Taconic Ramble State Park
State park · Rutland County ·

Taconic Ramble State Park

State park · Rutland County ·

Japanese gardens, meadows, waterfalls, and mountain views

Taconic Ramble State Park by null
Taconic Ramble State Park by avermonter (Atlas Obscura User)
Taconic Ramble State Park by avermonter (Atlas Obscura User)
Taconic Ramble State Park by Eastcoastexplorer (Atlas Obscura User)
Taconic Ramble State Park by avermonter (Atlas Obscura User)
Taconic Ramble State Park by avermonter (Atlas Obscura User)
Taconic Ramble State Park by null
Taconic Ramble State Park by null
Taconic Ramble State Park by null
Taconic Ramble State Park by null
Taconic Ramble State Park by null
Taconic Ramble State Park by null
Taconic Ramble State Park by null
Taconic Ramble State Park by null
Taconic Ramble State Park by null
Taconic Ramble State Park by null
Taconic Ramble State Park by null
Taconic Ramble State Park by null
Taconic Ramble State Park by null
Taconic Ramble State Park by null
Taconic Ramble State Park by null
Taconic Ramble State Park by null
Taconic Ramble State Park by null
Taconic Ramble State Park by null
Taconic Ramble State Park by null

Information

321 St John Rd, Castleton, VT 05735 Get directions

Information

Static Map

321 St John Rd, Castleton, VT 05735 Get directions

+1 802 353 8027
vtstateparks.com
@vtstateparks
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@VTStateParks

Features

wheelchair accessible parking lot

Last updated

Nov 4, 2025

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9 Places That Might Help You Find a Little Calm

"The Taconic Mountain Ramble is just a few miles from the Hubbardton Battlefield, the site of the only Revolutionary War battle in the state of Vermont.  The 204-acre property was a labor of love for Carson “Kit” Davidson, a New Yorker who acquired the property in 1966 and spent his days blazing trails and designing the site’s Japanese gardens. The Ramble is home to waterfalls, ponds, bridges, meadows, sheer rock cliffs, and views of the rolling hills. Its centerpiece is the garden itself, complete with small stone shrines surrounded by water features.  Hiking trails welcome visitors of all abilities, from meandering paths through wildflower meadows—to rocky climbs that reward visitors with views from the top of Mount Zion. The view also encompasses the battlefield. Davidson allowed curious locals to enjoy the land for decades, and after his death in 2016, the property was turned over to the Vermont Department of Forests, Parks, and Recreation for the enjoyment of the public." - ATLAS_OBSCURA

https://www.atlasobscura.com/lists/9-places-to-get-calm
avermonter (Atlas Obscura User)
Taconic Ramble State Park

Julia

Google
This was such a beautiful park. Me and my family went on the garden trail. It wasn’t long at all maybe a 10 min walk at most before you got to the Japanese garden! I definitely recommend.

Haran R.

Google
An absolutely beautiful hidden gem of a park. I could’ve sat right off the parking area for hours, staring at the Mountain View.

Kathryn C.

Google
Didn't get to explore as much as I'd have liked to as it was getting close to dusk but had a really lovely little walk through the Japanese garden and meadow trails. Good place to stop, trench your legs and take in some easy sites. Want to come back to explore some of the longer trails.

Bryan N.

Google
This is one of, if not, my favorite places in Vermont. It is so beautiful!

Shar D

Google
Trust the location Google Maps brings you to. I felt like it just cut off at a random street until I saw the red painted, "state park" sign with an arrow pointing towards the park. The views were absolutely stunning. I recommend walking through the meadows to get to the zen garden. All one could hear was the busy buzzing of bumblebees flying against the wind. The entrance contains ample parking and a few picnic tables. I visited on a Sunday at 10:00 AM and encountered only 2 other people for the entirety of the visit.

B B

Google
The zen garden is peaceful, with several nice spots to sit. It is not a cultivated Japanese garden, but is is a lovely quiet space. We took the trail out of the zen garden up Mt Zion. Overall it was well maintained, but had a couple of sketchy, barely-a-trail spots. Led to some lovely views. Rather than turning back the way we came, we took the Alyssa trail back down. The map showed it going back just behind the parking lot, so it seemed like a good idea. If you consider yourself a technical, adventure hiker, or you like to climb, perhaps this would be a great trail for you. Going down was 85% scramble and rock face. It was terrifying. I went down most of it on my butt. It was not a good idea. So if you're taking Alyssa trail from the parking lot, be aware that it's deceivingly pretty and easy for maybe a quarter mile. Once you hit that first rock scramble, it'll be mostly straight up.

Cynthia G.

Google
Absolutely gorgeous! the drive in is a bit rough, I met up with a bus going opposite way, had to back for a while so we could pass. But, soooo worth it. the hiking, the views, so peaceful and there's no charge to get in

Hilda B.

Google
I drove from Boston, which was quite a drive. I had high hopes for this stop. I was sorely disappointed. There are plenty of trails to walk. The open fields are inviting. The let down concerning a "Japanese garden" was immediate. It's scarcely that at all. I do see effort to create a fun experience & for kids, sure it's great. For me, who went hoping to have a great photo opportunity, it was not at all what I had imagined for it being on a top 10 things to do in Vermont in the spring. If you go for hiking, you should be pleased. The road leading to the parking area seems more like it would take you to the home that's just after the turn. Follow the dirt road beyond the home to find parking about 1/4 mile further up. If you want to tire small kids, bring them along for the small arched bridges and open fields. There is a less than 10 minute walk to get to the "Japanese garden" which is predominantly a zig zag downhil walk. Keep that in mind when coming with children. They may plead to be carried back. (Which 1 young girl did as I was approaching them.)