Vermont State Parks

Vermont State Parks is proposing some modest fee increases to generate funds to offset increasing operation and maintenance costs. Revenue generated from state park services helps sustain the system and all its values, including preservation of open space and interpretation of our environment and the natural world. We would like your input on these changes. Let us know what you think. Please contact Craig Whipple, Director of State Parks, via email at craig.whipple@state.vt.us or mail at Craig Whipple, Vermont State Parks, 1 National Life Drive, Davis 2, Montpelier, VT  05620. Comments will be accepted until June 6, 2015 You are also invited to attend a public meeting about these proposed changes, Friday, May 29, 5:30 PM at the DEC Act 250 Conference Room, Agency of Natural Resources, 111 West Street, Essex Junction, Vermont 05453. The proposed changes are as follows: Day Use Adult Day Use fee to $4 Group Day Use fee to $3 Individual Pass to $30 Vehicle P...

By the park entrance In honor of our first Park Opening of the 2015 Season, we’ve prepared a Wilgus State Park Itinerary for everybody who just can’t wait to take advantage of the parks!  Weekend Itinerary: Friday evening : arrive, unpack, and unwind in the natural peace and quiet of Wilgus State Park. Saturday morning:  Early breakfast! You’ll need to fuel up for your day. Adventure by land : Hike to the Mt. Ascutney Observation Tower ! The 24.5 foot tower provides hikers with a panoramic view of the surrounding countryside and is located near the summit on the Windsor and Brownsville Trails. The tower was constructed from sections of the original Mt. Ascutney fire tower, which was used for fire surveillance until 1952. The park and auto road open May 18. At the top of the tower at Mt. Ascutney How to get there: from the upper parking lot on the Mt. Ascutney Parkway, visitors can hike to the summit of Mt. Ascutney via the Slot (.64 miles) or Slab (.5...

Mud Season Hiking: Q&A The season we love so much has again returned…you called it: Mud Season! With the warmer weather upon us, it’s easy to get excited and dash out to the parks the second you have a free afternoon—and we want you to! But we need to remind everybody about some precautions to take during these slippery times and how to safely make the most of your outdoor adventures. Here are a few common questions the Vermont State Parks get about hiking during Mud Season! When is Mud Season, exactly? Early spring through the Saturday of Memorial Weekend (ish) What does it mean for the trails? When snow melts and we get rain at high elevations, it keeps a lot of trails wet and muddy. When hikers walk on them, it causes irreversible erosion. The trails, as well as surrounding vegetation, are permanently damaged, not to mention your new hiking boots. Where should I go? Trails at lower elevations, dirt roads, and recreation paths are great options for...

Summer is fast approaching, and we can’t wait to see everyone out at the parks. Here’s a quick look at the five parks that open first, starting in just a few weeks! April 27 - Wilgus  Located in Weathersfield, this park provides day use access to the Connecticut River and the Pinnacle Trail hike provides a scenic vista of the Connecticut River Valley. The original park, constructed by the Civilian Conservation Corps, consisted of a picnic area with large flue-type stone fireplaces and picnic tables, and the ranger's quarters. It now boasts 4 cabins with wifi connection, 17 tent/RV sites, and 6 lean-to sites which are located along the Connecticut River bank. There is one rest room with running water and hot showers, a picnic area, and 3 lean-tos in the group area. There is also a small picnic shelter that can be reserved at no charge for small groups, and canoes and kayaks are available! Nearby Things to Do: Mt. Ascutney State Park (great hiking!), Windsor Covered Bridge, Am...

In honor of April Fool’s Day,  Vermont State Parks  has compiled a list of some fun, harmless pranks our many campers might consider when they visit this summer. Camping is a great escape  from the concerns and techno-babble of daily life, and can also serve as a wonderful excuse to have some creative fun. Here are some ideas to get you started, and never forget: these aren't just for April…pranks are good year round!  Beginner Level Shenanigans:  1. Oh You Didn't Want Your Nails Painted? This is a classic…wait for someone in your camp to fall asleep and give them a little makeover. Some nail polish is always a hit, and eye shadow if you can pull it off without them waking up. Hopefully you remembered to pack the hot pink nail polish for dad and the black polish for your sister! 2. No Escape Did you remember a paper clip? Got a piece of string? When your fellow campers head to bed, just tie the outside zippers to their tent door closed ...