2010 Parks of the Year!

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 Molly Stark, Lake Shaftsbury, Grand Isle, and Seyon Lodge (staff for each park shown below in order listed from left to right). Congrats to all for your fantastic work! (Click on pic to enlarge).

Foliage Focus: October 4th - 10th - Best Parks & Cool Things to Do

Southern Vermont and the Lake Champlain area are peaking with prime foliage. Check out the five best parks for leaf peeping this week and see what events and attractions are going on in and around each one.

Woodford State Park, Woodford, VT:
Marvel at the iconic works of art at the Norman Rockwell Museum in Rutland; Take part in one of the many programs offered at the Bennington Museum, such as Punch Needle Rug Hooking, Bennington; Pick up some hand-crafted souvenirs or gifts at the Bennington Potters, Bennington; Relax with a glass of local beer from the Northshire Brewery, Bennington; Pick your own apples and enjoy lots of apple treats at the Apple Barn and Country Bakeshop, Bennington; History buffs won't want to miss visiting the Historic Park-McCullough where one can spend hours wandering the estate, North Bennington


Quechee State Park, White River Jct., VT:
Learn fascinating facts at the Montshire Museum of Science, Norwich; Savor tasty warm breads and other treats at the King Arthur Flour - The Baker's Store, Norwich; Join in the fun at the annual Harvest Weekend at the Billings Farm & Museum - Barn Dance and fill up on all sorts of delicious foods, Woodstock; Why drive when you can enjoy Vermont's scenery by train! Visit the Green Mountain Railroads and Trains around Vermont, White River Junction; Let yourself be awed by an amazing natural feature, the Quechee Gorge, White River Junction


Emerald Lake State Park, East Dorset, VT:
Challenge your fears at Bromley Mountain Thrill Zone or watch others as they challenge theirs, Peru; Summit Mt. Equinox without breaking a sweat by taking the Mt. Equinox Skyline Drive - the views are amazing, Manchester; Marvel at the handicraft and pick up some gifts from Basketville, Putney; Check out the many activities going on during the Columbus Day Harvest Festival, Stratton


Mount Philo State Park, Charlotte, VT:
Stop and smell the flowers at The Vermont Wildflower Farm and get ideas for your own garden, Charlotte; Make charming custom-made teddy bears at Vermont Teddy Bear Company, Shelburne; Explore the mysteries of Lake Champlain at ECHO Lake Aquarium and Science Center, Burlington; Stroll Church Street to do some shopping or get a bite to eat at one of the many restaurants, cafes, bistros, or pizzerias, Burlington; Tour the incredible studio of Robert Compton Pottery and pick up unique gifts, Bristol; Satisfy your sweet tooth with a visit to Lake Champlain Chocolates, Burlington


Button Bay State Park, Vergennes, VT:
Explore the depths of the lakes, seas, and oceans at the Lake Champlain Maritime Museum, Vergennes; Refuel with local specialty foods and beverages at Dakin Farm, Ferrisburgh; Visit the site of a historic French fortress at Crown Point, Crown Point; Take a gallop at the Morgan Horse Farm and learn about these prized horses and their preservation, Weybridge

Foliage Focus: September 27 - October 3 - Best Parks & Cool Things to Do

The cooler weather is moving Vermont's incredible fall foliage a little farther south. Below are parks where foliage is at its prime. Also check out the activities in and around the State Parks too. No one is hibernating yet!

Half Moon State Park, Hubbardton, VT:
Load up your bags or basket with delicious locally grown food at the Rutland Farmer's Market, Rutland; Wet your whistle at the 15th Annual Killington Brewfest, Killington; Have a hayride, listen to great music, and more at the Brandon HarvestFest, Brandon; Satisfy your need for speed at the Devil's Bowl Speedway, West Haven; History buffs will enjoy a visit to Hubbardton Battlefield, Hubbarton; Visit the world's largest marble exhibit at The Vermont Marble Museum, Proctor


Molly Stark State Park, Wilmington, VT:
Have a look around the Southern Vermont Natural History Museum, Marlboro; Play a round of golf on a four-star golf course at Hay Stack Golf Club, Wilmington; See where your food really comes from and take a farm tour at Adams Family Farm, Wilmington; Prepare for winter by stopping by the Norton House A Quilter's Paradise and indulge in a beautiful handmade quilt, Wilmington; Learn some history at the Battle of Bennington Historic Site, Bennington; Shop for antiques at Antiques at Camelot, Bennington; Hike Mt. Olga and climb the fire tower for breathtaking views (especially this week!)


