Things To Do Recreation
Bennington and the surrounding area offer an abundance of opportunities for outdoor adventures. State parks, mountain lakes, swimming holes, and hikes for all ages and abilities abound. Bennington is nestled into the southwest corner of the Green Mountains and is a favorite stopping point along the Appalachian and Long Trails. For the casual walker there is no shortage of beautiful scenic walks with pastoral views and historic sites. The new Bennington Rail Trail beckons cyclists of all ages.
When temperatures drop, some of the best cross-country skiing and snow shoeing in the Northeast has brought the U.S. National Snowshoe competition to Prospect Mountain twice in the past five years.
There are several first-class alpine ski resorts within an hour’s drive of Bennington: Mount Snow, Bromley Mountain, Stratton Mountain, Jiminy Peak, and Berkshire East. Bennington is perfectly situated as a convenient and comfortable ‘base of operation’ for the entire southern Vermont/northern Berkshires area.
Breathtaking mountain views abound from every hole on our 18-hole championship golf course. For rainy day activities, Bennington has indoor golf simulator, a tennis bubble, and more.
Hikes
This southwestern corner of Vermont offers offer a plethora of easily-accessible scenic hiking venues for all different ages and fitness levels. Ranging from easy country strolls to gnarly scrambles up steep mountains, visitors will find there are wonderful hiking opportunities for everyone.
Mile Around Woods
This scenic private preserve, adjacent to the historic Park McCullough House, is dedicated to conservation and agricultural uses. It offers a network of easy walking trails for ages 2-92 and is open to the public during daylight hours. Also known as ‘McCullough Woods’.
The Blue Trail at Bennington College
Bennington College’s beautiful bucolic campus is ideal for a relaxing country stroll. The Blue Trail, at the north end of the campus, connects to the McCullough Woods via the Aldrich trail.
Greenberg Conservation Reserve
Off Route 7, just over a mile south of downtown Bennington is a 96-acre preserve consisting of beautiful meadows, wetlands and woods. The preserve features a network of easily accessed trails.
Robert Frost Trail from Lake Paran to the Robert Frost House
This is a fun two-mile trail that connects Lake Paran in North Bennington to the historic Robert Frost House Museum on Route 7A in Shaftsbury.
BATS Trails on Mt. Anthony
Bennington Area Trail System (BATS) developed and maintains a network of biking/hiking trails on Mt. Anthony in Bennington, VT. You can access the trails via the former SVC campus on Mansion Drive off Monument Avenue just south of Old Bennington. Park near the former gym. Check out the newest exciting trail with amazing views: Zaphod’s Run!
Photo Credit: Tara Schatz
B.A.T.S Bennington Area Trail Systems
The trails start at the base of Mt. Anthony – visit website for details.
Downloadable trail maps, trail conditions and year long family friendly hiking and biking events. This volunteer run organization is also a great way for new residents to meet fellow outdoor-loving neighbors and get connected to the community.
Green Mountain Club – Bennington Section
The Green Mountain Club Bennington Section includes a diverse group of members who are passionately interested in outdoor recreation and stewardship of the land. It welcomes anyone who is interested in hiking, walking, biking, snowshoeing, cross-country skiing, trail maintenance, and other outdoor activities.
Bennington is located in the beautiful Green Mountains and boasts access to the nearby Appalachian/Long Trail, as well as many other less well-known trails.
Please visit the website to learn more about opportunities for outdoor adventures around Bennington, VT.
Greenberg Headwaters Park
A few blocks from East Main Street in downtown Bennington, this preserve features a series of trails set in 168 acres of uplands, wetlands, and streams.
More trails near Bennington in the Green Mountain National Forest
Travel a few miles east of downtown Bennington heading up Route 9 into the Green Mountain National Forest and you’ll find any number of wilderness hiking trails. The best known of these trails is the Appalachian Trail—which is also the Vermont Long Trail in this part of the state. Park at the trailhead and give it a shot, heading north or south. Get ready to climb!
There is a trailhead for Bald Mountain (aka White Rocks) right in town, off of North Branch Street Extension.
Town of Bennington Parks
Enjoy one of Bennington’s many well-maintained parks scattered throughout town.
Bennington Dog Park
Willow Park
Bennington, VT 05201
Looking for some socializing for your pup? Head over to the newly opened Bennington Dog Park at Willow Park (near the volleyball courts).
George Aiken Wildflower Trail
Bennington Museum
75 Main Street
Bennington, Vermont 05201
Beautiful, interesting, and educational trail adjacent to the Bennington Museum.
State Parks
The Bennington area has many easily accessible State Parks with abundant hiking trails and beautiful lakes and rivers for fishing, swimming, and boating.
Lake Shaftsbury State Park
262 Shaftsbury State Park Rd
Shaftsbury, Vermont 05262
A favorite local park offering a beach, swimming, boating, and easy hiking on a beautiful nature trail. Located on scenic Route 7A 12 miles north of Bennington.
