Vermont State Parks

Finished trail segment at Mt. Philo State Park Charlotte, VT – As a significant trail project at Mt. Philo State Park ends for the season, project managers and visitors alike are commending the improvements and the broader benefits to Vermont’s outdoor recreation economy. The project, managed by the Vermont Department of Forests, Parks, and Recreation (FPR), was awarded by a competitive bid process. Designed and constructed by Timber and Stone, LLC, it updates major sections of the main trail to provide a more sustainable and safe ascent, and features a universally accessible trail that improves access at the summit.

Start the new year on the right foot with a hike in a Vermont state park. On January 1, 2021, everyone is once again invited to celebrate the New Year by heading out on the trails at a Vermont State Park. State park entry is free on New Year’s Day (and all winter long). You’ll discover a whole new world in winter. In response to the COVID-19 pandemic, First Day Hikes will be a little different from previous years. While we are not offering in-person guided hikes, we have carefully selected hikes throughout the state for a self-guided adventure.  Make sure to follow all COVID-19 travel restrictions and guidelines per Vermont Department of Health . Masks are required. Please dress for the weather and bring snowshoes if the snow is deep. Please also bring beverages and snacks. On-leash dogs are welcome unless otherwise noted. You don’t need to pre-register, just show up!  Featured hikes include:   Southeast Region  Lowell Lake Trail | 3.0 miles | Lowell Lake State Park in Londonderry, VT

Park visitors enjoy Alburgh Dunes State Park - R. Schwan-Noble Celebrate Vermont's most spectacular outdoor places, share the immense natural and cultural heritage of the state with both neighbors and visitors, support the economy and values of local communities, and lead the passionate and dedicated team behind one of the nation's finest state park systems. The Department of Forests, Parks and Recreation (FPR) seeks a Director of State Parks.

Give the Gift of the Vermont Outdoors this Holiday Season Want to treat someone to a full season of outdoor fun? Whether they like taking a swim after work, enjoying a weekend camping getaway, sitting by a waterfall, discovering a new trail, trying out a paddleboard or kayak, or simply having an impromptu picnic, Vermont State Parks has something for everyone. You can give these experiences and more by purchasing a gift certificate or gift card from Vermont State Parks. 

The view from Owl's Head Overlook This guest blog is by Matt Parsons, longtime photography intern, writer and avid parks explorer. Check out more of his adventures at his blog The Adventurers . I was 5 or 6 years old when our family bought our first camper. My first State Park memory is from Ricker Pond in Groton, Vermont. It was a spontaneous trip without reservations. As I recall, we could have site 8, provided that we could get the camper into the rather awkward place. Site #8 is a prime site by the pond and pavilion. My dad cork screwed our 23’ camper on to the site by going around the small camping loop in the opposite direction, thus setting himself up for a somewhat straight, but perfect landing. My dad was a hero! Two kids and a dog in a paddleboat To me, the whole world was in our backyard to explore. Behind us was a marsh that I could catch salamanders by day   and fall asleep to frogs by night. The beach was just steps away and I played there until I was water logged