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Each year four parks, representing each geographical region in Vermont, are presented with the Park of the Year Award. The purpose of the program is to acknowledge exemplary accomplishments of the parks field staff, as well as for the enhancement of public service – to make the parks a better, more enjoyable place to recreate. Competition is fierce and award recipients receive the right to display the coveted "Park of the Year" banner the following season. This year's winners are
Burton Island, Elmore, Emerald Lake and Townshend.
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Burton Island |
Elmore |
Emerald Lake |
Townshend |
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Parks Conservation Crew Gets to Work Building Better Parks
Read Nancy Remsen's Burlington Free Press article here.
Due to popular demand - the ability to make camping reservations is back at New Discovery State Park in the Groton Forest. Earlier this year, the campground was designated as first-come, first-served as part of a cost savings strategy necessitated by reductions in the state parks' operating budget. Many requests to bring back camping by reservation were received and park staff and management figured out a way to do it, so....you got it!
The staffing is still reduced and loop B will be closed, but the rest of the park is open as usual. New Discovery is one of the six parks in the Groton State Forest and is known for its peace and quiet, CCC architecture, great trail access and horse camping.
Mud Season Hiking in Vermont State Parks
Please help protect state lands and trails by avoiding muddy trails! You may not know it, but trails and vegetation are super vulnerable during mud season and hiking on them during this time can cause irreversible damage by compacting soils and surrounding vegetation which accelerates erosion and the need for maintenance.
High elevation trails are especially vulnerable during this time and take considerably longer to dry than lower elevation trails, so the state closes high elevation trails from April 15 – Memorial Day Weekend.
So, if you’re looking to get out and go hiking in the early spring, these trails make for some great options:
Southeast Vermont
Southwest Vermont
Northwest Vermont
Northeast Vermont
Additional Mud Season Guidelines: See GMC guidelines at: www.greenmountainclub.org/page.php?id=60
Check Out the Parks’ lets you borrow a day outside
Parks, libraries partner to get Vermonters outdoors this summer
Under "Check Out the Parks", each public library will get a one day pass that can be checked out for free admission to a state park. The passes are good at any of the state’s day-use parks and admit up to eight people traveling together in the same vehicle. Each library will determine the how long each pass may be checked out. Some libraries are choosing to purchase additional passes.
“Vermont State Parks are a perfect affordable getaway for families and friends,” the Governor said. “There’s a state park with something for everyone within a half-hour of every community. By checking out a park pass at their local library, folks can enjoy the best Vermont has to offer – our magnificent outdoors.”
“Check Out the Parks” partners people with favorite places, the Governor added.
“Libraries unlock the greater world through books, magazines, newspapers, audio-visual resources, the Internet and now the great outdoors and the many adventures of our park system,” the Governor said. “With this new partnership we’re expanding our No Child Left Inside initiatives and more Vermonters will be able to explore all we have to offer inside and outside.”
The passes are good from Memorial Day to Labor Day – the best time to enjoy the parks, said Jason Gibbs, commissioner of Forests, Parks and Recreation.
“Spring is in the air and we’re getting ready to welcome Vermonters and visitors alike to our state parks and all that they have to offer,” Gibbs said. “There’s something for everyone here. Hiking, camping, biking, swimming, fishing, paddling and more – and don’t forget the line-up of entertainment all summer long.”
Libraries have always kept pace with the times, said State Librarian Martha Reid.
“We’ve answered the call of the video and digital age – and now, more than ever, it’s important for families to have access to learning opportunities and healthy activities in the outdoors,” said Reid. “We’ve stayed meaningful to Vermonters by expanding our services and offerings. We want people to learn and explore, so ‘Check Out the Parks’ is exciting to our mission.”
Park passes will be available by May 25 at any of the 182 public libraries around Vermont.
Parks Commission Focuses on Sustainability
Department Makes Park Revitalization a Top Priority
Read full report
WATERBURY – The Governor’s Commission on the Future of State Parks has concluded that offering a full spectrum of recreational opportunities, finding sustainable funding for operations and maintenance and making wise and appropriate investments are needed to optimize the environmental and economic value of Vermont’s state parks.
The commission’s report, which can be found at www.vtstateparks.com, was released today by the Department of Forests, Parks and Recreation. The Department has been charged by the Governor with moving forward with several of the commission’s key recommendations.