Lake Shaftsbury State Park
262 Shaftsbury State Park Rd
Shaftsbury, Vermont 05262
(802) 375-9978
Lake Paran, North Bennington
Houghton Lane
North Bennington, Vermont 05257
Lake Paran is an undeveloped 35-acre lake that provides swimming, boating and fishing opportunities for the local community. There is a full service facility on the north end with a beach, lifeguarded swimming area and clubhouse.
Lake Paran, North Bennington
Houghton Lane
North Bennington, Vermont 05257
(802) 442-8457
Woodford State Park
142 State Park Road
Bennington, Vermont 05201
Only 11 miles from downtown Bennington, Woodford State Park is like another world. Located at a significantly higher elevation than Bennington in the valley below, Woodford State Park offers cool breezes and a refreshing swim in summer and LOTS and LOTS of snow in winter. Beautiful scenery and campsites and a wonderful trail around the lake.
Woodford State Park
142 State Park Road
Bennington, Vermont 05201
(802) 447-7169
Emerald Lake State Park
65 Emerald Lake Lane
East Dorset, Vermont 05253
This is a wonderful family friendly park for swimming and boating. Pack a picnic lunch and enjoy the water. Emerald Lake State Park is off of Route 7 in East Dorset, 32 miles north of Bennington.
Emerald Lake State Park
65 Emerald Lake Lane
East Dorset, Vermont 05253
(802) 362-1655
Molly Stark State Park
705 Route 9 East
Wilmington, Vermont 05363
Enjoy this beautiful state park located on Route 9, 24 miles east Bennington. The park offers camping and a variety of hiking trails including one that leads to nearby Hogback mountain. Enjoy the views en route from the fire tower.
Molly Stark State Park
705 Route 9 East
Wilmington, Vermont 05363
(802)464-5460
Photo Credit: Tara Schatz
Road Cycling and Mountain Biking
Bennington Bike Hub
160 Benmont Ave.
Bennington, Vermont 05201
The Bike Hub is a non-profit bike shop located in the former Highlander Bicycle shop.
Open Hours: Thurs-Sat 10am-6pm.
Bennington Bike Hub
160 Benmont Ave.
Bennington, Vermont 05201
802-445-4000
Bennington Area Trail System (BATS)
From BATS Facebook page: The Bennington Area Trail System (BATS) is located in the beautiful southwestern corner of Vermont. BATS was founded by a group of local bikers, runners, and hikers that advocate for multi-use singletrack trails for the enjoyment of area residents and visitors alike.
As a non-profit 501 (c)(3), BATS works with public and private landowners to plan, build, and maintain trails for sustainable, non-motorized use in and around the Bennington, Vermont area. BATS is a proud chapter of the Vermont Mountain Bike Association (VMBA), which helps support our chapter with grants and other resources that are important to our current and future success.
Ronnie’s Cycle
2601 West Road
Bennington, Vermont 05201
Ronnie’s Cycle
2601 West Road
Bennington, Vermont 05201
(802) 447-8606
Bennington Rail Trail
The new Bennington Rail Trail provides a bike and pedestrian friendly link between downtown Bennington and the Northside Drive area. The Bennington Rail Trail begins at the western end of the Walloomsac Pathway at the public parking area located on Depot Street.
Horseback Riding
Kimberly Farms
1214 Cross Hill Rd,
North Bennington, Vermont 05257
Kimberly Farms
1214 Cross Hill Rd,
North Bennington, Vermont 05257
(802) 442-5454
Golf
Mt. Anthony Country Club
180 Country Club Dr,
Bennington, Vermont 05201
Mt. Anthony Country Club
180 Country Club Dr,
Bennington, Vermont 05201
(802) 442-2617
Sunset Playland
Route 7A,
Bennington, Vermont 05201
Family Fun Center featuring miniature golf, go-karts, and snack & dairy bar.
Tennis & Pickleball
Bennington Tennis Center
200 Lovers Ln,
Bennington, Vermont 05201
Bennington Tennis Center
200 Lovers Ln,
Bennington, Vermont 05201
(802) 447-7557
The Mill Pickleball
160 Benmont Ave
Bennington, Vermont 05201
The Mill Pickleball
160 Benmont Ave
Bennington, Vermont 05201
(802) 881-9141
Bennington Recreation Center || Tennis and Pickleball
655 Gage Street
Bennington, Vermont 05201
Skiing
Southern Vermont has some of the best downhill and cross country skiing on the East Coast
Prospect Mountain
204 Prospect Access Rd,
Woodford, Vermont 05201
World class Nordic skiing right next door to Bennington at Prospect Mountain in Woodford
Prospect Mountain
204 Prospect Access Rd,
Woodford, Vermont 05201
(802) 442-2575
Photo Credit: Paul Orr
Snowmobiling
Spectator Sports
Southern Vermont Storm Football
Willow Park
Just off of Performance Drive
Bennington, Vermont 05201
NEFL North Atlantic Conference North Division Title holders. Home games held at Willow Park, Bennington, Vermont. Click link for season schedule and more information.
Southern Vermont Storm Football
Willow Park
Just off of Performance Drive
Bennington, Vermont 05201
Back Road Ramblers
Request to have your Bennington tourism related business listing added, updated or deleted.