Jamaica State Park, Jamaica, VT:
Lose or find your way in the Gaines Farm Corn Maize, and check out all the other cool activities they have to offer, Guilford; Marvel at the fine glass blown at Hot Glass Works, Jamaica; Art and history enthusiasts will enjoy a visit to Hildene - The Lincoln Family Home, Manchester; Become a fan of fly fishing when you visit the American Museum of Fly Fishing, Manchester; Weave your way over to Margie's Muse Hand Weaving and pick up the perfect handwoven rug, Jamaica; Sample some fabulous locally made cheeses at Grafton Village Cheese Shop, Brattleboro; Visit Dutton Berry Farm for a tour and to get great locally grown grub, Newfane


Branbury State Park, Salisbury, VT:
See loads of fish up close at the Salisbury Fish Hatchery, Salisbury; Enjoy all the fun events at Dead Creek Wildlife Day, Addison; Spend hours or days at the Shelburne Museum soaking up history, art, and a myriad of other interests, Shelburne; Get a sugar fix and Vermont maple syrup to take home at the New England Maple Museum, Pittsford; Smell all the scents of soap at Vermont Soap Organics, Middlebury; Take a tour of the famous Danforth Pewter Workshop and Store, Middlebury; Hike to the Falls of Lana or Rattlesnake Cliffs, Salisbury; Have a drink with a friend at Otter Creek Brewery, Middlebury


Wilgus State Park: Ascutney, VT
Learn alot about alot at the Vermont Institute of Natural Science, Quechee; Walk or drive through the Cornish-Windsor Covered Bridge, Windsor; Relax with a locally brewed cold one at the Harpoon Brewery, Windsor; Get heaps of history at the Old Constitution House ("the birthplace of Vermont"), Windsor; Find wonderful works of wood at Wilson Woodworking, Windsor; Take an easy canoe or kayak trip down the Connecticut River to experience the foliage from the water's perspective, Ascutney


Coolidge State Park, Plymouth, VT:
Visit the Marsh-Billings-Rockefeller National Historical Park for a beautiful landscape and tour of their LEED certified Forest Center, Woodstock; Fill up on locally made eats at the Sugarbush Cheese and Maple Syrup Farm, Woodstock; Catch a big one with some friendly advice from the guides of Vermont Angler - they also have a wide selection of hand tied flies, Ludlow; Experience world class hiking on one of many trails starting in Coolidge State Park, Plymouth

Proposed fee increases for Stone Hut & Kingsland Bay

Periodically, Vermont State Parks must adjust its fees to keep up with inflationary pressures. Fees collected for park services are an important source of revenue to support operation and maintenance of the parks. We try to keep fees affordable and competitive. Most fee changes must be approved via the Administrative Procedures Act (APA) Rule Making Process.

An important part of the APA process is to inform the public in advance and give everyone an opportunity to comment. In that spirit, below are the proposed 2010 changes to, "Rules & Regulations - Visitor Conduct & Fees and Charges for State Park Services and Commercial Activities on Department Lands".

Stone Hut - increase nightly fee from $150/per night to $195/per night.

Kingsland Bay - increase banquet hall fees from $1,000 + $2/per person + $100 trash fee to $2,500 all inclusive.

If you would like to comment on these proposed changes, send an email to craig.whipple@state.vt.us or snail mail: Craig Whipple, Department of Forests, Parks & Recreation, 103 S Main St., Bldg. 10 South, Waterbury, VT 05671 by November 15, 2010.

Foliage Focus: September 20th - 26th - Best Parks & Cool Things To Do

As the cooler weather stretches into the valleys and further south in Vermont, the beautiful fall foliage spreads with it. Below are six state parks where the foliage and things to do are in full swing.