The commission is calling for a full “re-visioning” of each individual park and the system as a whole to assure that it meets the recreational interests of Vermonters and visitors; the creation of a Vermont State Parks Foundation and expanded community partnerships to support operations and maintenance; and additional bonding for infrastructure. Commission members acknowledged the bonding proposal may not be feasible until the economy improves.
“A strong and relevant park system boosts the tourism and recreation-based economy – particularly in rural parts of our state,” said Win Smith, chairman of the commission. “The commission got to the heart of the matter in discussing the future of the state parks: innovations and investments are necessary to make the system healthy and successful for future generations.”
Governor Douglas appointed the 23-member commission to explore much-needed improvements to the state park system, launching the first significant focus on revitalizing the park system in several decades.
ABOUT THE PARKS FOUNDATION & COMMUNITY PARTNERSHIPS
The Vermont State Parks Foundation will be a private philanthropic organization with the primary charge of raising private funds in support of the park system. Emphasis will be on helping meet the significant infrastructure renovation needs. The Department of Forests, Parks and Recreation expects to see the entity — and the policy that guides its relationship with the state — in place in 2010.
Forests, Parks and Recreation Commissioner Jason Gibbs said the Department will also be reaching out to Vermonters to build dynamic community-based, public-private alliances that will help ensure the parks remain vital and relevant contributors to the communities in which they are located.
“Involving local partners will ensure a valuable result and develop a stronger network of support for individual parks and the entire system,” Gibbs said. “Already, plans are in place to expand our current network of partnerships by helping organizations like the Boy Scouts adopt parks and make meaningful contributions to the protection and preservation of Vermont’s extraordinary system of state parks.”
ABOUT THE RE-VISIONING PROCESS
In response to the commission’s re-visioning recommendation, the Department will complete a swift and systematic review of each of the state’s 52 parks. Emphasis will be placed on those parks in need of the most improvement.
Gibbs said every park has its own potential to appeal to, and serve, different recreational interests.
“The re-visioning process is a full-scale revitalization of our state park system that will identify and leverage the strengths of each individual park and strengthen the system as a whole,” Gibbs said. “We must ensure that every park provides high quality, affordable recreational opportunities in a way that ensures the environmental and economic sustainability of the entire park system.”
The initial phase of re-visioning will include six currently underused parks. Changes in facilities, recreational offerings, services, policies and marketing will likely be needed, Gibbs said.
Allis State Park in Brookfield, Thetford State Park, North Hero State Park, Shaftsbury State Park, Maidstone State Park and New Discovery State Park in Peacham are among the department’s first priorities for re-visioning.
Upon initial review, the Department has concluded that temporarily modifying some of the services offered at these parks would be appropriate for the 2009 season. This would align operations with existing visitor patterns and keep the system in line with current fiscal realities. As part of the re-visioning process an operational plan that reinforces the recreational value of each park and results in increased usage will be deployed for future seasons.
“This is about protecting Vermont’s entire park system, and every individual park, for future generations. We’re going to begin immediately by focusing on parks that will benefit most — recreationally, physically and financially — from re-visioning,” Gibbs said. “At the end of this process we will have a healthier, more environmentally and economically vibrant park system to pass on to future generations.”
2009 Parks Operation Changes
Allis: Day use only. Shelter use, group and individual day use still permitted and shelter reservations will continue to be accepted. Restroom in shelter area will be open. Camping not permitted. Campers with existing reservations will be contacted and offered a refund or the opportunity to move to another park.
Maidstone: Camping permitted as usual, except for the upper loop in Area A, which includes sites 23 - 31 and lean-tos sycamore, walnut, hornbeam, hickory, locust, chestnut, apple, aspen, elm, sumac, fir, and basswood. Customers with existing reservations will be contacted and offered a refund or a move to another site or park.
New Discovery: Will accommodate existing camping reservations. No new reservations taken. Camping will be first come – first served only. Horse camping will still be accommodated and no horse campers will be turned away. Park will continue to handle Kettle & Osmore Pond reservations.
North Hero: Day use only. Restroom in beach area will remain operational. Camping not permitted. Campers with existing reservations will be contacted and offered refund or move to another park.
Thetford: Day use only. Trails will continue to be maintained and will remain accessible. No facilities open. No camping permitted. Campers with existing reservations will be contacted and offered refund or move to another park.
