Groton State Forest Guide

Many waterfront sites at Ricker Pond and Stillwater 

Why do we love the Groton State Forest in northeastern Vermont? There are so many reasons, but let's try to list just a few. 

• Space to spread out. The Groton Forest is the State of Vermont’s second largest land-holding at 26,000 acres. One reason we love this park so much is that you can spend a week (or more!) and take a different outdoor trip every day.  

There are plenty of quiet sites to sit and relax 

• Six parks offer a variety of accommodations. The waterfront sites at Ricker Pond and Stillwater are popular with good reason, and Ricker Pond also has 5 cabins and 2 cottages available to rent. Big Deer and New Discovery parks are in the forest rather than on a lake, but both are a short drive from Boulder Beach. 

• Remote camping is an option at Osmore Pond by New Discovery campground and Kettle Pond. Primitive camping is also available in certain areas of the forest.

• One group camping area is available on secluded Kettle Pond. The group sites are good for groups of various sizes, and can accommodate over 100 people. 

• One great beach. Boulder Beach is a deservedly popular day use park on Lake Groton and an ideal spot to meet for a picnic or a swim. Boulder Beach has a sandy beach area with picnic tables, restrooms, boat rentals, and a picnic shelter available to reserve for group events. A concession stand serves cold drinks and ice cream.

Head to Boulder Beach on a sunny day

• Miles of trails. 45 miles of trails in total, including hiking and multi-use trails for bikes and horses. The Cross-Vermont Trail, a multi-use trail that traverses the entire state, runs right through the forest. 

• Iconic views. The most well-known is the view from the top of Owl’s Head Mountain looking out over Kettle Pond. This is perhaps the quintessential picture from a Groton vacation, so make sure to get a shot when you visit! 

• Fly fishing opportunities. Noyes Pond, at Seyon Lodge StatePark, is the only fly-fishing only pond in the state of Vermont. 

View of Owl's Head near Stillwater State Park

• An interesting and varied history of human settlement and remaining CCC-era structures. If you’re interested in history of the CCC in Groton in the 1930s, you can take a tour of these sites through the forest.

• A nature center with programs offered all summer long, and a self-guiding nature trail through the surrounding woods. 

• Opportunities to spot all kinds of wildlife including white-tailed deer, beaver, moose, black bear, and birds such as grouse and herons. Loons are a common sight on the ponds in the forest. 

Seyon Lodge is a great spot to fish or hike

• One of the only areas in Vermont offering both horse camping sites (at New Discovery) and riding trails in the area. 

• Several log shelters to reserve for group events: at Boulder Beach, Osmore Pond, and Owl’s Head Mountain. 

• A unique lodge setting at Seyon Lodge State Park. Seyon Lodge offers comfortable rooms and amazing meals cooked by the staff. Seyon Lodge is popular for weddings and retreats, and the food is legendary!

• Treats in town. The Groton Forest is popular as a destination to get away from “civilization” and daily life, but if you feel like a treat, pop into Groton village to pick up a sandwich, or a bottle of locally made mead or ice cream from Artesano.