Vermont State Parks

The indoor shelter at Mt. Philo By John Frigault (Mt. Philo park manager)  In honor of Halloween, we asked Mt. Philo Ranger John Frigault to share any park ghost stories. He sent us the following story:  Mount Philo is Vermont’s first State Park generously donated back in 1924. The Civilian Conservation Corp constructed the Lodge and Rangers quarters back in 1935-1936 atop of the summit where we currently reside as park rangers for the summer. I have been fortunate enough to be able to utilize the old lodge in the mornings for my budding Tai Chi practice. It has always been a very powerful spot on top of the mountain overlooking the Adirondacks and Lake Champlain. The Lodge itself has been a coveted spot for weddings, life ceremonies and special events throughout the decades. It has a sense of antiquity with its massive stone fireplace, vaulted ceilings, and rustic interior that people are drawn to. It is this energy that attracted me to its welcoming interior. Tai chi is an

Fall scenery in Quechee, VT Gifford Woods State Park, Killington VT Love trees? As the name suggests, this park is known for its’ woods and old- growth forest, which has been an attraction since the 1930s. Take a leisurely hike around Kent Pond, or a more strenuous one up nearby Deer Leap Trail. Gifford Woods is open for camping and hiking through October 16th. There are 22 tent/ trailer sites, 21 lean-tos, and 4 rental cabins at the park. Mt. Ascutney State Park,Windsor VT Camp at the base of 3,144 Mt. Ascutney, and hike one of the 4 trails to the summit. There are twelve miles of trails in all, and many spots to take in the views, which include the mountains of Vermont and New Hampshire, the Connecticut River valley below, and the Windsor Cornish Covered Bridge that spans the river.   Trail map for the Mt. Ascutney area.   Mt. Ascutney State Park is open until October 16 th . There are 38 tent/RV and 10 lean-to shelters available to reserve. Molly Stark