Underhill State Park, Underhill Center, VT:
Pick up great locally grown food at the Old Fashioned Harvest Market; Do a wine tasting at Boyden Valley Winery; Listen to a lecture by artists Chris Brown or Pablo Helquera at the Vermont Studio Center in Johnson, VT; Hike Mt. Mansfield, VT's highest peak: take a gondola ride up the mountain or drive up Mt. Mansfield's Auto Road; Stroll through the Grist Mill Covered Bridge in Jeffersonville, VT; Celebrate Shelburne's 32nd annual Harvest Festival; Pick up some historic facts from the Jericho's Snowflake Bentley Museum ("Snowflake" Bentley was the first person to photograph a single snow crystal!).

Kettle Pond State Park, Marshfield, VT:
Go hungry and leave full after doing a Cabot Creamery tour (free samples of all their cheeses at the end!); See stars during the day at the Fairbanks Museum and Planetarium in St. Johnsbury; Pick up some real Vermont Maple Syrup at the Bragg Family Sugarhouse in East Montpelier; Take a Vermont State House tour in Montpelier; Satisfy your sweet tooth with a visit to Rainbow Sweets in Marshfield; Go for a walk in the woods in one of the many Groton Forest Trails

Elmore State Park, Lake Elmore, VT:
Stock up on warm wool at the Johnson Woolen Mills in Johnson; Have a pint at the 14th Annual Oktoberfest in Stowe; Peruse beautiful works of art at the Bryan Memorial Gallery, in Jeffersonville; Run through Percy Farm's Corn Maze in Stowe; Relax with a local brew at the Rock Art Brewery in Morrisville; Play a round of golf at the Farm Resort and Golf Course in Stowe; For those seeking adventure, try sliding down the mountains on the Alpine Slides of Spruce Mountain; Enjoy a delicious meal at the Trapp Family Lodge in Stowe

Little River State Park, Waterbury, VT:
Join Park Interpreter, Brian, for "Fall Foliage Frolic", "Making Tracks and Seeing Skins", or the popular "Night Ghost Hike" programs; Visit the Ben & Jerry's Factory in Waterbury; Enjoy a locally brewed beer at the The Alchemist in Waterbury; Rent a kayak and paddle the calm waters of the Waterbury Reservoir; Visit the Rock of Ages Granite Quarry and even use the outdoor granite bowling alley!; Cheers during a wine tasting at the Grand View Winery in Waterbury Center; Grab a cup of coffee while taking a tour of Green Mountain Coffee Roasters in Waterbury

Gifford Woods State Park, Killington, VT:
See the hay sculptures at the Killington Hay Festival in Killington; Take a gondola ride up Killington Peak where mountain biking and hiking are popular activities; Ride along one of many trails by horse on Pico Mountain with Pico Stables; Visit Coolidge State Historic Site in Plymouth; Get close to some wild birds at the Vermont Institute of Natural Science in Quechee; Take a hike with breathtaking views in Aitken State Forest; Check out the Old-Growth Forest Exhibits in Gifford Woods State Park

Mount Ascutney State Park
Windsor, VT:
Drive up the Mt. Ascutney's Auto Road for incredible views. While at the summit, enjoy a picnic at the shelter or watch the hang gliders take the easy way down the mountain - contact Morningside Flight Park (based out of Charlestown, NH) for more information; Visit the historic site and take in the beautiful sculptures of Saint-Gaudens in Cornish, NH; Go into a mine at Ruggles Mine in Grafton, NH; Watch glass be blown at the Simon Pearce Glass Facility in Windsor; Hike or bike one of the many trails up to the summit of Mount Ascutney

Foliage Focus: September 17 & 18 - Best Parks & Cool Things to Do

Foliage is starting to look good in Northern Vermont - here are some great parks for early fall foliage viewing and fun stuff to do in the surrounding areas:

Smugglers' Notch State Park, Stowe, VT:
Hike Mt. Manfield, VT's highest peak; Take a gondola ride up the mountain; Drive up Mt. Mansfield's Auto Road; Bike Ride on the Stowe Bike Path; Check out British Invasion Car Show Weekend; Visit the Boyden Valley Winery; Visit Cold Hollow Cider Mill; Take a tour of the Ben & Jerry's Ice Cream Factory.

