Parks open through Autumn

Days are getting shorter, nights are chilly and some stray trees have started to turn red, orange and gold. Summer may be over, but about half of our parks are open through Oct 14th and a select few are open even later.

We need your feedback!

Vermont's Statewide Comprehensive Outdoor Recreation Plan (SCORP) is being updated! The SCORP is a plan which assesses the provision and need for outdoor recreation in a state. The plan guides outdoor recreation policies, programs and funding for projects and your input is needed.

New cabins now available at Mt. Ascutney State Park

Mt. Ascutney is one of Vermont’s oldest state parks and popular hiking destination. The park is expanding its offerings to include five cabins. The cabins are newly finished in 2019 and are now available.

Completion of Improvements to Alburgh Dunes State Park

Vermont State Parks is excited to announce the completion of a significant infrastructure project at Alburgh Dunes State Park, featuring new parking areas, accessibility improvements, a visitor contact center with portable toilets and changing stalls, and a new accessible natural playground, among other elements.

Summer Harvest Cooking Class Registration Open

VT State Parks Cooks wants to fuel your summer adventures with delicious recipes and cooking classes to bring your campfire feasts to the next level.

Book Now for the Construction Holiday

Bienvenue aux Canadiens! Burton Island Marina reservations are filling up for the Construction Holiday.

New Bike Rental Partnership

Vermont State Parks is excited to announce a partnership with Local Motion, Inc. to provide bike rentals at Burton Island State Park. New for the 2019 season, a fleet of rental bicycles will be provided for park visitors to use while visiting the island.

Lowell Lake Master Planning Open House

The Vermont Department of Forests, Parks and Recreation will host an open house on the Lowell Lake State Park Master Planning Project and would like your input and comments.

Public Input Wanted: Fee Increase, Rule Changes

Periodically we adjust fees and visitor policies and we'd like to hear what you think about the proposed changes.

Natural Connections Program: Bringing New Life to the Groton Nature Center

The Vermont Department of Forests, Parks and Recreation has developed conceptual site and building plans for improvements to the Groton Nature Center and would like your input and comments.

Mud Season is Here: What You Need to Know

The wet soils on and around hiking trails are very susceptible to erosion at this critical time of year. To protect fragile soil and surrounding vegetation, some trails may be closed by land managers. We ask everyone to please respect the signage you see.

New Enhancements Coming to Lake Shaftsbury State Park

Changes include a new playground, a more relaxed pet policy, and an extended operating season. The playground is expected to be in place and ready for visitors by mid-June and will include swings, a dome-shaped climbing structure and a large, classic play structure.

Improvements Coming to Boat Launches

In partnership with Green Mountain Power, The Vermont Department of Forests, Parks & Recreation will improve four recreational access areas around Waterbury Reservoir: Moscow Paddlers’ access, Waterbury Dam boat launch, Blush Hill boat launch and Anglers’ Trail. The Anglers’ Trail was completed in 2018 and the other three locations will be finished in time for the 2019 summer season.

We're Looking for Public Input on Proposed Enhancements to Sand Bar State Park

Please join us for a public meeting to present conceptual plans, part of a master planning process, for improvements to Sand Bar State Park. January 29, 5:30 - 7PM at the Milton Town Office Complex Community Meeting Room, 43 Bombardier Road, Milton, VT.

Vermont Parks Forever: The Foundation for Vermont State Parks

Thanks to a dedicated group of dynamic park lovers, Vermont State Parks has some new champions. Vermont Parks Forever leverages private resources to expand access, increase educational opportunities and welcome the next generation to Vermont State Parks. We greatly appreciate your support!