riding. Guided or concession-based riding support is noted here, so riders who are not hauling their own horses may still find an access path into the experience. For a polished trip plan, pair the ride with lodging, fuel, and resupply planning in or near Woodstock before heading deeper into federal-land access points.
Park map
Trails
No trails synced for this park yet.
Campgrounds
No campgrounds listed for this park.
Points of interest
Billings Farm & Museum
POITwo sites make up the historic Billings estate: Marsh-Billings-Rockefeller National Historical Park and the Billings Farm & Museum. The Billings estate has modeled responsible forestry and farming practices since the mid-1800s. Each family left a lasting influence on conservation and agriculture in America. Today, the National Park Service manages the Forest, while the charitable non-profit Woodstock Foundation managed the Farm.
Carriage Barn Visitor Center
POIThe Carriage Barn was built on the foundation of an earlier stable in 1895 to house the Billings Family horses, carriages and sleighs. The building is currently used as the headquarters and visitor center for Marsh-Billings-Rockefeller National Historical Park. The building is open 10am-5pm, Memorial Day weekend until October 31. The building contains an exhibit on conservation stewardship, a bookstore, reading area, and restrooms.
Champlain Valley National Heritage Partnership
POIThe Champlain Valley National Heritage Partnership includes the interconnected waterways of Lake Champlain, Lake George, the Champlain Canal and portions of the Upper Hudson River in Vermont and New York. The region is the ancestral homeland of Algonquin and Iroquois peoples and, over the past 400 years, has played a vital role in the history of the United States and Canada.
Faulkner Park Trailhead
POIThe Faulkner Trail is a popular hike featuring gentle switchbacks that build up to an incredible panoramic view of Woodstock from the South Peak of Mount Tom. Most of the hike gradually gains elevation, leading to a scenic overlook with a bench. The last 100 yards to the summit is strenuous. At this section of the trail, a handrail assists walkers with the uneven footing up the steep terrain to the peak. Ensure firmness before use. Please do not cut switchbacks.
Forest Center
POIThe Forest Center is a classroom and meeting space at Marsh-Billings-Rockefelelr National Historical Park. It is the first building in the National Park system constructed entirely with Forest Stewardship Council (FSC) certified wood. A partnership project of the National Park Service and The Woodstock Foundation, the Forest Center has been awarded Platinum Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) certification by the U.S. Green Building Council.
Gardens at Marsh-Billings-Rockefeller NHP
POIToday, the gardens at Marsh-Billings-Rockefeller National Historical Park include an azalea and rhododendron garden, rock garden, cutting garden, a hemlock hedgerow, a dense stand of Norway spruce, and many other plantings, all expressing the many-layered design and development of the gardens and grounds through four generations of dedicated stewardship.
Horse Shed at Marsh-Billings-Rockefeller National Historical Park
POIThe Horse Shed, designed by Theodor Muller and built in 1961, was originally constructed to house Mary Rockefeller's horses. This rehabilitated Rockefeller Horse Shed was designed by SAS Architects of Burlington, VT. The building is off the grid with a vertically integrated 230 watt solar photovoltaic system. The Horse Shed now acts as an Artist-in-Residence studio for Marsh-Billings-Rockefeller National Historical Park.
Marsh-Billings-Rockefeller Mansion
POIOriginally built in 1805 by Charles Marsh Sr., father of George Perkins Marsh, the federal-style brick house was sold to Frederick Billings in 1869. Billings renovated the home into a Queen Anne style mansion. In 1954, Billings' granddaughter, Mary French Rockefeller, inherited the home and estate with her husband, Laurance Rockefeller. In 1992, the couple donated the property to the National Park Service. Interior tours are available May-October.
Pogue Brook
POIPogue Brook Trailhead
POIProsper Road Trailhead at Marsh-Billings-Rockefeller National Historical Park
POIThe Prosper Road trailhead begins in a small parking lot on Prosper Road, on the western side of Marsh-Billings-Rockefeller National Historical Park.
South Peak on Mount Tom
POISouth Peak hosts a beautiful, panoramic view of the Village of Woodstock and beyond. South Peak is also home to the Woodstock town star, which is lit on winter nights and can be seen as far as Taftsville.
Spring Lot
POISpring Lot Bridge
POIThe Belvedere
POIThe Belvedere Complex consists of the Belvedere, the Bowling Alley, the Garden Workshop, the Greenhouse, and the outdoor swimming pool. It was designed in the 1870s by architect Detlef Lienau for the Billings family. In the 1950s, the Rockefellers hired architect Theodor Muller to renovate the Belvedere's interior including the Bowling Alley and soda fountain. A fallout shelter was added in the 1960s. Interior tours are available May-October.
The Bungalow at Marsh-Billings-Rockefeller National Historical Park
POIThe Bungalow, located on the hill adjacent to the Mansion, is a Craftsman-style building constructed in 1916-17. It was designed as a secluded retreat by Harold Van Buren Magonigle for Mary Montague Billings French, daughter of Frederick Billings. The Bungalow remained unchanged until 1959 when the daughter of Mrs. French, Mary French Rockefeller, commissioned architect Theodor Muller of New York to renovate the building. The bungalow interior is closed to the public.
