Vermont State Parks

The stars above Ricker Pond State Park. Photo credit: Brian Drourr “Keep your eyes on the stars, and your feet on the ground.” – Theodore Roosevelt Did you know that experiencing awe can make you happier, healthier, humbler and more connected to others around you ? A simple way to inspire awe? Lay back and take in the vast beauty of the night sky. Are you not quite sure where to start? Here’s some tips to make sure your night sky experience is stellar: Time it right! Cloudless, moonless nights are the best for a clear view of other celestial objects. When the moon is full, the light will prevent viewing of fainter stars or the Milky Way. Thanks to the darkness of the New Moon on July 31st, this is the perfect time to grab a blanket and check out the stars.  Start stargazing two hours after sunset or before dawn. This ensures the light of the sun won’t interfere with your ability to view the fainter light of stars and planets. Here are some dates of interest when pla...

Two bikers enjoying their Local Motion rentals at Burton Island State Park. MONTPELIER, VT. Vermont State Parks is excited to announce a partnership with Local Motion, Inc. to provide bike rentals at Burton Island State Park. New for the 2019 season, a fleet of rental bicycles will be provided for park visitors to use while visiting the island. A variety of bikes are available to rent. “Burton Island has always been a fantastic place to explore by bike!” Says Ryan Baker Dunn, Marine Operation Supervisor for Vermont State Parks. “The 253-acre island has miles of trails and roads wrapping through the campground on picturesque Lake Champlain. Those looking for a more secluded experience can ride out to the southern tip of the Island, a ¾ mile trail with a scenic bluff and views over the lake to the Green and Adirondack Mountains. Aside from a few staff vehicles, there are no cars on the island, making it a safe, quiet environment for exploration. Vermont State Parks has...

Burton Island Marina has 100 boat slips Bienvenue aux Canadiens!  Burton Island Marina is now accepting reservations for the first part of the Construction Holiday. Come stay at beautiful Burton Island State Park in our 100-slip marina. Enjoy beautiful sunsets, campfires, and endless activities for the whole family. Rent bikes and explore the island, or take out a paddle-board, canoe or kayak. Join Nature Nate, our park interpreter, for activities each day from guided paddles and fishing to rock painting and nature walks. You can get breakfast or lunch at the Burton Island Bistro For the adults in the group, the Burton Island Bistro has free beer tastings with Long Trail Brewery July 26 th and 14 th Star Brewery August 2 nd , each from 1-4PM, as well as paint and sips on July 23 rd and August 3 rd from 1-3PM. We start taking reservations 2 weeks out from arrival date, so book your stay today at (802) 524-6353.

The view over Lowell Lake. SPRINGFIELD, VT – Master Planning work is progressing at Lowell Lake State Park in Londonderry and a presentation of concept design alternatives will be held July 25, 2019.  The Department of Forests, Parks & Recreation will host an open house on the Lowell Lake State Park Master Planning Project July 25, 2019 from 6:00 - 7:30 PM at the Londonderry Town Hal l.  The Londonderry Town Hall is located 137 Middletown Road in South Londonderry, Vermont. Concept design alternatives will be presented at stations with detailed information available for viewing and opportunity for comment.  Stations will be staffed by members of the planning team and staff from the Agency of Natural Resources.  A 60-day public comment period will follow the open house with a master planning overview, park history, concept design alternatives and a detailed survey available through the state park’s web page, https://www.vtstateparks.com/lowell.html. Lo...

Girl Scout Troop 10246 of Salem, NH, atop Mount Washington. (Courtesy photo) BEDFORD, NH – Girl Scouts of the Green and White Mountains and Girl Scouts of the USA are hosting their first-ever Girl Scouts Love State Parks weekend July 13-14 for girls and their families and friends to experience the great outdoors, an integral part of the organization’s all-girl leadership program. Join Girl Scouts and thousands of girls in hundreds of state parks across the United States to find adventure, explore nature, and learn what Girl Scouts is all about. The legacy of Girl Scouts and the outdoors is profound. Studies show that 71 percent of girl members ages 8-14 tried their first outdoor activity through the organization and half would not have had access to outdoor activities and programming if not for Girl Scouts. GSUSA’s cutting-edge environmental conservation, camping, and outdoor science, technology, engineering, and math (STEM) programming is rooted in a passion for adventure and h...

Beer-Braised Beef with Red, White & Blue Potatoes. Great days in the outdoors are even better when you can refuel with fresh, delicious food. This summer VT State Parks Cooks aims to help you enjoy cooking over the campfire at Vermont’s 55 beautiful state parks. We’ve joined forces with the first Vermont State Parks Campfire Chef, Suzanne Podhaizer. As the first Seven Days food editor and founder of Sel de la Terre, Suzanne is a well-seasoned culinary adventurer. Each week we’re releasing themed recipes and photographs that use the bounty of fresh local ingredients made and grown by the state’s farmers and food producers. Themes include Mexican Camp Cooking, Fresh Caught Fish, and Campfire Breakfasts. Each recipe emphasizes creative ingredients and minimal tools to ensure maximum taste from minimal effort. No one wants extra dishes, especially in the woods. A great recipe goes a long way! However, part of being an experienced cook is building up A man sears a steak ...