Paranormal Activity at Kingsland Bay State Park (and 4 Other Spooky Parks to Visit on Halloween!)

A Vermont State Park cabin at night

Rumors have gone round of haunted buildings in Kingsland Bay State Park. Last May, the Champlain Valley Vermont Ghost Hunters offered up their services to investigate if there actually is paranormal activity or if it's just people's imaginations running wild.

The ghost hunters stayed for two nights in the park and conducted experiments in several park buildings including the main dining hall, the Hawley House and the staff quarters, and they did find some interesting evidence. Arriving in tricked out vans looking like command central, these four professionals use high tech equiment to scientifically determine if something else lurks beyond what we can see and hear. An Electrical Voice Phenomena reader (EVP), infrared cameras, motion cameras, laser devices, and other equipment help to document and measure images, noises, and the presence of 'others'. The investigators have been somewhat hush-hush about their findings pending official publicatoin of their report, but they did say they saw an apparition of a Native American near the window pane of the Hawley House as well as significant audio evidence.

The full report will be coming out soon and the ghost hunters commented that they would like to do a follow-up investigation for more, so stay tuned.

In addition to Kingsland Bay, there are 4 other parks that are sure to spook the skeptical....if you have the courage to visit!

Visitors to Ricker Cemetary
stay close to each other

Haunted Hikes of Vermont author and spooky enthusiast, Tim Simard, studied the legends and haunted places throughout Vermont and chronicled some of the scariest ones in his book. A few especially spooky tales happen to take place in the following parks. (Note: Tim's book has many more stories and details than listed below)

Little River State Park: A flood back in 1927 eliminated what used to be the town of Little River. Many lives were lost as a visit to Ricker Cemetery attests. Like any cemetery, a visit after the sun sets is sure to spook even the bravest of hikers. Another place that is rumored to be haunted within the state park is the Almeron Goodell house. An angry spirit still lurks holding on to resentment over the loss of its land. The house on the property is scary-looking enough without the story of a ghost. Author Tim Simard, recommends not visiting this area in the dead of night. Click here for a Little River map (page 9 of the document shows the map).

Button Bay State Park: What lurks beneath the waters? In addition to shipwrecks from the war of 1812, many believe a monster called "Champ" lives in Lake Champlain. An underwater serpentine specter of sorts, Champ sightings continue to be documented every year. Head over to Button Bay State Park to see if you spot anything gliding through the chilly waves. Click here for a campground map.

Brighton State Park: Campers and hikers have claimed to see ghostly figures standing on the shores of Spectacle Pond while hearing what sounded like a tribal celebration in the woods. Smoke and the smell of a campfire have been reported a short ways away, but with no fire in sight. Indian Point, on Spectacle Pond within the campground, was known as a place where native tribes including, Iroquois, Abenaki, Mohawk and Algonquin met in the summer. Celebrating, trading and important discussions and decisions took place at these encampments. If you are in the Northeast Kingdom, keep an eye out! Walking the campground which borders the pond is fun for all ages. Click here for a map of the campground.

There's no full moon to
light your way on this Halloween!

Groton State Parks: The infamous Bristol Bill - Stories out of Groton describe a ghostly figure dressed in nineteenth-century period clothing walking down the center of Groton Village and in Groton State Forest. Sometimes, the ghost of Bristol Bill holds the bloody knife he used in one of his crimes. Other reports say that Bill haunts the shores of Kettle Pond, specifically the southwestern corner. Legend has it that in the boulder caves near this corner of the pond, Bill hid some of his counterfeit money in a large kettle—hence the name of the pond. If you’re out hiking the Kettle Pond Loop Trail in the early morning hours and see Bristol Bill looking through the boulders, it’s best to steer clear. This once-gentlemanly robber might not take kindly to strangers approaching his counterfeit treasure. Click here for trail maps.

If you've ever spotted something "paranormal" send your story or photos our way. We'd love to hear your ghost story!

Enjoy a spooky hike in a state park this Halloween and have fun visiting the spirits from the past!

Saving the Best for Last - These Five Parks Offer Some of the Best Fall Activites

As the landscape of Vermont is exploding with fall colors, five Vermont State Parks are also gearing up to go out with a bang. Most of the parks close after Columbus Day weekend, but these parks stay open a little longer. See why they are great parks to visit this time of year.

