Vermont State Parks

A fall view from Big Deer State Park of Peacham Pond Off-season camping and day use is a magical experience. The parks have a stillness that you can't get in the summer. Many animals are hibernating, there is little rustling of the trees, the bugs are gone, and you can sometimes go a whole day without bumping into another visitor. The best part is that it is FREE! Both day use and camping in Vermont State Parks in the off season are free to all visitors. The only thing visitors need to do is park outside the gate, and for camping, make sure you fill out a request form in advance of your stay. During this time of year, the views are wonderful (since many trees are leafless), winter sports like snowshoeing and cross-country season begin, and at night, the campfire never felt so good. A bohemian waxwing Some fun activities to do in the parks this time of year include: birding, tracking, finding bird nests, and hiking! Keep an eye out for grouse, tu...

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 equipment 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 of...

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 highe...

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 bro...

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...

Crossett Brook Middle Schoolers pull out invasive honeysuckle This Sunday, September 25, we invite everyone to join us in helping wage the "War of the Weeds" as part of National Public Lands Day.   Come to Little River State Park at 10:00am. Park Interpreter Brian Aust will lead volunteers through the park removing invasive honeysuckle plants while teaching participants about invasives in Vermont. National Public Lands Day (NPLD) is the nation’s largest hands-on volunteer effort to improve and enhance the public lands Americans enjoy. On September 24, 2011, over 170,000 volunteers will plant trees, remove trash, and build trails at public lands across the nation. Last year, volunteers and community partners contributed an estimated $15 million of improvements to over 2,000 public land sites. You can join in the effort too by doing your own War on Weeds on your property! Read more about Brian's fight below: Brian's "War on Weeds" program caught the...

Elmore State Park is known as a fun and popular park. With swimming, hiking, a fire tower to climb, horseshoes, a park interpreter (who runs great programs and events), a newly renovated beachhouse, camping, and more, Elmore is not a park lacking in things to do. Well add one more thing to the list - a music festival on Sunday, September 25, 2011 from 12:00 PM - 6:30 PM! The staff at Elmore usually goes above and beyond the call of duty, and is continuing to do so by generously hosting a benefit music festival. Half the proceeds will go to the Vermont Food Bank and the other half will go to help the Lamoille County Conservation District’s work to protect and restore the water quality of Lake Elmore and the surrounding Lamoille River Watershed. Musical performances will be given by Vorzca , Eames Brothers Band , 7Lbs of Pork , and John Gailmor . The cost is $20.00, but kids under 12 are free! To add to the fun, the first 200 people get a free concert tee shirt, so make sure to ge...