Wardsboro: Mountains, Forest, and Local History

In Wardsboro, the Green Mountains define the landscape: mountains and hills shape the town, with the highest elevations in the south. Around 90 percent of the area is forested. Visitors looking for a vacation rental in Wardsboro will find a place whose character is shaped above all by mountain scenery, forest, and small discoveries.

Experience the Mountains and Forest

The higher elevations form the backdrop for most of the town’s notable landscape views. The Green Mountain National Forest also shapes Wardsboro: about two-thirds of the town lies within its proclamation boundary. The forest is also the largest publicly owned area in Wardsboro. These figures give an idea of how much nature and forested slopes contribute to the town’s character.

The natural surroundings offer opportunities for hiking, particularly in the extensive Green Mountain National Forest within the town. One guided hike led to the historic ruins of the Sammuel Hammond Farmstead. The remains described include a large cellar hole and a barn foundation. A hike through the forest landscape thus offers a tangible glimpse into the history of a former homestead. Wardsboro’s waterways are also home to wild populations of brook and brown trout.

Local History and Shared Traditions

Wardsboro Town Hall was built in 1907 and rebuilt after a fire in 1928. It is listed in the Vermont Register of Historic Sites. The History House is also located in Wardsboro Village. These two landmarks offer starting points for travelers who want to include the town’s history in their trip alongside scenery and outdoor activities.

Another distinctive feature is Wardsboro’s July 4th Street Fair and Parade. It has been held annually since 1949 and is described as the oldest continuously celebrated Fourth of July event in the state of Vermont. It regularly attracts about 4,000 people. The Gilfeather turnip is also part of the town’s identity: Wardsboro is considered the first place where it was grown and harvested. Since 2001, the whole town has celebrated the turnip.

Activities in Town and Getting Around

McMichael Town Park in Wardsboro Village has a skate park. In winter, the skate area can be flooded for ice skating when volunteers set up the necessary equipment. When planning your trip, you can take into account the distinction between the skate park and the winter option, which depends on volunteers setting it up.

The state-maintained Vermont Route 100 runs alongside Wardsboro Brook in Wardsboro, from the western boundary with Stratton to the northern boundary with Jamaica. It is 7.4 miles long within the town and provides regional access to the 46.8-mile network of town-maintained roads.

When choosing a vacation rental, consider which aspects of Wardsboro you want to shape your vacation: hiking and mountain scenery, local history, or the town’s distinctive traditions. Families traveling with children can consider the skate park as a specific activity; the winter option depends on volunteers setting it up.

If you’d like to explore more town pages: Newfane, Whitingham, Brattleboro, Dummerston, Putney, Rockingham, Halifax and Stratton.

For the broader travel overview: Windham County.