Vermont State Parks

And the Winners Are... Southeast:   Quechee State Park Southwest:  Branbury State Park Northwest:  Kill Kare State Park Northeast:  Elmore State Park Every year we award park of the year to one park in each region. The purpose of the program is to acknowledge exemplary accomplishments of the parks field staff, as well as for the enhancement of public service- to make the parks better, more enjoyable place to recreate. We do this to emphasize focus on group accomplishment.  Here is a list of some of the c riteria: ®      Staff must display outstanding hospitality to all park visitors. ®      Staff must demonstrate an outstanding ability to tactfully handle conflicts and reinforce rules and regulations. ®      Special consideration will be given to the operation that goes “beyond the normal call of duty”  ®      Staff must maintain a...

Walking Stick Adventure at Quechee State Park by Lisa Fisher The morning is quiet along route 4 as a small group of people gather in front of the Quechee Gorge Visitor Center. They are all wearing walking shoes of some sort and carry a waterbottle. Some even carry walking sticks, "what are they doing out here at 6:30 on a Thursday morning?" You ask. They are here is begin a walking stick adventure. As they gather they are greeted by the Park Ranger who explains the purpose of this adventure. “Welcome to our walking stick adventure. Today we will be rambling to the bottom of the Gorge and back This is a journey of discovery, we are on an adventure to connect or re-connect with nature. To see, hear, feel, and breathe the forest. This is known in Japan as Shinrin-yoku or “forest bathing”. The purpose of this journey is to breathe in the natural oils that the forest releases and de-stress and boost our immune systems. This ramble is a chance for us to re-connect wit...

As my internship comes to an end, I can absolutely say that it was a great way to spend the summer. I was finally able to use summer as I think it is meant to be used, exploring different places and doing outdoor activities that are impossible other times of year like swimming in the many lakes of the state parks. This summer has kept me active and able to stay outdoors all the time, which was a big change from my technical institute where much of my time is spent indoors doing homework or projects. Vermont in the summer is a haven for doing the physical work for my internship, removing invasive species. I was glad to have cooler summer weather than southern New York and a surplus of beautiful scenery. I expanded my nature portfolio and took some great wildlife shots while learning. I especially learned a lot when it came to camping, since I had never really done any solo camping before. What made my first real camping experience especially memorable, were all the friendly peopl...

Knight Point fireworks Celebrate Independence Day in the traditional way - watching fireworks! Many of the state parks are celebrating with special programs or later operating hours. Check out when and where there are celebrations near you, below! A view from the top of Mt. Ascutney Sunday, July 3rd - Mt. Ascutney State Park : One of the few parks left with camping spaces!! Make your reservation soon (802-674-2060) to camp.  Then just drive up to mountain road to check out the fireworks! Get a great view from on top of the mountain and see multiple fireworks displays. Be sure to bring a flashlight for finding your way back to your campsite if you are hiking. For drivers, the road will close 20 minutes after the finale. Saturday, July 2nd - Boulder Beach State Park : If you are camping in the Groton State Forest, make sure to head over to Boulder Beach for this great celebration! Free entry after 7:30pm. Saturday, July 2nd - Brighton State Park : Island Pond puts on a ...

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...