Paddling at Wilgus State Park

On the other side of the state, the Connecticut River forms a 275-mile border between Vermont and New Hampshire. The largest river in New England, the Connecticut starts from its source in a small lake at the Canadian border and empties into Long Island Sounds 410 miles later.  In Vermont, the northern section of the river is clear, cold and wild with abundant trout and class II – III rapids.  As it continues southward, the river becomes wider, deeper and more peaceful. Wilgus State Park is situated on a peaceful stretch of the river in Southern Vermont, where paddlers of all abilities will enjoy a single or multi-day float.  This park is a well known stop-over spot for those on multi-day river trips.  The park has cabins, tent and lean-to campsites as well as a group camping area.  Hot showers, wood and ice, canoe and kayak rentals are available.  A local outfitter also runs a shuttle service and/or arranges half day and full day river trips from the park.

Paddling links: http://www.crjc.org/recreation.htm

http://www.vtsports.com/features/1757

Paddling at Waterbury Center State Park

Surrounded by mountains, Waterbury Center State Park is located on a peninsula on 860-acre Waterbury Reservoir, formed when the CCC (Civilian Conservation Corp.) constructed a flood control dam in the 1930’s.  This park offers great opportunities for paddling, swimming, fishing and picnicking.  There is an interpretive nature trail great for all hiking abilities.  While primarily a day use park, there are also a number of primitive boat-to-only campsites along the lake shore, and Little River State Park is located on the opposite shore.  The lake has three distinct sections, the smaller of which is inaccessible to powerboats, thus enabling a more remote paddling experience.  There are many rocky beaches from which to enjoy an impromptu swim or picnic and it is not unusual to see a bald eagle, beaver, or moose.  Canoe, kayak and pedal boat rentals, instruction and classes by Umiak Outdoor Outfitters are available.  An added bonus:  Ben & Jerry’s Ice Cream Factory (and tour) is right down the road.

Paddling Links: http://www.vtstateparks.com/htm/documents/WaterburyRes.Boating.pdf

Paddling at Camp Plymouth State Park

Located in Vermont’s beautiful Central Lakes region, Camp Plymouth State Park sits on the shores of the long and narrow Echo Lake, near Ludlow, Vermont.  The park has large expanses of impeccably maintained lawns shaded by stately mature trees, a large sandy beach, concession stand and canoe, kayak and pedal boat rentals.  Because the lake is so long and narrow, it makes for some interesting paddling.  Starting from the park beach, paddle south past the park’s beautiful natural areas, then continue south past summer cottages, then back into the woods.  The lake narrows to little outlets with current that passes under bridges.  If you are a good paddler you can easily navigate these stretches, which makes for a fun mini “river trip” experience.  Or, if you’re not quite as accomplished, you can walk your boat through until the lake widens again. Once you pass the camps, you’ll go through a channel full of lily pads, turtles, swallows and herons, before finally ending at the peaceful Lake Rescue. The full round trip will take several hours, but you can make the trip as long or short as you wish by simply turning around when ready.

Camp Plymouth, with a dining hall and two open-air picnic pavilions available for rental, is one of our most popular park wedding venues.  The park also has four fully furnished cottages, a group camping area with lean-to’s, and a horse camping area.

Paddling links: http://www.wcax.com/Global/story.asp?S=8903185

http://www.woodstockvt.com/swimming.php

Paddling at Lake Carmi State Park

Lake Carmi, with a 1375-acre surface area, is the fourth largest natural lake entirely within Vermont. It is 7.5 miles around, averages about 20 feet deep, and is 33 feet at the deepest point. The lake supports northern pike, walleyes, and other warm water species.  Water from the lake drains north into Quebec's Pike River then into Lake Champlain. Lake Carmi was once much larger. In the thousands of years since the last ice age cleaned it out, the southern end of the original lake has filled in with silt and vegetative matter to create wetland forests and the third largest peat bog in Vermont.  While paddling on Lake Carmi, you might see a bald eagle or osprey. As you paddle around the lake you will notice a many and varied display of lakeshore cottages and cabins. Most of the shoreline is privately owned, and except for the park frontage on the south shore and a public launch ramp on the north end, there are few places to stop for a break along the shore.

The state park includes more than two miles of lake frontage on the southeast shore of Lake Carmi. A140-acre bog lies within Lake Carmi State Park and is a designated State Natural Area.  Some of the land is under an agricultural lease so the open fields are maintained by farming activity.

There are 140 tent/trailer sites, 35 lean-to sites, and 2 cabins that make this the state's largest campground. Rest rooms have running water and hot showers($). There is a trailer dump station but no hookups. Most sites are large enough to accommodate self-contained RVs. There are swimming beaches in both camp areas. There is also a day use beach with a nature center, rest rooms and rental boats.