Contact Info Jamaica State Park 48 Salmon Hole Ln Jamaica, Vermont 05343 Park Phone: 802-874-4600 Open 10:00 AM - 9:00 PM or Official Sunset Season: May 8th to Columbus Day  Weekend
Directions:  From Jamaica: Go 1/2 m E on Depot St. N43 06.657 W72 46.272   Directions/Map     ALERT: The bridge leading into Jamaica State Park has been downgraded to carry a maximum weight of 8 tons. This means some larger RV's will not be able to enter the park.   Jamaica State Park Interactive Campground Map Jamaica State Park Recreational Trail Guide 36 Miles O' Trouble West River Whitewater Weekend at Jamaica State Park USGS Gaging Station Data at Salmon Hole US Army Corps Ball Mountain Dam Website Vermont Weather Forecast

Facilities:

Jamaica State Park, now comprising 772 acres, was completed and opened to the public in 1969.

Previously, the area had supported a few small farms and a sawmill. The West River Railroad ran through the park. The old railroad bed is now used as the trail that leads along the West River to Ball Mountain Dam. The railroad operated from about 1879 until 1927, when a flood wiped most of it out.

The area at Salmon Hole, now used as the swimming area, was the site of a famous Indian Massacre in 1748.

Jamaica State Park is located on a bend of the West River about one-half mile from the center of the town of Jamaica. Nearby to the north is Ball Mountain. Hamilton Falls is located about one mile up Cobb Brook, which enters the West River upstream from the park. The West River has a very large drainage area extending from Weston and the south side of Terrible Mountain to Windham on the east and Bromley on the west.

Every spring and fall, on one weekend in late April and late September, there is a water release on the West River from Ball Mountain Dam. This is a semiannual event for many kayakers and canoeists from all over New England.

The West River is also a favorite spot for many fishermen. The combination of deep slow running water and shallow fast ripples makes for some fine fishing.

There are 41 tent/trailer sites and 18 lean-to sites that are spread out through the campground. Two rest rooms, complete with hot showers ($), are located in the campground. A picnic shelter and nature center is located near the picnic area and swimming hole. A hiking trail follows the West River and branches off toward Hamilton Falls.

Area Attractions: Hamilton Falls, Hildene - Robert Todd Lincoln's home, Manchester. A theater and shops, Weston; Art Center, Manchester; Alpine Slide, Bromley; Townshend Dam Recreation Area.