Rolston Rest

Spanning 2,744 acres of dense forest, headwater streams, and scenic peaks, Rolston Rest is a recreationalist’s dream. It contains 3 miles of the iconic Long Trail—a hiking route spanning the entire north-south length of Vermont—as well as the Catamount Trail and a stretch of the new, multiuse Velomont Trail. Notably, Rolston Rest serves as the viewshed for the nearby iconic Appalachian National Scenic Trail and has long been a popular destination for hikers, hunters, and skiers. Beyond its beloved recreational opportunities, the landscape hosts important habitat for bobcat, moose, otter, and the threatened northern long-eared bat.

Rolston Rest was once the largest unprotected inholding in Vermont’s Green Mountain National Forest, meaning these beloved trail sections were at risk. To preserve this important resource, we worked closely with partners to add it to the Green Mountain National Forest. Now that this beloved forest and trail sections have been protected, dozens of Vermont communities can connect with one another and the benefits of the outdoors.

The future vision for Rolston Rest includes partnering with Vermont Huts Association to build a year-round cabin at South Pond. Part of a four-season hut-to-hut network linking rural communities across the state, the hut will create a new point of access to the outdoors for generations to come.