Six State Parks Open This Friday & Why We Love Them

Grand Isle: High and dry, this popular park on Lake Champlain is open for business!

What’s to love about Grand Isle State Park?
• Located on the shores of Lake Champlain
• 150 campsites including tent/RV sites and leantos
• 4 cabins
• Nature center, volleyball, horseshoes, a nature walk, lake access, boat rentals
• Nature programs, events and entertainment
• Boating, fishing, biking, hiking, and swimming
• New this year: construction of another cabin and a renovated bath house
• Nearby: Burlington, St. Albans, Champlain Islands, restaurants, theaters, and museums

For more information: http://www.vtstateparks.com/htm/grandisle.htm

Little River: A park rich in history, water, and wildlife

What’s to Love About Little River State Park?
• Located along the shores of the Waterbury Reservoir – great views on top of the dam
• Historic remnants – old sawmills, cemeteries, town roads, bridges, and cellar holes
• Self guided history and nature trails along with other hiking trails close to the campground
• Boat rentals, swimming, fishing, miles of mountain biking trails
• Play areas, ball field, nature center, volleyball
• Park interpreter programs hosted by Brian Aust, who specializes in bird identification
• New this year: three cabins
• Nearby: Mt. Mansfield State Forest, the Town of Waterbury, restaurants, Green Mountain Coffee Roasters Visitors Center, Waterbury Center State Park, shopping in Williston

For more information: http://www.vtstateparks.com/htm/littleriver.htm

Smugglers' Notch: A rustic retreat in the mountains

What’s to love about Smugglers’ Notch State Park?
• Located in Stowe, VT
• 33 campsites including tent/RV sites and leantos
• Access to Bingham Falls
• Rich in history – all buildings are original Civilian Conservation Corps structures
• Great opportunities for hiking and access to Vermont’s highest mountain, Mt. Mansfield
• A quiet and private campground
• What’s New: a restroom facility that uses alternative energy
• Nearby: Downtown Stowe, restaurants, shopping, Stowe bike path, Toll Road, Trapp Family Lodge, Ben and Jerry’s, Cabot Cheese Factory Store, Lake Champlain Outlet

For more information: http://www.vtstateparks.com/htm/smugglers.htm

Gifford Woods: A hiker’s paradise – famous trails and peaks

What’s to love about Gifford Woods State Park?
• Located at the base of Killington and Pico peaks
• 46 campsites including tent/RV sites, leantos, and cabins
• One of very few old growth hardwood tree stands in New England
• Old growth forest exhibits
• Wooded picnic area and play area
• The only park to have the Appalachian Trail run through it – access to lots of hiking including Kent Brook Trail and the Long Trail
• A babbling brook and small waterfalls along Kent Brook Trail
• New this year: restored CCC leantos
• Nearby: Killington, restaurants, historic towns, and museums

For more information: http://www.vtstateparks.com/htm/gifford.htm

Stillwater: One of seven Groton State Forest parks

What’s to love about Stillwater State Park?
• A gateway to Groton State Forest with 26,000 acres to explore
• Groton State Forest contains over seventeen miles of hiking trails and over 20 miles of gravel roads and multi-use trails suitable for mountain biking and horseback riding
• Access to great hikes for all levels, such as Owl’s Head
• 62 campsites and 17 leantos
• Swimming beach, dock, play area, picnic shelter
• Groton Nature Center which houses programs, events, and entertainment
• New this year: a water system
• Nearby: Kettle Pond, New Discovery, Seyon Lodge, Ricker Pond, Big Deer, and Boulder Beach State Parks; Cabot Creamery, Grand View Winery, a short drive from St. Johnsbury and Montpelier

For more information: http://www.vtstateparks.com/htm/stillwater.htm

Lake Carmi: One of the most popular campground in northern Vermont

What’s to love about Lake Carmi State Park?
• Contains the third largest peat bog in Vermont
• A newly revamped bog trail allows you to experience this unique ecosystem
• Over two miles of shoreline on the south and eastern sides of Lake Carmi
• Nature center, hiking trail, swimming, and boat rentals
• Nature programs, events, and entertainment
• Great fishing – Perch, Walleye, Pike, Small Mouth Bass, Bullhead, and Panfish species in Lake Carmi
• Host of the only pet friendly cabin and sites in area ‘A’ welcome pets too
• Nearby: Mississquoi Rail Trail, Mississquoi National Wildlife Refuge, covered bridges in Montgomery, and Franklin Town museum

For more information: http://www.vtstateparks.com/htm/carmi.htm