Read full report |
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By Aaron Jacobs |
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Ben & Jerry's, Cabot cheese, countless Vermont maple syrup stands and stores….truly, as this selection of tasty attractions attests, this is a state that takes pride in all things uniquely Vermont. But after the numerous factory tours and samples many visitors and tourists may still find themselves hungering for something a little different (and not just because of the tiny portioned samples). Perhaps what you yourself really crave is something that can be experienced by more than just your palette. Luckily a vastly different option awaits that surely will satisfy this craving. Wind up scenic Route 108 between Stowe and Jeffersonville and you will discover a taste something else uniquely Vermont…Smugglers’ Notch State Park. |
Carved between Mt. Mansfield to the west and Spruce Peak to the east, this uniquely Vermont landscape serves up hefty portions of scenic views, great hiking, and unlimited adventure that will undoubtedly please an outdoor enthusiast or outdoor enthusiast in-waiting. Although now a destination for such nature lovers, backpackers, and adventure seekers, “the Notch” has had a long, rich history filled with the stories of adventurous and daring visitors of a different sort. As far back as the early 19th century, daring New England and Vermont contraband runners used the cover of the Notch as a passageway through the mountains while they secretly smuggled goods back and forth to Canadian trade markets. Later in the century, fugitive slaves risked their lives journeying through the Notch in search of freedom. Finally, during the last instance of smuggling, less noble motives provoked the smuggling of liquor through the Notch during the Prohibition of the 1920s.
While its days of smuggling may have since passed, the Notch continues to offer all the ingredients for a thrilling visit by offering numerous recreational opportunities for all tastes. The enchanted landscape which features thousand foot cliffs, house sized boulders, and lovely green flora that climbs and clings on the rock walls will continue to inspire adventure and exploration for centuries to come. Much more than another tourist attraction, this breathtaking natural playground could never be done justice by a 30 minute tour. Here nature must be discovered and it’s richness savored. Fortunately, this process of discovery comes in all sorts of flavors at Smugglers’ Notch.
For a leisurely taste of the Notch’s beauty, nothing beats the oldest form of transportation, walking. From Sterling Pond to the historic Long Trail, the Notch offers quite an ample sampling of hiking trails to choose from. A journey up Sterling Pond trail will impress hikers with dense forests of maples and birch, the sound of water trickling down rocks aside the well-marked path, and scenic peeks through the trees towards Cambridge and Jeffersonville. After this moderate-to-difficult trail climbs 900 feet in elevation, hikers are rewarded with a beautiful look over the clear waters of Sterling Pond. And make sure you don’t forget the swimming shorts and fishing poles on sunny days. For hikers looking to enjoy more time on the trail, the Notch offers access to several trails up to the top of Mt. Mansfield. Upon reaching the top of these fairly strenuous hikes, hikers will revel in the accomplishment of summiting Vermont’s highest peak as they savor the panoramic views and mountaintop vistas. From the peak, one can see Lake Champlain and the Adirondacks in the west, Camel’s Hump and the Green Mountains to the south, the White Mountains of New Hampshire way off in the east, and even into Canada to the north.
For those visitors with a bit of an appetite for an adrenaline rush, the Notch’s limitless climbing opportunities will spice up the exploration of this astounding landscape. Boulderers will feast upon the incredible abundance of enormous boulders that provide an unlimited number of projects and problems to refine their climbing technique and build skill. And provided you have the equipment and just enough insanity, climbers can also scale the cliff walls up Mansfield itself or Elephant’s Head across the road.
For those children or youthful spirits who cannot be constrained to the beaten trail, the caves and boulders of the Notch will capture the imagination of visitors of all ages. Just behind the parking area, children will find themselves swallowed by a wondrous landscape of hidden caves to explore, huge boulders to climb over, and narrow crevices to squeeze through. Better than any jungle gym around, this ideal area for exploration will provide the perfect outlet for excess, bundled up energy. And who knows, they might even learn a bit about Vermont history as they discover the very same cave used 200 years ago as a renegade hideout.
With the unlikelihood that all the wonders of the Notch can be discovered in a few hours, Smugglers’ Notch State Park Campground serves as the ideal gateway to this natural delicacy. The campground features both walk-in and drive-in tent or lean-to campsites and showering facilities. Within the campground you will also find several structures originally constructed by the CCC.