Brighton State Park, Island Pond, VT:
Try a stay in a cozy cabin; Bring your own boat, and paddle on Island Pond, or rent one and paddle on Spectacle Pond, Check out the Northeast Kingdom's Foliage Festival; participate in North Woods Stewardship Center's Foliage Bike Ride; Hike at Lake Willoughby; Paddle the Clyde River; Visit the Silvio Conte NWR.


New Discovery/Osmore Pond State Park
Ricker Pond State Park, Groton, VT
Stay in a remote lean-to on Osmore Pond, we'll even provide the canoe; Horse Camp at New Discovery; Stay in a cabin at Ricker Pond; Hike Owls Head, Bike ride on the Cross Vermont Trail; Visit Peacham Bog; Have lunch or fish at Seyon Lodge;

Haunted Hike Happening at Little River State Park!

Come join us for a special event! Saturday, October 2, at 10:00 AM in Little River State Park, Waterbury, VT, author Tim Simard and Little River State Park Interpreter, Brian Aust, will host a spooky presentation and hike. Participants will trek through the autumn woods to discover remnants of the old Goodell Farmhouse on the Dalley Loop Trail and hear about the spooky mysteries of locals’ past.

Attendees should park at the History Hike Parking Lot (Dalley Loop/Hedgehog Hill Loop Trails). Children of all ages and well-behaved and leashed pets are welcome. Feel free to bring snacks or lunch and water. This program will go on, rain or shine. Park entrance fee is required to attend.

As a self-proclaimed skeptic, Tim Simard had always enjoyed a good campfire tale, but never believed they were true until he began research for his book, HAUNTED HIKES OF VERMONT. Simard's book provides both storied history and fanciful legend within the trails of Vermont's Green Mountains and beyond. Hikes are rated on a ghostly scale, according to difficulty and spookiness with something for every member of the family. Hikes cover all parts of the state, from the lake to the Northeast Kingdom to the southernmost part of the state.
Today, Little River State Park is one of Vermont’s most popular state parks. Open through Columbus Day weekend, the park offers tent and RV campsites, lean-to’s, cabins, hiking, swimming and interpretive programs. In the early 1800’s, a settlement of about 50 pioneer families once lived in this area. The hard demands of the land and weather forced younger generations to abandon the farms. Old cemeteries, sawmill remains, old town roads, bridges and many cellar holes can still be seen as evidence of a past community. This small community had an abundance of mysterious and unusual happenings, and Tim and Brian will share these with you.

A little more about the author: Tim Simard has lived on and off in Vermont for the past 10 years. An avid hiker, mountain biker and traveler, he continues to explore footpaths and hiking trails across the United States. Simard has a B.A. in journalism from St. Michael’s College and a M.F.A. in nonfiction writing from the University of New Hampshire. He currently resides in Waterbury, VT with his wife Amanda.

Camp Plymouth Remains Open September Weekends

Haven't had your fill of swimming and picnicking yet for this year? Well, Camp Plymouth State Park will be open on weekends throughout the month of September.

A popular place for day use and weddings, the park will open at noon on Fridays and at 10:00 AM on Saturdays and Sundays.

The concession stand will be open from noon - 5:00 PM for ice cream, refreshments and boat rental.

Pavilion rentals will also be available on weekends. Sorry, but pets are not permitted at this park.

Camp Plymouth is also known for its housekeeping cottages, group and horse camping areas, popular playground, wide expanses of well-manicured lawns and its proximity to Coolidge State Park, with its spectacular fall hiking, the Calvin Coolidge Presidential Historic Site, Okemo, Killington and Pico resorts.

Burton Island's Marina Season Is Extended!

So, we're trying an experiment...Burton Island's Marina will continue to be open through the 1st and 2nd week after Labor Day!

Come enjoy the beautiful waters and great fishing of Lake Champlain, as well as one of the best places for swimming and picnicking.

15 boat moorings and a 100-slip marina with Wi-Fi connection, dockside electricity, fuel service, and a marine holding-tank pumpout facility plus 3 miles of shoreline, hiking trails make Burton Island a very unique state park.

For those wanting to visit after Labor Day, the bath house will be open, wood will be available, and the inner marina will have electricity.

For reservations call 802-524-6353.