Vermont State Parks

  First Day Hikers stand in front of Butler Lodge in 2023. Start the new year on the right foot with a hike in the great outdoors. On January 1, 2024, everyone is once again invited to join a free, guided, family-friendly hike taking place at many state parks, state forests, and other public lands across Vermont. Hikes are led by professional guides and outdoor educators eager to share their knowledge and love of Vermont’s outdoors. Don’t need a guide? No matter where you live in Vermont, a state park or state forest is always close by, and you can still get outside to enjoy it. State Park entry is free on New Year’s Day (and all winter long). You’ll discover a whole new world in winter.  First Day Hikers warm up at the CCC shelter at Owl's Head. Please pre-register by contacting hike leaders ahead of time. On hike day dress for the weather and bring snowshoes if the snow is deep, and micro-spikes or traction aids in case of ice. Please also bring beverages and snacks. In the ...

Start the new year on the right foot with a hike in a Vermont state park. On January 1, 2021, everyone is once again invited to celebrate the New Year by heading out on the trails at a Vermont State Park. State park entry is free on New Year’s Day (and all winter long). You’ll discover a whole new world in winter. In response to the COVID-19 pandemic, First Day Hikes will be a little different from previous years. While we are not offering in-person guided hikes, we have carefully selected hikes throughout the state for a self-guided adventure.  Make sure to follow all COVID-19 travel restrictions and guidelines per Vermont Department of Health . Masks are required. Please dress for the weather and bring snowshoes if the snow is deep. Please also bring beverages and snacks. On-leash dogs are welcome unless otherwise noted. You don’t need to pre-register, just show up!  Featured hikes include:   Southeast Region  Lowell Lake Trail | 3.0 miles | Lowell Lake State ...

An intrepid group of First Day Hikers ready to start the new year with adventure. Start the new year on the right foot with a hike in a Vermont state park. On January 1, 2020, everyone is invited to join a free, guided, family-friendly hike taking place at many state parks and forests across Vermont. Hikes will be led by professional guides and outdoor educators eager to share their knowledge and love of Vermont’s outdoors.  Don’t need a guide? No matter where you live in Vermont, a state park or state forest is always close by, and you can still get outside to enjoy it. State park entry is free on New Year’s Day (and all winter long). You’ll discover a whole new world in winter. Please dress for the weather and bring snowshoes if the snow is deep. Please also bring beverages and snacks. Dogs are welcome (on leash) unless otherwise noted. You don’t need to pre-register, just show up! To check the status of the hikes, call our First Day Hikes “Hotline” at 802-249-1230. Upda...