With such a diverse selection of activities, any visitor passing through on scenic Route 108 should be sure to stop at this natural playground offering up a taste of the true Vermont. When planning your next visit to the area be sure to consider what memories you will wish to treasure for years to come…the spectacular view that comes with the sense of accomplishment atop Mount Mansfield and the joy of adventuring through caves and house sized boulders, or the momentary satisfaction of a sweet treat. |
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Killington- a new series of outdoor interpretive exhibits are in place on the Old-Growth Interpretive Trail at Gifford Woods State Park. The exhibits explore the natural and cultural history of what is probably Vermont’s best known and most accessible remaining old-growth northern hardwood forest. The six exhibits are located along the trail and detail characteristics of the old-growth forest, old-growth trees, and development of the park around this unique natural resource. The exhibits complement a self-guiding trail that includes a brochure and plant and tree identification plaques. The exhibit project was funded by a grant from the Vermont Recreation Trails Fund. |
| Gifford Woods State Park, on Route 100 North in Killington, was established in 1931 and includes camping, hiking, picnic grounds and interpretive exhibits and trails. The park is open to the public from Memorial Day weekend to the weekend after Columbus Day. Day fees are $3 per adult and $2 per child. For more information, please contact the park at (802)775-5354. |
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Collect points for doing fun outside activities - earn 250 and get VIP gold pass for FREE park entry! |
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For two weeks this July the Vermont Department of Forests, Parks, and Recreation’s seasonal State Trail Crew marveled at the work of the Civilian Conservation Corps. (CCC), not as observers, but as those who were bridging a 75 year gap. All the projects that the crew is undertaking this summer are in some way linked to the spirit of the CCC, but none as directly as installing an interpretive panel on top of Owl’s Head Mountain in the shadow of the intricately built stone hut. |
Owl’s Head Mountain is situated in the heart of Groton State Forest. It’s 26,000 plus acres, riddled by trails and specked with State Parks, makes Groton State Forest a gem for recreating and enjoying the outdoors. Driving down Boulder Beach Road, as you near the entrance of Stillwater State Park, your eyes are drawn north by the view and little imagination is needed to understand why Owl’s Head was given its name.
In 1935 the CCC completed building a crown for the top of this haystack shaped rock. Many say that the granite which comprises the mountains and was dropped by glaciers across the landscape is the forests second most bountiful resource, others scorn their presence. They are likely the number one reason that the forest was not developed and hence turned into State Land. The granite is also a building material that lasts the ages. These are two major pluses for the rock. The down side is it is heavy and hard to work with. These challenges were over-looked by both the CCC and the State Trail Crew.
For five years interpretive information has been developed for Groton State Forest. This interpretive information was developed and fabricated on signs placed in strategic locations throughout the forest giving visitors a better understanding of their surroundings. The last stage has been the installation. Great effort has been taken to match the structures holding the signs with their surroundings. When deciding on the material to use on top of Owl’s Head it is almost obvious that it should be rock. When you crest the mountain the first thing you see is the stone hut, then with further observation, hidden in the brush you can see the cast away rock that did not fit into the puzzled together hut. These cast-a-ways bear the scars of the drill bit, making it very apparent that they were being manufactured for a purpose. After sitting for 75 years we decided to complete the circle and use them to create a holding structure for our interpretive panel.
The crew consisting of Owen French, Andrew Pinault, and Alex Kopista went to work under the heat of the sun and the all too often drenching down pour of the summer rains. Rifting lines across the granite rocks to loosen up the granite’s speckled particles with shock waves given off by the hammer’s ridge line. Hammer hit after hammer hit ponds a memory into the rock making it easier for the crew to split it. Then along this line drill holes, usually a half inch diameter were placed approximately six inches apart, deep enough to insert the feathers and wedge. The feathers are two pieces of metal that the wedge pushes against in order to put pressure on the inside of the drill holes causing the rock particles to release their bond along the line that is rifted. This is the method that was used to manufacture the rock into the needed shapes, a method that has not changed much since the CCC split rock on top of the same mountain. Once the rock was the right shape the crew drilled through the center of them and skewered them along pieces of one inch diameter stainless steel rod, pinning the columns to the bed rock next to the stone hut. Then a fabricated metal bracket was bolted to the columns allowing the interpretive panel a place to be bolted to as well. For the last three days of the project the crew would wake up at the campsite feeling that today would be the day, the project would be wrapped up. Each day unexpected challenges would arise until the last bolt was tightened and the crew member’s tired muscles carried them away from the creation to allow a look at the finished product: a holding device that matched the character of the stone hut, would withstand the test of time, and would hopefully make the CCC proud.
