Vermont State Parks

You can still get out and enjoy an inspirational program in some Vermont State Parks.  Programs are expanded into the fall this year, with three Student Conservation Association Interns offering visitor programming and school programs in parks well into November. The SCA, founded in 1957, gives young people the opportunity to make a real impact and lasting effects on our natural world and in our communities, by connecting them with meaningful internship opportunities. Vermont State Parks is lucky to have these three to further the reach of our mission in inspiring environmental stewardship and connections with the land. Want to get to know them better?  Cat Cook is working at Lake St Catherine State Park in Poultney: I go by Cat and I was born in Cleveland, Ohio. I recently graduated from the University of Washington in Seattle with a B.S. in Geology. I love to travel and be outdoors. Some of my favorite things to do are long-distance backpacking, kayaking, fishing,...

We're just as amazed as you are about how quickly the summer has drawn to a close. But fear not - we have a lot of parks to choose from, even after Labor Day - we compiled a list of the best parks for fall camping because the fun hasn't quit just yet! Brighton State Park Located in Island Pond, Vermont, Brighton is one of our more remote parks, which makes it all the better for leaf peeping. It's not uncommon to hear loons calling across the pond, and spot deer along the hiking trails. You can rent boats, hang out on the beach at Spectacle Pond, or just relax in any of our cabins, tent sites, or lean-tos. Coolidge State Park  Coolidge is a wonderful park for those who want a rustic experience complete with some of the best views in Vermont, straight from your lean-to. Nestled in Plymouth, the park also has some remote camping options and access to miles and miles of hiking trails both within the park and nearby Okemo and Aitken State Forests. If you're feeling...

Dorilee LeBlanc, AKA Mrs. Vermont 2015 , is building her pageant platform around getting kids outside, active, and re-connected with nature, and we have enjoyed an amazing partnership with her this summer. From assisting with our Random Acts of Camping promotion to hiking up Owl's Head to help kids reach their Venture Vermont goals, she has brought boundless energy and fun to parks all over the state. Stay tuned to find out how to watch her compete in the Mrs. America 2015 Pageant , which will be taking place in Las Vegas, Nevada from September 20-24. We can't wait to see her represent Vermont! Here's a brief look into a few of the wonderful activities she participated in throughout the summer: Sand Bar Bonus Activity on the Beach - Sandcastles! Owl’s Head Picnic Evening Hike and Picnic And of course, who could forget...she announced the Elmore State Park Random Acts of Camping winners by riding in on a paddle boat! If you're looking for her...

Work by Lynn Sullivan As most of you know, the Vermont State Parks have been hosting artists in several parks this summer, all of whom have been working on various projects and teaching workshops. We hope you've gotten the chance to see a few installations in the Of Land and Local program , but if you missed some or are such a fan that you want more, here is a list of who is still out there and some info about what's to come: Lynn Sullivan at the Groton Nature Center - Multimedia artist Lynn Sullivan's installation will be up at the Groton Nature Center along the Coldwater Brook Trail (a moderate, family-friendly hike) until September 7th. Her work "plays with language juxtaposed against the backdrop of the natural world," she explains. Directions: at the trail entrance off the far corner of the parking lot from the Groton Nature Center, walk left along the return leg of the Little Loop Trail. Continue left at next trail junction onto Coldwater Brook...

The inaugural summer of the Muckross Youth Day Camp is currently underway in Springfield, VT, and is serving more than one hundred Springfield youth in Grades 1 through 8! The camp is a result of the state’s ongoing acquisition of the estate of the late Edgar May. Called "Muckross," the property is slated to become the newest Vermont State Park once the property transfer becomes official. Edgar May, the first national assistant director of AmeriCorps' VISTA program 50 years ago, bestowed his property to the state with the premise that it be used to provide outdoor recreational and educational opportunities with an emphasis on Springfield youth and elders. Terry Carroll, a native of western New York, is a VISTA volunteer serving with Vermont State Parks since last August. He has led the summer camp project from its inception, and is serving as de-facto camp director this summer. "It has been a very rewarding experience,” Carroll says. “Having the opportunit...

Accessible Lean-to at Jamaica State Park The Vermont State Parks  have been taking strides to make our campgrounds and facilities more accessible to visitors with varying needs. Many of our pavilions and picnic areas are universally accessible and we're doing more every day to increase trail and water accessibility as well. One of our current projects is taking place at Waterbury Center State Park , where we are linking the parking area, swimming beach, and picnicking areas with ADA accessible paths! Searching through our system to locate accessible campsites and activities can be challenging, so we've compiled a brief list to make it a little easier. One thing to keep in mind when looking through our interactive campground maps is that any site listed as "universally accessible" is within 150 feet of drinking water, toilet facilities and showers. For Lovers of the Outdoors: Stowe Recreation Path Smugglers’ Notch State Park – *ask for tent site #4 or Oak...

We go together like pageantry and parks! Dorilee LeBlanc, AKA Mrs. Vermont 2015 , is building her pageant platform around getting kids outside, active, and re-connected with nature, and we couldn't be happier to help. "There are so many reasons why I love this challenge," says Dorilee. "It encourages folks to get outside and be active; it's free or super affordable; and it creates a bonding experience and goals to reach as a family." This summer, Dorilee will be visiting several state parks to do activities with kids that will also count toward their Venture Vermont Outdoor Challenges . She already assisted us in the awarding of our first Random Acts of Camping certificate at Elmore State Park , and is gearing up for a grand tour of the parks on the following dates: Friday, July 17th, 10am-1pm: Sand Bar State Park for Sandcastles and Creatures Sunday, July 26th, 11am-1pm: Waterbury Center State Park for a Nature Trail Scavenger Hunt Saturday, Aug...