Although known as a premier mountain biking destination, there are 300 acres of bird habitat to explore at Pine Hill Park in Rutland City.
Two ponds, Rocky and Muddy, just outside the northeast boundary of the park make a worthwhile destination. Muddy Pond in early spring and again in the fall is worth checking for ducks and shorebirds. The hemlocks along the south shore of Muddy Pond are a good spot to find Golden-crowned Kinglets.
A nice variety of warblers can be found in migration and throughout the summer season. Power line cuts through the park provide brushy habitat for nesting and feeding such as Common Yellowthroat and Indigo Bunting.
In winter all the resident species such as woodpeckers, nuthatches, and finches are easy to find. It is not uncommon to hear a Barred Owl. In deep snow, snowshoes may be necessary.
Please be alert to mountain bikers and runners, especially at intersections and turns. Be sure to respect the private property bounding the park. Occasionally the park hosts biking and running events so check the Pine Hill Park website.
Pine Hill Park offers 17 miles of single-track trail spread over 325 acres of terrain offering some of the very best mountain biking, trail running, hiking, walking, snowshoeing, and geocaching in the central Vermont region. (Sorry, no motorized vehicles on any of the trails). The Carriage Trail and Redfield trails add another great component to the trail system. These are primarily old logging roads with forests and views.
The TrailFinder website has a description and map of a hike at Pine Hill Park.
Restrooms on site
Wheelchair accessible trail
Entrance fee
Content from Official Website and Susan Elliott, Rutland County Audubon Society
Last updated October 7, 2023