Winter Naturalist Series 2025

Discover the Winter Wonders of Woodstock at Marsh-Billings-Rockefeller National Historical Park!

Marsh-Billings-Rockefeller National Historical Park and the Woodstock Inn & Resort Nordic Center are thrilled to present the 2025 Winter Naturalist Series! Join knowledgeable National Park naturalists for guided snowshoe hikes and cross-country ski adventures amidst the breathtaking scenery of winter in Woodstock, VT.

Advanced registration is required for all Winter Naturalist Series programs. See below for more information on upcoming Guided Snowshoe Experiences and Nordic Ski Adventures!

Weather Disclaimer: Programs will be canceled in the event of unsafe weather or trail conditions. Participants who have registered will receive an email notification in advance once a cancellation has been determined. Additionally, the cancellation will be posted on the Marsh-Billings-Rockefeller Calendar.

Guided Snowshoe Experiences

Travel through the enchanting forest of Mt. Tom on snowshoes! Whether you're a beginner or have some experience, everyone is welcome to learn the basics while discovering the winter landscape.

• No trail pass required for this program on the multi-use trail.
• Snowshoes and trekking poles provided by Marsh-Billings-Rockefeller NHP.

Snowshoe Experience Dates:
Please register in advance.

• January 8, 2025; 10:00 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.
• February 5, 2025; 10:00 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.
• March 5, 2025; 10:00 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. CANCELLED
• March 19, 2025; 10:00 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.

Location:

• Snowshoeing begins at the Marsh-Billings-Rockefeller NHP Forest Center. Parking at Billings Farm & Museum. For GPS: 69 Old River Rd., Woodstock, VT 05091.

Cost:

Admission to all Winter Naturalist Series programs are free! Rental and trail pass costs apply for Nordic Ski Adventure Programs (see Woodstock Inn Nordic Center for details).

What to Bring:

• Winter boots (sneakers are not recommended)
• Snowshoes (if you have your own, also available to borrow on site)
• Trekking poles (if you have your own, also available to borrow on site)
• Water bottle
• Small day pack/hip pack
• Warm clothing and layers

Location & Directions:

• The Guided Snowshoe Experience program meets at the Marsh-Billings-Rockefeller Forest Center.
• Parking for Marsh-Billings-Rockefeller National Historical Park is at Billings Farm & Museum, just off Route 12, 1/2 mile north of Woodstock. Click here for Google Maps directions. From Woodstock, cross the iron bridge, take a right onto Old River Road, and the Visitor Center lot is immediately on the right.
• Free parking is available in two lots: the main lot adjacent to the Visitor Center and an overflow lot across the street, which accommodates larger vehicles and buses.
• To enter Marsh-Billings-Rockefeller National Historical Park from the Billings Farm & Museum, take the paved path next to the flag pole, walk up and cross Elm St via the crosswalk, take the right fork, and walk up the short trail to the Forest Center.

Contact:

For more information, email Abigail Charlebois at abigail_charlebois@partner.nps.gov.

Nordic Ski Adventures

Embrace the thrill of cross-country skiing as you glide along groomed carriage roads and immerse yourself in northern hardwood forests. Our naturalists will lead you through moderate trails (rated green and blue), designed for intermediate to advanced skiers.

• Recommended Skill Level: Intermediate and above.
• Trail passes required, available to purchase in advance at the Woodstock Inn & Resort Nordic Center ($20-35 per day).
• Ski rentals available to rent in advance at the Woodstock Inn & Resort Nordic Center, or feel free to bring your own gear.

Nordic Ski Adventure Dates:
Please register in advance.

• January 15th, 2025; 10:00 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.
• January 29th, 2025; 10:00 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.
• February 12th, 2025; 10:00 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.
• February 26th, 2025; 10:00 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.
• NEW DATE ADDED: March 12, 2025; 10:00 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.

Location & Directions:

• Nordic Ski Adventures meet at the Prosper Road Trailhead.
• To access the Prosper Rd parking lot from West Woodstock, turn north onto Prosper Road from West Woodstock Rd/Route 4 and drive 2 miles. The parking lot will be on your right.
  To access the parking lot from Barnard, turn south onto Prosper Rd from Barnard Rd/Route 12 and drive 0.6 miles. The parking lot will be on your left after passing the Prosper Rd cemetery.
• Cell service is extremely limited. Plan ahead before trying to locate this trailhead. Google Maps Directions.

Cost:
Admission to all Winter Naturalist Series programs are free. Rental and trail pass costs apply for Nordic Ski Adventure Programs (see Woodstock Inn Nordic Center for details).

What to Bring:

• Cross-country ski equipment (available to rent in advance at the Woodstock Inn & Resort Nordic Center)
• Trekking poles
• Water bottle
• Small day pack/hip pack
• Warm clothing and layers

Contact:

For more information, email Abigail Charlebois at abigail_charlebois@partner.nps.gov.