Vermont State Parks

Tin huts on Camel's Hump clearing We get questions of all kinds in our reservation call center, many relating to the history of certain land parcels. We're always amazed by what we learn, and thought you might be interested in this one: A person wrote to us about the restoration of Camel's Hump as follows: "I came across some old photos of tin huts on the upper portion of the mountain that were used by hikers and, I guess, maintained by the GMC back in the 1920's and 1930's. I understand that those intrusions have since been removed and wonder if you can tell me when this laudable action took place?" Gary Sawyer, Stewardship Forester for the Vermont Department of Forests, Parks & Recreation is my go-to guy for all things Camel's Hump. He knows everything about 'The Hump'. He sent some photos and this reply: Camel's Hump hotel  During the mid to late 1800’s, into the early 1900’s, it was quite popular for folks from ‘down-...

Wood up close Let it be known that today, Sunday, June 12th I have built a fire outdoors with damp firewood. This is my first fire starting ever. It took more fire starters then probably acceptable for a boy scout but I needed a fire to dry off my long socks, the two pairs of shoes I brought and my warmest sweatshirt so I was persistent. The wood was sizzling, foaming and dripping water from the end of its logs for a long time and for quite a while the wood was just some coals and then all of a sudden it became a lasting fire and I kept running back to the car to get more things to dry off. It's so nice to have these articles of clothing back. When your outside everything somehow gets wet. I wanted to have a dog when I went camping but my loyal car which I call Siddhartha is just like one. It travels with me as a companion, it protects me, and smells like a wet dog. I don't know if that means I smell dog like but I try to keep it under control. pink lady's slipper T...

Craig Whipple Director of Vermont State Parks Ever wonder about who is in charge of all of the Vermont State Parks ? Meet the Director of Vermont State Parks, Craig Whipple (shown right). Craig recently had a great opportunity to speak on the program "Positively Vermont" about the 'positive vibes' Vermont State Parks creates - the popular Venture Vermont Outdoor Challenge , great memories, camping, hiking, swimming, nature programs, and more!  You'll learn about details of the Venture Vermont program, his tips on when to visit the parks, and the many benefits you can receive by getting outdoors.  Watch the interview online. If you'd rather watch it on your TV, the airings of the show are on Channel 17 as follows: Thursday April 28, 4:15 PM Thursday May 5, 4:15 PM Saturday May 7, 5:30 PM Thursday May 12, 4:15 PM Sunday May 15, 4:00 PM Thursday May 19, 4:15 PM These Venture Vermont participants found the biggest tree they could for bonus poin...