• Students at South Peak

    Marsh - Billings - Rockefeller

    National Historical Park Vermont

Wetlands, Marshes and Swamps

Pogue Panorama

Pogue panorama

Ed Sharron

The largest wetland feature in the park is the man-made 14 acre pond known as the Pogue. Originally, this area was a swampy depression resting below the parks tallest point. Frederick Billings would later on dam this area creating the pond we see today. The Pogue provides habitat for fish, turtles, frogs, ducks, herons, and otters.
 
Trees line the banks of the Pogue, a quiet mountain pond. Photo by Emily Sloan.

A gentle 3/4-mile walk loops around the Pogue.

Emily Sloan

How did the Pogue get its name?

The origin of its name is still in question. One theory believes it is derived from an Abenaki word describing the area. Another theory holds that it is an old Scottish word and was given to the boggy area by an early settler to Woodstock. Please note: There is no swimming, fishing, or wading allowed in the Pogue.

Did You Know?

View of Woodstock village from Mount Tom's South Peak; the village and person in foreground are framed by autumn foliage. NPS Photo.

Marsh-Billings-Rockefeller NHP offers day hikers nearly 20 miles of carriage roads and trails. Located about a mile from the park, hikers can easily access one of the nation's premier foot trails, the Appalachian National Scenic Trail, which extends over 2000 miles from Maine to Georgia.