Woodford is located in southern Bennington County directly east of the town of Bennington. Woodford is on the crest of the Green Mountains: the western half of the town drains into the Walloomsac River of Bennington, then west to the Hudson River, while the eastern half of the town drains to the Deerfield River, a tributary of the Connecticut River.
According to the United States Census Bureau, the town has a total area of 47.6 square miles (123.3 km2), of which 47.4 square miles (122.8 km2) is land and 0.15 square miles (0.4 km2), or 0.35%, is water. Woodford’s town center lies at an elevation of 2,215 feet (675 m) above sea level, the highest of any town in the state of Vermont.
Woodford was originally granted on March 6, 1753, but due to the French and Indian Wars was not settled within the required five years and was re-granted August 12, 1762. It was supposedly named for a General Woodford, a British officer who gave service during the French and Indian Wars. However, the first Woodford connected with the American military shows up later: a Virginian who fought in the Revolution. He is not known to have had any military career prior to the second grant. The name is more likely after Woodford, Essex, England. Woodford contains some 14,000 acres of the Green Mountain National Forest and is almost entirely mountainous except for a short stretch along Walloomsac Brook.
Woodford’s 30,332 acres makes it the largest of all towns in the Bennington region. Woodford Hollow on the western side of town is rugged with a narrow valley, and an extensive watershed including Bolles Brook, Bickford Hollow Brook, City Stream, and Stamford Stream. Woodford generously furnishes Bennington with its delicious water from Bolles Brook at no cost. Much of the rural development is near Route 9, the town’s principal route. Over 90% of Woodford is Federally owned and part of Green Mountain National Forest.
Recreational opportunities abound. The National Forest hosts a section of the Long Trail (Appalachian Trail system) and the George D. Aiken Wilderness Area. The Woodford State Park is a popular destination for campers wishing to take advantage of the Green Mountains. Prospect Mountain Ski Area is a destination location for cross-country skiers. The streams, lakes and forest make Woodford a “go to” place for sportsmen. Woodford Sno-busters members take advantage of the VAST snowmobile trails. A-Z Snowmobiles supports those enthusiasts in season.
Woodford’s school is over 200 years old and enjoys an excellent reputation. Woodford Hollow is residential with the exception of Dave’s Auto where locals can depend on Dave and his staff to keep their cars running. Eastbound travelers will pass the Long Trail Parking Lot at the base of the so-called “Woodford Mountain” and climb through the Dunville Notch to arrive at the top where Prospect Ski Area is flanked by the Woodford General Store. If you want to experience a real general store, stop there. Situated around Big Pond, Woodford Lake Estates is home to many and second home to many others.
Come to visit! Find a place to stay or play at: Local Attractions
Vermont Historical Society Celebrating 175 years, the Vermont Historical Society is the only organization in Vermont that collects artifacts, books, and documents that reflect the entire history of the state, including every geographical area and every chronological period. We have been preserving the history that makes Vermont a special place to live, work, and visit since 1838.
Vermont Heritage Network Including information on Historic Architecture, Historic Preservation Resources & Organizations and Transportation
Explore travel options with Green Mountain Community Network and The Moover from the Deer Valley Transit Association.
Learn about County Items about Bennington.
Explore the richness of Vermont’s Green Mountain National Forest, Woodford State Park, and learn about the National Forest Grout Pond Area Trails.
Take a journey through Vermont’s Molly Stark Scenic Byway.
Lotting map drawn of the Town of Woodford in 1925.
Explore the evolution of Vermont through Survey of Vermont Maps:
- Survey of Vermont, 1795
- Survey of Vermont – Corrected, 1796
- Survey of Vermont – Detailed, 1796
- Survey of Vermont – Corrected, 1810
- Survey of Vermont – Corrected, 1821
- Survey of Vermont – Corrected, 1834
- Survey of Vermont – Corrected, 1839
- Survey of Vermont – Corrected, 1840
- Survey of Vermont – Corrected, 1845
- Survey of Vermont – Corrected, 1849
- Survey of Vermont – Corrected, 1860
- Survey of Vermont – Corrected, 1861
- Survey of Vermont – Corrected, 1896
- Survey of Vermont – Highways & Natural Features, 1902
- Survey of Vermont – Roads, 1916
- Survey of Vermont – State Highway, 1923