Aitken State Forest in Mendon was monitored by Rutland County Audubon during the 2008-09 season for the Vermont Department of Forests, Parks, and Recreation. Many birders have visited since then and added to the number of species that might be encountered there. Birding is at its best in May through July although it is a pleasant place for a walk in other seasons.

The camp loop on the north side of Notch Road is short and level with an opportunity to see many of the species possible. A newly created beaver pond in this area will no doubt create opportunities for additional species. Northern Waterthrush and Belted Kingfisher have been observed there.

The south side (the one with the information kiosk) leads out to a small clearing where Mourning Warbler can be found. The access to the Bald Mountain Trail is a short distance down from the kiosk and can be a worthwhile hike for many of the species. The trails to the top of Bald Mountain can be confusing so consult the map on the information kiosk.

The area is hunted during deer season; wear orange or avoid the area.

Several species of warblers are present from May through September including Blackburnian, Magnolia, Louisiana Waterthrush, and Mourning Warbler. Black-throated Blue Warblers are numerous as well as American Redstart and Ovenbird. Winter Wren and Scarlet Tanager are also abundant from May through September.

Resident species include Ruffed Grouse, Wild Turkey, Downy, Hairy and Pileated woodpeckers, Red-breasted and White-breasted nuthatches, and Brown Creeper.

Aitken State Forest is located only minutes from Rutland and can be accessed via Notch Road in Mendon, just east of its intersection with Wheelerville Road. Trailhead parking serves the Tamarack Notch, Bald Mountain, and VAST trails as well as access for hunting, fishing, and trapping. Bald Mountain (2087’) is located at its center and provides views in all directions. A state forest since 1912, Aitken has served the area’s recreational, firewood, hunting, and timber needs for over 100 years.

In the 1930s the Civilian Conservation Corps (CCC) had a camp in this state forest and were involved in forest management work at the time including thinning the 192 acres of Norway spruce and white pine plantations planted between 1913 and 1924 following forest fires in the early 1900s.

With Jim Jeffords and Coolidge State Forests nearby to the east, ASF contributes to regional landscape connectivity. These local and regional connections between large forest blocks serve an important role in maintaining the long-term health and viability of plant and animal populations.

Aitken State Forest is a popular location for day hikes, dog walking, bird watching, and wildlife viewing, and wintertime activities such as snowshoeing, cross-country skiing, winter hiking, and as a connection to the VAST trail network. The Bald Mountain Trail is noted for its vistas, bird-watching potential, blueberries, and wildflowers. Four vistas located at rock promontories along the trail offer panoramic views of the Green Mountain range, Otter Creek and Cold River valleys, and Rutland City (3.5 miles, moderate to challenging). The Tamarack Notch Trail (0.5 miles, easy) begins at the gated entrance north of the Notch Road just east of the Bald Mountain Trail trailhead kiosk. This trail follows an old loop road that was part of the Civilian Conservation Corps camp and later the Tamarack Notch Girl Scout Camp.

The TrailFinder website has a description and map of a hike at Aitken State Forest.