Mount Tom and The Pogue loop

The trail is located within the Marsh-Billings-Rockefeller National Historical Park in Woodstock, Vermont. You can typically find parking near the Carriage Barn Visitor Center, which serves as a common starting point for trails in the park. The trail is also within walking distance from Woodstock Village.

This moderate hike, covering approximately 7.1 km (4.4 miles), usually takes around 2 hours and 3 minutes to complete. This duration allows for enjoying the scenery and the varied terrain.

The trail primarily follows graded carriage roads, offering a relatively gentle walking surface. However, it's not uniformly flat. While much of the climb to Mount Tom's South Peak is gradual, some sections, like the last 100 yards to the summit via the Faulkner Trail, can be strenuous and steep. The loop around The Pogue is mostly gentle, and the path includes both unpaved and paved sections.

Key highlights include the Carriage Barn Visitor Center, the stunning View from Faulkner Trail on Mount Tom, and the picturesque The Pogue. From Mount Tom's South Peak, you'll get panoramic western views of the Green Mountains and southern views of Woodstock Village.

The trail is enjoyable in various seasons. Fall is particularly spectacular due to the vibrant autumn foliage, which reflects beautifully in The Pogue. However, the diverse forest stands offer beauty year-round. Winter hiking is also possible, with the Woodstock Town Star visible from the summit during winter nights.

Yes, dogs are permitted on-leash on the trails within the Marsh-Billings-Rockefeller National Historical Park, including the Mount Tom and The Pogue loop. Please ensure your dog remains under control and on a leash at all times.

The Marsh-Billings-Rockefeller National Historical Park generally does not charge an entrance fee for accessing its trails. However, it's always a good idea to check the official NPS website (nps.gov) for the most current information on any potential fees or regulations before your visit.

The Mount Tom and The Pogue loop is rated as easy to moderate, making it accessible to a range of hikers, including families. While much of the trail is on accessible carriage roads, there are gradual climbs and specific steep sections, particularly when ascending to the peaks of Mount Tom. Good fitness is recommended for the steeper parts.

You'll pass through diverse, actively managed forest stands with various tree species like Norway spruce, sugar maple, and eastern hemlock. The Pogue pond itself is a tranquil spot. Keep an eye out for wildlife such as great blue herons and barred owls, which may be spotted in the area.

Yes, the route utilizes and intersects with several other trails within the park's network. You'll find yourself on sections of the Mountain Road Carriage Path, Precipice Trail, North Peak Trail, Stewardship Trail, and the Pogue Lakeside Trail, among others, as you complete the loop.

The Pogue is a 14-acre man-made pond, created in the 1880s by Frederick Billings. It's rumored to be bottomless and offers a beautiful, tranquil setting surrounded by forests and rolling hills. It's a popular destination in itself and a picturesque feature of the loop.