The Pogue
POIDuring George Perkins Marsh's time on this land, the Pogue was a spring-fed fen. Frederick Billings dredged and dammed it in the 1880s to provide water for his estate. The Pogue provides a diversity of habitats for wildlife, including fish, turtles, frogs, ducks, herons.
Woodbarn at Marsh-Billings-Rockefeller National Historical Park
POIThe Woodbarn was built between 1875-1876 to accommodate Frederick Billings' forestry operations. Timber products were processed in the adjoining yard then stored in the Woodbarn. It was restored by the National Park Service in 2008 and adapted for storage of the park's historic carriage collection. The Woodbarn features an exhibit called, The Mount Tom Forest: A Legacy of Stewardship. The interior is open to the public 10am-4pm between Memorial Day weekend-October.
Things to do
BARK Ranger Program at Marsh-Billings-Rockefeller National Historical Park
As long as you both follow the BARK Ranger rules, you can take your leashed dog (or cat!) to any outdoor area in the park. How fun to share the trail or hiking in the backcountry with your companion critter! Stop by the Carriage Barn Visitor Center to get your BARK ranger certificate.
Duration: 5-15 Minutes
Become a Junior Ranger at Marsh-Billings-Rockefeller National Historical Park
Marsh-Billings-Rockefeller Junior Ranger Program
Play in the Park at Marsh-Billings-Rockefeller NHP
Enjoy lawn games on the Mansion lawn and porch every weekend, all summer long (weather permitting). Play classic games like croquet, bochee ball, and checkers, or modern twists like Giant Jenga!
Valley Quests at Marsh-Billings-Rockefeller National Historical Park
Valley Quests at Marsh-Billings-Rockefeller NHP
Duration: 1-3 Hours
Visit the Mansion
The Marsh-Billings-Rockefeller Mansion exterior, gardens, and grounds are open year-round from dawn to dusk. Tours of the interior mansion are available from Memorial Day Weekend-October 31. Tours focus on the history of the conservation movement and the parts played by the generations of families that lived in the home. Tours sell out quickly and advanced reservations are recommended. See details for more opportunities to see inside the home.
Duration: 5-75 Minutes
Visitor centers
Billings Farm & Museum Visitor Center (Partner Visitor Center in Shared Parking Area)
This Visitor Center is not operated by the National Park Service. The Billings Farm & Museum is a park partner organization that shares the historic estate of Marsh-Billings-Rockefeller National Historical Park. Passport stamps are available at this location when the Carriage Barn Visitor Center is closed. For the most up to date and accurate information about the Billings Farm & Museum, visit http://www.billingsfarm.org.
Get directionsCarriage Barn Visitor Center
Built on the foundation of an earlier stable in 1895 to house the Billings' horses and carriages, this building is currently used as the HQ and visitor center for Marsh-Billings-Rockefeller NHP. Explore the exhibit, "A Place in the Land", visit the bookstore, or sign up for programs (advanced reservations preferred). Junior Ranger books and passport stamps are available at this location. Open five days a week, Friday-Monday (closed Tues/Weds) from 10am to 5pm, Memorial Day weekend (late May) to Oct 31.
Get directions
Hours of operation
Marsh-Billings-Rockefeller National Historical Park
The park's 20 miles of trails & carriage roads are open dawn till dusk for hiking & equestrian use. The Carriage Barn Visitor Center is open five days a week, Thursday-Monday (closed Tues/Weds) 10:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m., from Memorial Day Weekend-October 31. Ranger-led programs are available Thursday-Monday (no programs on Tues/Weds). Programs sell out quickly. Reserve in advance on Recreation.gov.
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Activities
Weather
The weather in Vermont is dramatic and varied depending on location, terrain, distance from a body of water like Lake Champlain, and elevation and can change from year to year. In the Woodstock area, summer daily high temperatures range between 60 to 80 degrees, with some days reaching into the 90s. Winter is Vermont's longest season and temps in winter vary more than those in summer. Common to experience freezing temperatures from Nov to March, many sub-zero days, seasonal snowfall averages 80 inches.
Contact
Photos
Stay near this park
No horse-friendly stays listed near Marsh - Billings - Rockefeller National Historical Park yet. Know a great barn or property? Help fellow riders by listing it.
List your propertyDirections
Shared parking is at the Billings Farm & Museum. If using a GPS, please enter "Billings Farm & Museum". If you'd like to watch the park film, begin your visit at the Billings Farm & Museum Visitor Center. To enter Marsh-Billings-Rockefeller National Historical Park, take the paved path to the right of the Billings Farm & Museum Visitor Center, walk up and cross the street, and then take the left fork to reach the National Park Carriage Barn Visitor Center. Accessible parking available next to the Mansion.
Source: nps.gov