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Invasive insects and diseases found in firewood are a threat to our forests! Before bringing firewood into a Vermont State Park this summer, please read the information below about a very real threat to forests in Vermont and all of North America. More... |
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Groton State Forest offers a multitude of recreational opportunities |
Come into the Forest and you will see how to spend time more leisurely. There’s something for everyone at Groton State Forest in northeastern Vermont. Whatever season of life you are in you will find year-round fun in the Forest. Pack up the car; grab your fishing pole, camera, bike or a book; leave your cell phone at home (it won’t work here, anyway) and take a step back in time where life moves at a slower pace.
Groton State Forest, over 26,000 acres of new-growth forest, is just one of the many areas managed by Vermont’s Department of Forests, Parks and Recreation for multiple uses. Located in the southeast corner of Vermont's Northeast Kingdom, the Forest is sandwiched between Route 2 in Marshfield and Route 302 in Groton. Full of a variety of flora, fauna, wetlands, and mountains, the Forest is a fun-filled, fabulous place to visit. Groton State Forest provides not only valuable natural resources such as timber and wildlife, but also an inordinate amount of recreational opportunities all year long.
Since the late 1800s, people have been drawn to the area to pursue various leisure activities. Fishing and camping during the spring and summer and hunting and trapping during the fall and winter. Not much has changed today. The main exception is their mode of transportation. Instead of the loud, smoke-spewing Wells River-Montpelier train chugging through the heart of the Forest, people now access the many trails and campgrounds via Route 232, the road started by the young men of the Civilian Conservation Corps back in the 1930s. For just a dollar a day these men came here to work, financially assisting their families (their families received $25 a month, the men kept $5) while conserving and protecting our nation's resources. Remnants of their work still exist today. They built pavilions and fireplaces for the public to enjoy. They helped in reforesting the Forest. The men of the CCC were vital in making the Forest what it is today.
Nowadays, people of all ages and abilities can enjoy the beauty and serenity of Groton State Forest. So many, many opportunities await you and your family or friends. Take the kids for a swim at Boulder Beach State Park. Hike or bike along the nice and level Rail Trail. Enjoy the panoramic view of the Forest from atop Owl’s Head. Explore nature on your own or join in exciting activities with the knowledgeable naturalists at the Groton State Forest Nature Center. Watch out for moose or listen for loons, just a few of the fabulous critters inhabiting the Forest. Summertime is full of the hustle and bustle of hikers, bikers, boaters, fishermen, photographers and campers.
The Forest offers a varied selection of campgrounds. Ricker Pond, Stillwater, Big Deer and New Discovery all accommodate tents, campers and RV's. Swimming and boating are also available at Ricker Pond and Stillwater. New Discovery has horse camping and remote sites for those who wish to get away from it all.
Looking for a quieter experience? Try late spring or early autumn camping. The campgrounds are open, the kids are in school and you will get your choice of prime sites. If sleeping on the ground doesn't intrigue you, there are also cabins available in the Forest. For the less hardy nature lover or the fly fisherman, give Seyon Lodge a call. Seyon Lodge, on Noyes Pond, is a bed and breakfast type facility that is open year round.
Autumn is a quiet time in the Forest. The crisp, cool air is perfect for hiking. Remember to dress in bright colored clothing when hiking in the fall. As the leaves fall and the campgrounds close, the Forest opens up for hunters. Hunting is a tradition that dates back to the beginning of time. It’s a way to keep the herds healthy and families fed.
Looking for a quiete
As the days grow shorter and the snow flurries fly, the Forest is once again alive with activity. Snowmobiles travel along the VAST trail. Cross-country skiers glide along the freshly fallen snow. In the distance you may hear the excited yapping of a dogsled team getting ready to leap and bound over the frozen ground.
Within Groton State Forest you may find a quiet spot to reflect or a place bursting with excitement. You may find the perfect photo op or the perfect fish. Whether you want a family reunion or a lovely get away, remember the Forest. Whatever the season, whatever your reason, come into the Forest and reconnect with life. There’s something here for everyone.
