Chittenden Between Forest, Reservoir, and History

Those considering Chittenden for a trip will find forest landscapes, a large body of water, a long-distance hiking trail, and glimpses into the town’s history. Chittenden Reservoir lies in the southern central part of the town; the Long Trail crosses the Mt. Carmel State Forest from north to south. There are also a variety of recreational uses and historic points of interest. When looking for a vacation rental, it is worth first asking whether nature and trails or local history will play a greater role in your stay.

Reservoir and Forest Landscape

Chittenden Reservoir covers approximately 721 acres. It is located in southern central Chittenden, making it a specific point of interest for anyone interested in the town’s waterscape. The Green Mountain National Forest covers 31,411 acres within the town boundary. The reservoir and national forest represent different landscape features: a large body of water on one hand and an extensive forest on the other. If you are deciding whether Chittenden is right for your trip, these natural features can be a starting point—without requiring you to plan your stay around just one activity.

Hiking the Long Trail

The Long Trail crosses the Mt. Carmel State Forest in Chittenden from north to south. It is the oldest long-distance hiking trail in the United States and is used for hiking and camping in Chittenden. Its route gives the trail a clear north–south orientation, so you can consider it a focus of your trip planning if you are interested in long-distance trails. The Mt. Carmel State Forest can also be reached via the New Boston Trail, a side trail of the Long Trail.

Another named option in town is the Chittenden Brook Camping Area. It is currently used for camping, hiking, and fishing. Hiking and camping are also available on the Long Trail; the Chittenden Brook Camping Area adds fishing to these options. Thus, the named recreational offerings differ not only in location and name but also in the activities specifically listed. When planning your trip, consider which of these options best suits your stay.

Winter Recreation

Chittenden also has different trail options for winter recreation. Trails maintained by the Vermont Association of Snow Travelers (VAST) run throughout Chittenden and are used for snowmobiling and other recreational activities where permitted. Trails maintained by the Catamount Cross Country Ski Association also run throughout Chittenden; they are used for cross-country skiing and other recreational activities where permitted.

Local History and More to Discover

The Holden Historic District is one of two historic districts designated by the State of Vermont in Chittenden. The Chittenden Historical Society organizes educational excursions and hikes exploring the early history of the Town of Chittenden. This offers a different perspective on the town than its nature and recreational offerings: history is explicitly the focus of these excursions and hikes. The Dwight D. Eisenhower National Fish Hatchery is also located in western central Chittenden. It is classified as a tourist attraction and lies entirely within the Town of Chittenden.

When choosing a vacation rental in Chittenden, you can consider which aspect of the town you want your trip to center on: the forest and hiking trails, the various recreational activities, or local history. This lets you choose Chittenden based on the experiences that interest you, rather than assuming a particular location or set of amenities for your accommodation.

More town pages: Castleton, Brandon, Mendon, Danby, Shrewsbury, Killington, Rutland.

For the broader travel overview: Rutland County.