Join Vermont State Parks for Fun, Guided, First Day Hikes

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Start the New Year on the right foot with a hike in a Vermont State Park. Join a free, guided, easy, family hikes taking place in state parks and forests throughout the state. Hike leaders include professional guides and outdoor educators, sharing their knowledge and love of the Vermont outdoors. Don't need a guide? Then get outside at the state park or forest of your choice. They are always available and close by to all of us. Entry is free and you will discover a whole new world in the winter.

Bring the whole family! Dress for the weather; bring snowshoes if there is a lot of snow. Bring some beverages and snacks. Dogs are welcome (on leash) unless otherwise noted. You don't need to pre-register, just show up. To check the status of the hikes call 802-249-1230. Update messages will be posted on December 31st and January 1st. Check out our website at www.vtstateparks.com  and our Facebook and Twitter feeds for more information and more hikes as they are added.

Underhill State Park:
Meet: 1:00 pm at gate just below Underhill State Park on Mountain Road, in Underhill Center. Hike: 3 hours, easy to moderate terrain.

Groton Nature Center, Big Deer State Park:
Meet: 1:00 pm at Groton State Forest Nature Center parking area on Boulder Beach Road, 1.6 miles from Route 232. Hike: 1+ hour loop hike across multiple trails - easy terrain.

Little River State Park:
Meet: 10:00 am meet at the end of Little River Road as close as to the entrance as possible to the campground weather permitting (probably at the top of Waterbury Dam) Hike: 2 hour/ 3 mile hike/snowshoe to the LRSP History Hike (the easier, lower 1 mile route.) Please leave dogs at home.

Quechee State Park:
Meet: 10:00 am at the Quechee information center right at the Quechee Gorge. Hike: Easy hike through the park, down the gorge trail and into the woods. Approximately 2.5 hours.

Groton State Forest:Hike to Spruce Mountain Fire Tower:
Meet 11:00 am parking lot for Spruce Mountain Trailhead on Spruce Mountain Road in Plainfield. Strenuous. Bring a bag lunch.


Niquette Bay State Park: Meet: 12 pm at trailhead in State Park. Hike: 1.5 miles, 2 hours, moderate.

Smuggler’s Notch State Park: Meet: 8:30 am inside the stone gate: the sign is not up off-season, but it is 6.6 miles from the 3-way stop in Stowe Village. Note: Note: Parking is limited along the road: some is available at Bingham Falls across the street. Hike: Easy. 1.5 hours, 1-2 miles

Grand Isle State Park:  Meet 10:00 am by the park office off East Shore Road South.  There will be a sign out by Route 2. We will tour the campground and discuss invasive species. Easy 1.5 hours.

Molly Stark State Park:  Meet 10:00 am at cul de sac across the street from the park entrance on Route 9.  Hike 2 hours +/- moderate terrain on park roads and trails following the ridge to Hogback Mountain. Snowshoes or cleats may be necessary.

Bald Mountain:  Meet 11:00 am at the Frontage Road, just to the southeast of the Rutland Fire Station (Route 7 & Center Street).  Approximately 3.6 miles with some steep climbing.

Button Bay State Park: Bird walk-loaner binoculars available! Trip leaders will also bring spotting scopes. Meet 9:00 am at park gate. Easy 2.6 miles, approximately 2.5 hours.

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