For more information on Vermont State Parks located in the Groton State Forest check out these links:
Big Deer State Park
Boulder Beach State Park
Kettle Pond State Park
New Discovery State Park
Ricker Pond State Park
Seyon Lodge State Park
Stillwater State Park
Or, for all of Vermont State Parks located in the Northeastern Region:
<< Region IV |
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Wondering if there is an alternative to campsites and lean-to style shelters in Vermont State Parks? Well, there is! For those seeking something other than the traditional camping experience but want to retain the rustic setting, Vermont State Parks offer several choices. |
Cabins are rustic one-room structures that come semi-furnished and can be rented on a nightly basis. We’re pleased to announce that state parks throughout Vermont now offer 27 cabins for rent. Cabins come equipped with sleeping space for 4 people--a fold-out couch or futon and a set of bunk beds. There’s an indoor table with chairs, screened and secure windows and doors, and a front porch. Cabins have electricity to provide lights and an outlet for convenience, cooking is done outside and smoking and pets are not allowed. Occupants supply linens or sleeping bags. Cabins are situated close to campground restroom and shower facilities for convenience. Most units provide universal access. Cabin sites are designed to accommodate a maximum of 4 occupants, with space for a tent or small RV. You can find rental cabins at Brighton, Ricker Pond, Lake Carmi, Grand Isle, Half Moon Pond, Gifford Woods and Wilgus State Parks. They can be booked on a nightly basis (if reserving, minimum period is required).
Still looking for more comforts? Try a state park cottage- self-sufficient weekly rental units set aside from camping areas, in their own unique settings. They come fully furnished with sleeping space for 6; standard accommodation is usually a full size bed, a set of bunks, and a pull-out sofa. Cottages have fully equipped kitchens with fridge/freezer, all cooking utensils, microwave, toaster oven and coffee maker. The living area is furnished with sofa chairs, and dining table. All cottages include their own bathroom with shower. Cottages have porches where you can sit, relax and take in the scenery. Units providing universal access are available. All cottages have electric or gas heat. The only things you’ll have to bring are linens, food, and a long list of area attractions to check out! Some cottages even come with their own canoes!
Rental cottages are available for a 3 night minimum stay from park opening to June 15 and, at some parks, from Labor Day to Columbus Day. From June 15 to Labor Day, they are rented on a weekly basis from Saturday to Saturday. Special refund and cancellation policies apply. Cottages are located at Crystal Lake, Ricker Pond, Camp Plymouth, Half Moon Pond, Shaftsbury and Branbury State Parks.
If either of these options sounds good to you, book your stay today! Units are popular and can fill up quickly.
Take a moment and ask yourself a question, “What shall I Explore?” Whether it is a tranquil fly-fishing spot off the beaten path or some of the most breath-taking mountain top views in the world, Vermont State Parks has a new adventure waiting for you everyday.
Pick your Method of Adventure…
There are so many exciting opportunities in Vermont State Parks for you and your family to have a one-of-a-kind vacation or outing. Exploring and experiencing all Vermont has to offer can start with choosing activities that you can do as a family. Such activities include, canoeing, hiking, biking, fishing, motor boating, horseback riding, and exploring Vermont’s historic sites.
Explore by Boat…
Vermont State Parks has waterfront parks suitable for every interest. If white water kayaking tickles your fancy, give Jamaica State Park a try for their biannual white water release. Maybe calmer waters are more your style. Check out the canoe accessible campsites at Green River Reservoir. If you don’t even consider it a boat unless it has a couple of downriggers and a drywell then Burton Island State Park might be the park for you.
Explore on Foot…
From quiet paths to arduous treks Vermont has it all. What better way to experience Vermont beauty then at the slower pace that is only accomplished on foot? Parks like Smugglers’ Notch and Coolidge offer access to the Long Trail, the Nations first long distance hiking trail. An abundance of hikes for every taste can be found in Groton State Forest (New Discovery, Stillwater, and Big Deer State Parks). If you would rather meander through a quaint village full of local artisans, Quechee State Park can give you access to more then you’ve dreamed of.
Explore History…
The history of Vermont can be found in and around Vermont State Parks. In fact many of the parks where built by this country's conservation pioneers, the Civilian Conservation Corps (CCC). If you are looking for a full day of exploration try Mount Philo State Park, just down the road from the Shelburne Museum. Or walk in the path of early Vermonters and try Little River State Park, which contains an entire abandoned township. Diversify your day by visiting one of the nearby Vermont Historic Sites like the Bennington Battle Monument and then spend the rest of the day at one of our beaches nearby, such as the one at Woodford State Park.
Regardless of the type of exploration you would like to do there is sure to be a Vermont State Park that suits your needs. A wealth of activities can be found year round. To explore Vermont State Parks some choose to be spontaneous and get up and go for the day but, you can always call the friendly reservation staff (1-888-409-7579) who will help you pick the park that is right for your family. Calling the parks directly will get you a plethora of information on the park and the surrounding area. With out a doubt, Exploring Vermont State Parks is sure to give you an adventure that you won’t soon forget.
