Vermont State Parks

Jump-start your new year with a free family hike... now with extra added snow! Local experts all around Vermont will be offering guided hikes on January 1st, and we welcome everyone to participate. Start your new year by getting outside and enjoying the new snowfall.  Dogs are welcome on a leash. Hikes vary in length and difficulty, so there is something for everyone. All hikes are listed as easy to moderate, with the exception of Hunger Mountain, which is difficult.  (Detailed description of Hunger Mountain hike is at the bottom.) How Should I Prepare For a Winter Hike?  Jessica Savage, Recreation Program Manager, and Niquette Bay State Park hike leader gives us a rundown: "Bring a backpack with water and snacks. Make sure to have an extra hat and gloves, as well as an extra pair of wool hiking socks. Dress in layers, synthetic or wool. A good long underwear base layer under lined snow/ waterproof pants, with several warm layers on top, under a winter jacket...

Burton Island is a 253-acre park off the southwestern tip of Hathaway Point in St. Albans Vermont, in Lake Champlain’s ‘Inland  Sea’. The park is accessible only by boat in the summer time. The state’s passenger ferry makes the 10-minute trip from Kamp Kill Kare State Park.  All Vermont State Parks are open from November 1st to April 15th. People wanting to camp in the off-season need to submit a request at least three days in advance and wait for approval. The reason for this is that there might be construction, logging or some other project going on that they wouldn’t want campers in the middle of. You can submit a request at this link: This adventure took place in February so I would be crossing the ice. I was layed off from the concrete construction business during the winter and was single at the time and the winter doldrums were setting in. A sure fire way for me to kick the mid winter blues is to get out and explore. In Vermont we are privileged to explore the p...

If you live in Vermont, chances are good that you have an appreciation for all four seasons. This includes snow (it’s a seasonal variation on Stockholm Syndrome.) In honor of winter, we present an ongoing series highlighting the many ways to get out & active on state parks and lands.  First up: Cross-Country Skiing. Love to ski? Not a fan of lift tickets every weekend? Funnily enough, we feel the same way. Lucky for us, we live in a state with many accessible (and free!) options for cross country skiing, and suitable for all abilities. Beginners can practice on park roads and trails, while experts can tackle the Catamount Trail - a backcountry cross- country ski trail that runs the length of Vermont. Woodford State Park, Woodford VT Close to Bennington, Vermont, Woodford  is a popular spot for winter recreation. A 2.7-mile loop circumnavigates the Adams Reservoir and treats you to some nice views. For practice, ski around the paved park roads. The more adventuro...

In the past few years, you may have noticed the growing movement around the country focused on getting folks outside and active on Black Friday as an alternative to shopping. Outdoor retailer REI has been a leader in promoting this message- closing its stores on Black Friday and promoting it online using the hashtag #OptOutside. That's a message that we can get behind. In that spirit, Vermont State Parks is joining in, and want to remind everyone once again that all of our parks will offer FREE admission on Black Friday. (In fact, for the rest of the off-season too!) We encourage everyone to spend that extra time outside with friends and family enjoying our beautiful state. Our parks have many great spots to walk, bike, hike, run, or just sit and digest the 3 pieces of pie you just ate. Learn more about off-season park use here. We're also inviting people to take pictures of themselves, friends and family as they #OptOutside, and share them with us on social m...

It may be getting chillier outside, but Vermont State Parks are still open during the off-season. However, before you head into the woods during this time of year, keep in mind that hunting season may be in progress. Hunting is an annual tradition for Vermonters and an important part of the state’s cultural heritage. Vermont was the first state to adopt constitutional language that protects your right to hunt, and many people view hunting as a way to source their meat locally as well as build a relationship with the land. Hunting is allowed on all state lands, including State Parks, during the off-season. Please come and visit the parks, but remember to be cautious in the woods. Dress in blaze orange (dogs, too) and make yourself heard! You may be less likely to run into hunters at parks that keep their gates closed, such as Mt. Philo State Park in Ferrisburgh, MollyStark State Park in Wilmington, and Townshend State Park in Townshend. Niquette Bay, Underhill, and Knight...

Like a metaphorical marshmallow over the flames, Vermont State Parks’ first ever campfire cook-off video challenge has gone out in a blaze of glory. It’s time to announce our culinary campfire winners! Recap: The Campfire Cook-off challenged entrants to film themselves or their team preparing their favorite campfire recipe. Time limit was under two minutes, and the winners were determined via online voting.  Our first-place winner is “Campfire Apple Tarts” by Sally Cook. Here is Sally’s video:  Second place was “Breakfast Moon Pies” by Garry Sager: Third place went to “Campfire Pizza” by Nancy Rouse. Here is a link to her Flipgram video. Recipes are copied at the bottom for those who are curious, or want to try them out. First, second and third prizes included free camping, bragging rights and a prize package generously donated by Vermont Smoke and Cure (apologies to the vegetarians among us.) One of our own, park manager Chris Saylor fro...

By guest blogger  Robin Zabiegalski  The first snows have fallen and it seems like fall is fading fast. Though the official operating season has ended for Vermont State Parks that does not mean that they are “closed for the season”. Many people believe that Vermont State Parks are closed, or inaccessible during the winter. In fact, I believed that until just a bit ago! I knew that even if the gates were closed, visitors could park and walk in to the park to hike or camp, but I assumed that only applied to the times right before the parks opened or right after they closed. The truth is that Vermont State Parks are accessible all year round for a multitude of activities! I’m here to give you all the details about how to enjoy Vermont State Parks this off season! Accessing the Parks in the Off-Season: Many parks leave their gates open, with plowed parking available. Check out this guide to which parks leave their gates open and where to park during the off seaso...