Vermont State Parks

  The view from the Mt. Philo Overlook. - Raven Schwan-Noble The Vermont Department of Forests, Parks and Recreation is seeking public feedback on the potential designs to enhance Mt. Philo State Park . The intent of the planning process is to update the park to meet current visitor needs, while protecting the environment, enhancing historic and cultural resources and making needed safety improvements.   Mt. Philo is Vermont’s first State Park, as well as its most popular. With over 40,000 visitors every year, several issues have become apparent in the park. A full design plan was deemed necessary to ensure the park is accessible and safe for all users, while serving as a sustainable, natural, and recreational resource for generations to come.  After nearly a decade of work and with substantial public input, the long-range management plan (LRMP) for Mt. Philo State Park identified the need of enhancement plans to address parking and trail improvements in response to...

Trails Coordinator, Sherry Winnie, hikes in Mt. Philo That's right, save some green during this holiday season, by visiting a Vermont State Park (it's FREE day entry and primitive camping during the off season!) Take advantage of the fresh air and the prime views, by enjoying time outside with your friends and family in a nearby Vermont State Park. Deciduous trees have shed most of their leaves, so usually hidden views can now be seen. Below are five best hikes for friends and families to take after celebrating Thanksgiving. In addition, try doing some fun things while hiking - see below. Take a relaxing walk in Waterbury Center State Park . The Nature Trail is mostly flat, relatively short (1/4 mi one way), and great for all ages. While walking through the old apple orchard, see if you can spot three different types of birds, a squirrel, and an animal that will soon be hibernating. It's quiet and relaxing here. The perfect place to recharge. The Waterbury Center...

A couple of weeks ago on our facebook page we posted this photo of the rustic wood railing being restored at the Mt. Philo State Park shelter. Here's a cool update to the story:  The Seasonal Parks Maintenance Technician performing the work is John Robert Davine. John Robert’s maternal grandfather was part of the original CCC crew that cut and built the Mt. Philo road and summit area, including the shelter where the railing is being restored, in the 1920’s. John Robert's dad is Bob Davine, who has been a Parks Maintenance Technician for the past 25+ years. That makes 3 generations of one family caring for Mt. Philo! That's Vermont for you!

Southern Vermont and the Lake Champlain area are peaking with prime foliage. Check out the five best parks for leaf peeping this week and see what events and attractions are going on in and around each one. Woodford State Park , Woodford, VT: Marvel at the iconic works of art at the Norman Rockwell Museum in Rutland; Take part in one of the many programs offered at the Bennington Museum , such as Punch Needle Rug Hooking, Bennington; Pick up some hand-crafted souvenirs or gifts at the Bennington Potters , Bennington; Relax with a glass of local beer from the Northshire Brewery , Bennington; Pick your own apples and enjoy lots of apple treats at the Apple Barn and Country Bakeshop , Bennington; History buffs won't want to miss visiting the Historic Park-McCullough where one can spend hours wandering the estate, North Bennington Quechee State Park , White River Jct., VT: Learn fascinating facts at the Montshire Museum of Science , Norwich; Savor tasty warm breads and other treats a...