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If you’re looking for a few more amenities while you enjoy the season, Seyon Lodge offers a retreat Teddy Roosevelt would have been sure to enjoy. The recreational opportunities in Groton State Forest are unparalleled winter or summer. There are 4.9 miles of groomed cross-country ski trails for your family’s use. |
Additionally, thousands of acres beckon to be discovered on snowshoes right outside the front door of the lodge. Then, when you’re done with your adventure, completely relax next to the fire and then retreat to the dining room for a wonderful evening meal. The meals have even been known to draw the locals out from their warm homes and down the snowy roads! After you awake to your breakfast, the friendly Innkeepers will be happy to direct you to all the exciting opportunities the area has to offer. Seyon Lodge, without a doubt, offers a winter get-away you will never forget.
A whole new world of recreational opportunities presents itself when the snow falls in Vermont. Even in winter, there are great things happening in Vermont State Parks. All park lands are open and available for snowshoeing, cross-country skiing and lots of other winter activities. In fact, two fantastic winter parks are in full swing. The Stone Hut on the top of Mt. Mansfield and Seyon Ranch in Groton are surrounded by the perfect environment for all your winter adventures.
The Stone Hut is a rustic single room cabin that offers winter camping with the opportunity for first tracks on the slopes in the morning. While not far from the bustling activity of Stowe, its sits among the wind swept firs and the uninterrupted night sky. You can hike, ski or ride the lift up then settle into a warm cozy cottage built by the nation’s ski pioneers with the help of the Civilian Conservation Corps. You’ll enjoy a quiet night with family
or friends by the fire and you certainly will not miss the electricity, TV or phone as you settle into your bunk with dreams of the next day’s winter adventure. Whether your plans include back country skiing, ice climbing, snow shoeing along the highest peak in the state, or the preeminent downhill skiing in the East are sure to be surrounded by the best terrain and scenery in the state. Your stay will certainly result in great adventures, great memories and a great desire to return again next year for a stay in the historic Stone Hut.
The Stone Hut is available from Mid-November until Mid-April, and can be contacted at 802-253-4010. Seyon Lodge is open year round for individual and groups (802-584-3829). And if your already planning your summer vacation, reservations for all the other parks are taken up to 11 months in advance. Our Reservation Call Center (1-888-409-7579) operates 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Monday through Friday.
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Many of you have experienced difficulties making camping reservations for Burton Island and we have made it easier by changing when Burton Island Reservations are made. |
Beginning in June 2006, the booking window for Burton Island Reservations will open on the 15th of the month (or the first business day thereafter), instead of the 1st of the month (as will remain the case with other State campgrounds). Doing this allows us to concentrate on Burton Island reservations at a less busy time, thereby streamlining the process for all.
Burton Island Camping Reservation Schedule:
Reservations for: Can be made beginning at 9:00 AM:
| May 2008 |
June 15, 2007 |
| June 2008 |
July 16, 2007 |
| July 2008 |
August 15, 2007 |
| August 2008 |
September 17, 2007 |
| September 2008 |
October 15, 2007 |
Ferry Schedule Change:
The Island Runner will make more frequent trips to and from Kill Kare and will no longer make the weekend runs to Grand Isle. Click on this link to view our current Ferry Schedule
Everyone who has volunteered knows the obvious rewards - self-satisfaction and the feeling that you've made a positive contribution. My husband and I had logged a few volunteer hours before retirement. In addition to school, church and community ventures with our children, over the years we also worked with Habitat for Humanity, veterans groups, special needs kids and HIV/AIDS babies. So when we retired and became full-time RV-ers, it seemed natural to continue donating time to a worthy cause. That's how we connected with Vermont State Parks' Volunteer Program.
Like most state park systems, Vermont Department of Forests, Parks and Recreation relies heavily on volunteer assistance. Your contribution can be as varied as your individual skills, talents and interests. We chose to live in our RV onsite in exchange for 30 total hours per week commitment. So how has our experience been and what can you expect if you volunteer?
Great People
We think park staff are pretty special folks. Whether career public servants, second-career retirees, PhD's or students, we found one thing in common - they love the land, and embrace their mission to preserve Vermont's cultural and natural resources. If you like meeting people, you'll also enjoy greeting visitors or helping with park programs and events. We made some great friends, and got to use our extensive customer service experience.
Interesting Places
Each park is a unique and exceptional gem to appreciate. Lovingly preserved historic structures, deliciously challenging hikes to "secret" places, awesome wildlife encounters, beautiful beaches and boating adventures are all part of the Vermont Parks experience. Volunteers are admitted free to Vermont parks and state-owned historic sites. With more than 50 parks to see and explore on off-duty days, you can see why we keep coming back!