Looking out over Lake Champlain

Gifford Woods: Set in the southern Green Mountains, this park is the perfect base camp for some great hikes. Easily connect to the famous Appalachian Trail, the Long Trail, or take a trail to Deer Leap Overlook (a popular favorite). The foliage here is peaking, so make sure to bring your camera when exploring. You won't want to miss these photo opportunities. Also, for those wanting to camp, you can reserve a lean-to site or cabin in addition to regular tent/RV sites. Call the park to reserve your spot, 802-775-5354.

Smugglers' Notch: This park is another perfect base camp for hiking. Take some challenging trails to the summit of Mt. Mansfield, the highest peak in Vermont. As the leaves are beginning to fall in the north, the views are opening up, allowing for some incredible panoramas. The fall colors in the north are lingering with many mountain sides resembling deep red and orange fire embers.

A perfect night to camp at
Smugglers' Notch State Park

Underhill: A cozy park surrounded by thick woods. This is an ideal park for spotting wildlife while hiking on quieter trails. Similar to Smugglers' Notch, Underhill has many trails to choose from. The most popular is the Sunset Ridge Trail that will take you to the summit of Mt. Mansfield. Bring water and your hiking poles to spend the whole day surrounded by the great outdoors.

The Hazen Family out hiking in
Mt. Ascutney State Park

Mt. Ascutney: This park is a top recommendation for capturing the peaking southern Vermont foliage. If you don't feel like hiking to get a view, Mt. Ascutney offers a scenic (and steep) winding mountain road for driving to the top. For those that do want to hike, you'll have your pick of five different trails. A picnic shelter allows visitors to have the most breath-taking views while enjoying a meal together. There is also availability for camping here too, so no rush to leave! Call the park to make your reservations, 802-674-2060.

Seyon Lodge: Fishing, fishing, fishing. Jump in a boat or canoe and catch some trout at Seyon's Noyes Pond (boat rentals available at the park). This picturesque body of water has some of the best trout fishing in the state. Ask the innkeepers for their favorite recipes while you are there. They know how to cook a freshly caught fish as well as many other great dishes. The inn still has availability through the end of October. Call the park for more information - 802-584-3829.
Enjoy the fall by getting out there and taking in the colors and crisp air. It's the perfect season for a warm campfire at the end of a day. Save some s'mores for us!

Spicin' Things Up at Seyon This Weekend - Cider Pressing Festival, October 8th

Attention people who like apples! There is an event at Seyon Lodge State Park that you should attend - a Cider Pressing Festival! From 3:00 PM - 6:00 PM, join in celebrating autumn’s bounty. In addition to cider pressing, the park will host live folk music by Wall Stiles, and have lots of good food for purchase (including apple desserts and fresh pizza.)

Seyon Lodge State Park provides rustic and welcoming facilities in the midst of the 27,000-acre Groton State Forest. Situated on the pristine shores of Noyes Pond, the Lodge provides year-round lodging and meeting facilities for individual guests and groups, including small conferences, retreats,and weddings. Private rooms with shared bath accommodate 16 overnight guests, while a fully equipped commercial kitchen prepares meals, and caters to dietary requests.

While you're there, take advantage of the great hiking, fly fishing, paddling, or just relax and breathe in the fresh air. A note on the fishing: fly fishing for brook trout on Noyes Pond is considered among the best in Vermont. You can rent boats at the Lodge too. For more information on the Festival or on Seyon, please call the park directly: 802-584-3829.

Music Festival at Kingsland Bay State Park October 8th to Benefit VT Farm Disaster Relief Fund

The Lois McClure Schooner

The Lake Champlain Maritime Museum (LCMM) is partnering with Vermont State Parks to host a music and food festival to benefit the Vermont Farm Disaster Relief Fund. Not only is there FREE admission into the park all day, but fun activities will be happening all day too, such as a farmer's market, performances, vendors from across the state will be selling local goods, and the regular activities that Kingsland Bay offers - hiking, picnicking, space for games, and more. To add to the special festivities, the LCMM is bringing along a historic ship. The Lois McClure Schooner will be docked on the shores of Kingsland Bay State Park for viewing all day, October 8th.

Visitors enjoy a day of music and fun

Download a poster of this special event here or for more information visit http://lcmm.org/our_fleet/lois_mcclure_schedule.htm.

Kingsland Bay State Park's 264 acres sit on the picturesque shores of Lake Champlain, which is why many people choose to get married here. Picnicking, swimming, and toilet facilities are available. There are several buildings available for large group gatherings including family reunions, weddings, and company picnics. There are scenic trails along the shoreline of Lake Champlain perfect for family walks. Boating (boat rentals are available), fishing, and sailing are also popular.