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Take a horse-drawn wagon ride, try your hand at woodworking, or explore the forest on a guided nature walk. Witness the whole forest product cycle in action, from logging, to board cutting with a portable sawmill to woodcraft demonstrations. Visit activity hubs to meet foresters, local artisans, and community organizers. During Forest Festival, all park programs are free. No reservations are needed. Adults and children are welcome.
NPS Photo Scheduled ActivitiesUnless otherwise noted, all ranger talks will begin at the Hikes Start Here sign at the entrance to the Pony Pasture, at the top of the Junior Ranger Loop. Carriage rides and the accessible shuttle will stop at this location.Layers of the Forested Landscape Hike | 10:30 a.m. to 12:00 p.m.Join special guest Walter Poleman (University of Vermont) on a hike that highlights the geology and ecology of the Mount Tom landscape, exploring everything from the fascinating rock layers to the lush canopy above. Please bring water and wear proper footwear for a moderate hike. Live Music from John McClintock | 11:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m.Bring a picnic, blanket, or chairs, and enjoy live music in the pony pasture. John McClintock is a singer-songwriter based in Tunbridge, VT, where he lives with his family. Armed with his guitar, he will be performing primarily rock covers from the 70s and 80s, along with selections from various genres and time periods. With years of experience playing at numerous festivals and weddings, John is passionate about entertaining his audience. Mansion Open House | 12:30 p.m. to 2:30 p.m.A ranger will be stationed outside the Mansion providing introductory talks and assigning entry times. There will also be a ranger inside to answer questions. Visitors enter through the front of the home and exit through the back into the garden. Six people may enter the home at a time. No reservations are required, but we recommend arriving early to secure your spot. Live Music from Ali T | 1:00 p.m. to 3:00 p.m.Bring a picnic, blanket, or chairs, and enjoy live music in the pony pasture. Alison Turner, better known as Ali T, is an indie-pop singer-songwriter based in Vermont. Influenced by pop/rock anthems of the early 2000s, the songstress performs original favorites and puts her own spin on popular tunes. Ali’s music is available on all streaming platforms. Visit sheisalit.com for music and more. Stewardship in the 21st Century Hike | 11:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m.Join Ranger Jacob on a hike along the Junior Ranger loop to discuss the conservation practices employed in the Mount Tom forest, the threats it faces, and how the National Park Service is addressing these challenges. Our Forest Community Hike | 12:00 p.m. to 12:30 p.m.Join Ranger Jen for a short adventure as you explore the vibrant forest community of Mount Tom Forest. Discover how this ecosystem resembles our own communities in so many ways. Ecotone Trail: Where Habitat and Music Intersect | 1:00 p.m. to 2:30 p.m.Join 2024 Artist-in-Residence Ellen Smith Ahern to explore the sound trail she is developing in collaboration with VT-based sound artist Menghan Wang. Walk a loop of the park that takes you through multiple ecotones, where forest habitat meets meadow, brook, and road. You'll stop at three locations along the trail to listen to original compositions created with sound samples from wildlife, elements, and human presence within the park itself. Participants will be guided through embodied listening practices, creating space for questions and conversation along the way. Terrain: The trail includes gentle elevation changes. Please wear comfortable, supportive shoes and be prepared to stand or sit along the trail to fully engage with the sound compositions.
Layers of the Forested Landscape Hike | 1:30 p.m. to 3:00 p.m.Join special guest Walter Poleman (University of Vermont) on a hike that highlights the geology and ecology of the Mount Tom landscape, exploring everything from the fascinating rock layers to the lush canopy above. Stewardship in the 21st Century Hike | 2:00 p.m. - 3:00 p.m.Join Ranger Jacob on a hike along the Junior Ranger loop to discuss the conservation practices employed in the Mount Tom forest, the threats it faces, and how the National Park Service is addressing these challenges. Our Forest Community Hike | 3:00 p.m. to 3:30 p.m.Join Ranger Jen for a short adventure as you explore the vibrant forest community of Mount Tom Forest. Discover how this ecosystem resembles our own communities in so many ways. 
NPS Photo / Burton All Day Activities | 10:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.Horse-Drawn Carriage Rides | Pickup at Park Entrance, Pony Pasture, & Carriage Barn Visitor CenterTake a horse-drawn carriage ride to event stations throughout the park with horses from Billings Farm & Museum. Junior Ranger Hub | Pony PastureJoin us at the Junior Ranger Hub for activities suitable for visitors of all ages:
Moon & Stars Food Truck | Pony PastureVisit the Moon & Stars Food Truck to purchase delicious arepas and empanadas made with local ingredients. Don't miss out on these flavorful treats! Portable Sawmill Demonstration | Pony PastureWatch sustainable forestry in action by F&F Millworks. Timbersports Demonstration | Pony PastureMeet the University of Vermont Timbersports Team! Demonstrations will include log chopping, manual sawing, and chainsaw crosscuts. Outreach Tables | Pony PastureLearn from local community organizers about local forest practices, including:
Woodcraft Demonstrations & Vendors | Carriage Barn Visitor Center Entrance2024 featured artisans include:
Artist-in-Residence Exhibit | Carriage Barn Visitor CenterView the body of work created by 2024 Artists-in-Residence. Historic Carriage Display | Woodbarn ExhibitTake a short hike to the Woodbarn Exhibit to view a special exhibition featuring a historic carriage up close that has been recently conserved. Learn about the carriage and sled collection, the history of the carriage roads, and the efforts involved in conserving these remarkable vehicles! |
Last updated: September 7, 2024