Dutton Pines State Park was part of the Dutton Farm in the late 1800s. It was the site of tree planting by the family and was maintained by the Duttons for public use before state ownership. A day-use picnic area was built by the CCC and a few structures still exist that are in surprisingly good condition. It was staffed by a ranger until the late 1970s, but a serious sustained drop in use after Interstate 91 was opened resulted in it being decommissioned as an active park in 1983. In recent times, a resurgence of interest and assistance from citizens of Dummerston has resulted in improvements to the property and trail, new signage, and an interpretive kiosk.

Dutton Pines State Park hosts a rare natural community: White Pine-Red Oak-Black Oak Forest. While its ecological condition is not ideal, it is important due to the rarity of the community type. Invasive shrubs and tree seedlings are present but in low numbers. The historical Civilian Conservation Corps (CCC) shelter and trail are popular with local walkers.

This is a day-use area in a residential area. The primary recreational use by local residents walking the woods road and trail and travelers taking a break off Route 5. Three CCC park structures remain and offer a brief but interesting reminder of days gone by when Route 5 was the major tourist and travel road in southeast Vermont.

The TrailFinder website has a description and map of a hike at Dutton Pines State Park.