Gifford Woods Natural Area, a 7-acre stand of virgin hardwoods, is perhaps Vermont's best known old-growth northern hardwood stand, with many grand individual trees of sugar maple, beech, yellow birch, basswood, white ash, and hemlock. The understory is rich with native wildflowers. It was designated a National Natural Landmark in 1980 and a State Fragile Area in 1982. The stand has no trails or development, to preserve its natural state.

The park is a very popular spot during the fall foliage season for its northern hardwood fall colors. There are spectacular views from Deer Leap Mountain and lovely waterfalls where Kent Brook enters Kent Pond and along Thundering Brook Trail. The Appalachian Trail runs through the park, and joins the Long Trail about 1-1/2 miles from the camping area. Many "through hikers" pass through the park on their journey from Georgia to Maine or vice versa. Cross-country skiing is available for free on all groomed trails within State lands, and Kent Pond and Colton Pond when conditions permit. The private ski touring center, located on Thundering Brook Road, maintains trails and charges a fee for the use of ski trails on private lands.