Learn and Grow
Park operations are anything but boring - a typical day can include accounting, facilities and trail maintenance, interpretive programs, research for history or nature programs, visitor registration, or even teaching first-time campers the fine are of constructing s' mores. If you can't learn something new in this environment, you are my hero! In a complex operation like a park there are always chores, but there is also time for you to pursue projects that suit your personal interests.
Make a Difference
We all know the good feeling that comes from working hard toward a meaningful goal. We found great satisfaction in performing maintenance to protect structures built in the 1930's by the Civilian Conservation Corps (CCC in Vermont State Parks), or planting flowers and trees that will please park visitors in the coming years. I like to believe that every volunteer hour donated in a park results in hundreds of hours of future enjoyment. Consider how the vast total legacy of volunteers in Vermont State Parks must be!
Living in a Park
Why do you camp in the first place? Imagine that "home" for your volunteer commitment is a place you'd choose to visit on a camping trip. Enough said.
Other perks of the volunteer program include: partial-to-full hookups at no charge; propane gas as needed; uniform shirts and identification; other discounted admissions; and, recognition (we really do love a pat on the back now and then, don't we?).
All in all, we have enjoyed a positive experience as Volunteers in Vermont State Parks. For more information, check out our Volunteer Opportunities page or contact our Volunteer Coordinator . Maybe we'll see you soon-
Jackie & Jim Garrow,
Volunteers in Vermont State Parks
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Seventy years have passed since Walter Edmonds, now 88, spent a year working on a crew building the toll road at Mt. Ascutney State Park in Windsor. Edmonds enlisted in the Civilian Conservation Corps. in May, 1936 at age 17 on the advice and recommendation of a high school |
teacher a year before he was due to graduate. "My gosh, this was all a meadow," said Mr. Edmonds, looking around the park entrance, now surrounded by 80-fot tall white pines. "Barracks #1, where I bunked, was built right over the stream there. It sung me to sleep at night." Edmonds spent a misty day in September, 2006 visiting with park staff and telling tales of camp life and work on the mountain. Mr. Edmonds and his daughter Debbie were treated to a buffet lunch and give a tour of the present day park.
Mr. Edmonds spent a year with the CCC, starting out on the toll road “making small rocks out of big ones” swinging a sledge hammer, then moving on to the survey crew that laid out the trail system. He shared many stories of camp life, the life-long friends he made there, and how his experiences shaped his life. “Everyone remotely connected with the CCC was doing themselves a big favor, and also the country, by educating themselves,” said Edmonds, referring to the program that put millions of young men age 16 and over to work on public works projects during the Great Depression. By working in the rugged setting, he became familiar with the birds, trees and fish native to the area. A boy from Boston such as him would not have had such an opportunity, he said. Compensation was $30 per month; $5 went to the corps member, the rest was sent home to his family. The pay plus the promise of ample food and a roof over one’s head was seen as a good deal.
Mr. Edmonds described a scene of hard work and camaraderie at the park. Corps members were fed 3 hearty meals a day, performed 8 hours of work and took on duties assigned at the camp. The largest crew at the park took 5 years to construct the toll road which involved blasting, breaking by hand, and moving hundreds of thousands of cubic yards of rock and fill. Progress was made at the rate of up to 60 feet per day. Another crew spent 3 years constructing park facilities out of native Ascutney granite. A third crew did survey work for the road and trail system. Work continued year round when possible, through extreme cold and heavy snow, but never at breakneck pace. “Everybody worked hard, and no one was pressed for time,” Mr. Edmonds said, illustrating that they were given ample time to do the job correctly.
The program was a unique mix of civilian and military personnel. Civilian corps members worked on crews supervised by state and federal government engineers, and US Army officers oversaw camp life.
This wasn't Walter Edmonds’ first visit back to the park; he returns regularly to drive up the toll road and to hike the trails. He maintains his top physical shape by getting out regularly and even hiked to the summit of the mountain earlier in the summer. On this visit, staff honored him with a luncheon and a card of appreciation. Mr. Edmonds plans to keep returning to the park on a regular basis. He summed up his experiences in 1936-37 as “the happiest time of my life!”
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In an effort to make it easier for you to "visit" some of the features of our state parks, we've put Burton Island's North Shore Nature Trail on-line, complete with color pictures and text from the brochure.
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