Vermont State Parks

Although it falls outside our regular park season, several Vermont State Parks will provide good viewing locations for solar eclipse on April 8. These parks include:   Bomoseen, Boulder Beach, Branbury, Crystal Lake, DAR, Elmore, Mt. Philo, Grand Isle, Knight Point, Lake Shaftsbury, Lake St. Catherine, Niquette Bay, Silver Lake, and Waterbury Center. Address and other general park information is available at www.vtstateparks.com .   The following previously listed state parks are no longer recommended eclipse viewing areas: Emerald Lake, Little River. Please be aware that park facilities will still be closed for this event. Portable toilets and/or pit/composting toilets will be available. Park staff may be available on a limited basis.   Parking will be available at each of these locations, but it may be limited depending on the number of visitors. When lots are full, please do not park on the grass or in other areas of the park as resource damage is likely due to soft ground condit

  First Day Hikers stand in front of Butler Lodge in 2023. Start the new year on the right foot with a hike in the great outdoors. On January 1, 2024, everyone is once again invited to join a free, guided, family-friendly hike taking place at many state parks, state forests, and other public lands across Vermont. Hikes are led by professional guides and outdoor educators eager to share their knowledge and love of Vermont’s outdoors. Don’t need a guide? No matter where you live in Vermont, a state park or state forest is always close by, and you can still get outside to enjoy it. State Park entry is free on New Year’s Day (and all winter long). You’ll discover a whole new world in winter.  First Day Hikers warm up at the CCC shelter at Owl's Head. Please pre-register by contacting hike leaders ahead of time. On hike day dress for the weather and bring snowshoes if the snow is deep, and micro-spikes or traction aids in case of ice. Please also bring beverages and snacks. In the event

  PRESS RELEASE For Immediate Release – May 24, 2023 Contact: Josh Halman, Forest Health Lead Vermont Department of Forests, Parks, and Recreation 802-279-9999, josh.halman@vermont.gov   Emerald Ash Borer in Vermont: Preventing the Spread and Removing Hazardous Trees Montpelier, VT – In an effort to address the threat posed by the invasive emerald ash borer (EAB), the Department of Forests, Parks and Recreation urges both residents and visitors to stay informed and follow recommendations. As part of the Emerald Ash Borer Awareness Week, May 22 to May 28, 2023, Vermont renews its commitment to safeguarding its ash tree population, while increasing public safety. "We understand the importance of ash trees to Vermont's forests, and the threat posed by the emerald ash borer cannot be ignored," said Danielle Fitzko, Commissioner of the Department of Forests, Parks, and Recreation. "We are taking proactive steps to protect public safety and slow the spread

BRATTLEBORO, VT - “Brewing up adventure” isn’t just a motto for Whetstone Beer Co., it’s a way of life. Partners David Hiler, and Tim and Amy Brady were brought together by not just a love of beer, but also a love of adventure. Their years of exploring the beauty of Vermont State Parks has led them to launch the Pints for Parks project, a partnership benefitting Vermont State Parks through Vermont Parks Forever. Pints for Parks kicks off on May 6, at Jamaica State Park. Pints for Parks is a collaboration between Whetstone Beer Co. and Vermont State Parks, where twice per year Whetstone will focus on a different State Park to create a unique, limited-edition beer celebrating that specific park. In addition, Whetstone will donate proceeds from all Pints for Parks beer to VT State Parks’ partner charity, Vermont Parks Forever.  “We are very excited about the Pints for Parks program and the opportunity to partner with Whetstone Beer Co. This program is a terrific way to celebrate Vermont

Contact: Becca Washburn Becca Washburn, Director of Lands Administration and Recreation Department of Forests, Parks and Recreation becca.washburn@vermont.gov , 802-793-3432 Montpelier, VT – Despite the late arrival of winter to Vermont, the Vermont Department of Forests, Parks and Recreation (FPR) wants to remind the public that mud season is here and many trails around the state are closed. During mud season, which can run until Memorial Day in upper elevations, hiking and biking trails are extremely wet and muddy due to the combined effects of snow melt, thawing ground, and seasonal rain. We ask the public to avoid muddy, soft trails to protect sensitive vegetation and ensure trails are in good shape for the upcoming hiking and biking season.  "We encourage the public to get outside this spring, but to avoid closed and muddy trails," said Becca Washburn, FPR’s Director of Lands Administration and Recreation. "Enjoy the spring sunshine on open trails, like p