Vermont State Parks

Start the new year on the right foot with a hike in the great outdoors. On January 1, 2023, 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. 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 of questionable weather, your hike leader will get in touch with you. Check out our website at http://vtstateparks.blogspo

 MONTPELIER – Vermont State Parks is seeking public input as part of a modernization study that is currently underway. This study will provide a comprehensive assessment of the state park system including park amenities, organizational structure, operations, maintenance, prices and revenue, and program delivery. It will identify efficiencies, key challenges, and resources needed to maintain core services and enhance offerings to meet current and future demands. Nate McKeen, Director of State Parks elaborates, “Throughout the years, with considerable public support and prudent management, Vermont State Parks have weathered societal changes and economic challenges of all sorts. Now, as we approach the 100th anniversary of Vermont state parks in 2024, and as park visitation continues to increase, this study will help us create a road map for the future of our parks.”   The parks division is seeking public input and feedback about the park system, its infrastructure, programming, prices, a

Visitors to Vermont State Parks come to recreate in a safe and welcoming environment. During their stay they count on a clean, friendly and relaxing experience. To help guide that experience rules are established for visitor behavior and to help protect these amazing places for the long term. Even though managing Vermont State Parks and hosting well over 1 million visitors each year is a complex operation, our aim is to keep the associated rules as simple as possible and to maintain an environment where expectations are clear and opportunities are available to all.  The establishment of rules and fees for Vermont State Parks is governed through legislative authority, State Statute Title Ten Section 2603c, and there is a lengthy process set in place for changing rules and setting fees.   Periodically we consider changes and must follow the rule making process to do so. An important piece of this process is the opportunity for elected officials and the general public to weigh in. Pro

Trying to figure out Vermont fishing regulations? Wondering what kinds of fish are in a lake? Looking for new fishing tips? The Vermont Fish and Wildlife Department is offering “Fish with a Warden” sessions to help with questions like these. “We know many anglers have questions they would like to ask a warden, and we know many of our wardens also like to go fishing,” said Education Specialist Corey Hart, “so our Vermont State Game Wardens have teamed up with Forests, Parks and Recreation staff to offer Fish with a Warden sessions at State Parks across Vermont this summer.  Hart says the purpose of the sessions is to provide an opportunity for the public to go fishing with Fish and Wildlife Department personnel and have their questions answered. These programs are the perfect steppingstone for new anglers that would benefit from a mentored fishing outing before heading out and fishing on their own. The Fish with a Warden sessions will last an hour or more. Participants need to bring the

Visitors to Vermont State Parks come to recreate in a safe and welcoming environment. During their stay they count on a clean, friendly and relaxing experience. To help guide that experience rules are established for visitor behavior and to help protect these amazing places for the long term. Even though managing Vermont State Parks and hosting well over 1 million visitors each year is a complex operation, our aim is to keep the associated rules as simple as possible and to maintain an environment where expectations are clear and opportunities are available to all. The establishment of rules and fees for Vermont State Parks is governed through legislative authority, State Statute Title Ten Section 2603c, and there is a lengthy process set in place for changing rules and setting fees. Periodically we consider changes and must follow the rule making process to do so. An important piece of this process is the opportunity for elected officials and the general public to weigh in. Proposed c

Hepatica at Niquette Bay - Lisa Liotta Spring is full of fresh starts (including the  Parks Operating Season ). As Park Staff prepared for the park season, Niquette Bay State Park began filling with spring wildflowers. Niquette Bay State Park houses many wildflower colonies that put on a beautiful show for just a few weeks this time of year. Learn what makes these short-lived beauties so special and what types of flowers you might find! What are Spring Ephemerals? These are unique early blooming wildflowers that grow, flower, and seed all in the very short 6-8 week window before the shade from leaf trees covers the forest floor.  By the time deciduous trees have leaves, these flowers will be gone. Where do they grow? The best location to find these is in a predominately hardwood, deciduous forest with large trees and little undergrowth.  They can grow very well on rocky ledges in less-than-ideal soil conditions. These plants are usually very small and begin growing under the cover of