Vermont State Parks

This summer Green Mountain Fly Fishing Camp held their annual summer camp at Seyon Lodge State Park . After searching far and wide for an ideal setting to host the camp, they chose Seyon Lodge. Here is what they had to say about their summer camp experience, from their blog : "We're back from out week at Green Mountain Fly Fishing Camp and it couldn't have gone better! I think every single one of the kids asked if they could come back next year and the 15 year olds want us to bring them back as junior guides.... Noyes Pond was an absolute gem to have on site and it provided each and every camper with plenty of hookups on spunky brook trout amidst a completely wild setting where common loons and great blue herons also share in on the fishing. They all went home with some great fishing stories to tell their families... Our meals were outstanding and I can't say enough great things about the lodge innkeepers. We enjoyed breakfast...

As the landscape of Vermont is exploding with fall colors, five Vermont State Parks are also gearing up to go out with a bang. Most of the parks close after Columbus Day weekend, but these parks stay open a little longer. See why they are great parks to visit this time of year. Looking out over Lake Champlain Gifford Woods : Set in the southern Green Mountains, this park is the perfect base camp for some great hikes . Easily connect to the famous Appalachian Trail, the Long Trail, or take a trail to Deer Leap Overlook (a popular favorite). The foliage here is peaking, so make sure to bring your camera when exploring. You won't want to miss these photo opportunities. Also, for those wanting to camp, you can reserve a lean-to site or cabin in addition to regular tent/RV sites. Call the park to reserve your spot, 802-775-5354. Smugglers' Notch : This park is another perfect base camp for hiking. Take some challenging trails to the summit of Mt. Mansfield, the highe...

Attention people who like apples! There is an event at Seyon Lodge State Park that you should attend - a Cider Pressing Festival! From 3:00 PM - 6:00 PM, join in celebrating autumn’s bounty. In addition to cider pressing, the park will host live folk music by Wall Stiles, and have lots of good food for purchase (including apple desserts and fresh pizza.) Seyon Lodge State Park provides rustic and welcoming facilities in the midst of the 27,000-acre Groton State Forest. Situated on the pristine shores of Noyes Pond, the Lodge provides year-round lodging and meeting facilities for individual guests and groups, including small conferences, retreats,and weddings. Private rooms with shared bath accommodate 16 overnight guests, while a fully equipped commercial kitchen prepares meals, and caters to dietary requests. While you're there, take advantage of the great hiking, fly fishing, paddling, or just relax and breathe in the fresh air. A note on the fishing: fly fishing for bro...

Fall migration is often an overlooked time of year for bird watching. It may be less intense than spring migration, but be assured, with all kinds of birds heading south from the boreal forests north of us, you are bound to see something special. In Vermont, fall birding is marked by warbler fallouts in woodlands and fields, spiraling raptors ascending mountain breezes, and waves of migrating waterbirds resting along the shores of our larger lakes. With all that in store, join in the fun for a weekend immersed in birds, surrounded by the beauty of northern Vermont and inspired by others eager to hone their birding skills. Led by two sisters passionate about Vermont wildlife, Bridget and Amy Butler, will be the guides for this weekend which is sure to be both relaxing and stimulating. Enjoy evening slide shows and conversations on fall migration, bird identification, and bird language. During the day, refine your skills in the field on foot and by kayak or canoe. This program is appr...

Noyes Pond beside the lodge Seyon Lodge's unique huge backyard is a special place to spend time, hiking, fishing, spotting wildlife , and finding a spot to take in the fresh air. However, the next two months at Seyon are a little extra special for a few reasons. 1. The Fishing : As the weather warms and the bugs start returning, the fishing gets good, real good. Seyon Pond is Vermont's only public fly-fishing only pond.  The nearby state parks are quieter than in July and August, which makes Spring a great time for taking out a boat and casting a line for a big brook trout. For your convenience, rowboats are located on site. (If you're a frequent angler, check out the Angler's Special ).  Eggs benedict Seyon style 2. The Food : Innkeepers, JessieMae, Adam, and Emmet, use fresh local ingredients to cook up delectible dishes. A member of the Vermont Fresh Network, Seyon Lodge Staff supports local farmers by purchasing their pr...

Vermont's maple sugar season is beginning! Use freshly made syrup to make this heavenly dessert made at Seyon Lodge below. Vermont Maple Crème Brulee Ingredients: • 4 cups heavy cream • 1 tsp vanilla • 1/2 cup sugar • 8 eggs yolks • 1/3 cup pure Vermont maple syrup Preparation: Preheat oven to 350° F. Combine cream and sugar in a pot. While stirring, heat mixture on medium heat until it starts to just bubble. Remove from heat. Whisk egg yolks and maple syrup together. Slowly add hot cream to egg mixture, whisking to combine. Pour equal amounts of custard mixture into 8 6-ounce custard cups. Put custard cups in a baking pan and fill pan with warm water half way up the sides of cups. Bake in preheated oven for 45 minutes, until custard is set. Custard will be mostly firm but still jiggle very slightly in the center. Remove from water bath and cool in refrigerator overnight (or for 4-5 hours). Custard must be completely set. Just before serving, sprinkle top of each custard dish even...

As spring turns toward summer, Seyon Lodge has seen a variety of guests, weather, wildlife and cuisine. During the last weekend of May, deep into the green drake hatch, the weather became finicky. Sunday morning brought rain showers, and then it cleared with temperatures in the sunshine reaching over 60 degrees. Suddenly wind gusts o f 50 mpg drastically decreased the temperature The subsequent precipitation fell in the form of snow. By the end of the evening, temperatures dropped into the high twenties. During a recent civil union, a dragonfly hatch blessed the party with its amazing transformation. Dragonflies are not the least of the wildlife sightings at Seyon Lodge State Park . Square-tail brook trout, garter snakes, beaver, white-tailed deer, frogs, toads, mink, woodcock, flickers, robins, great blue heron and ruby-throated hummingbirds are among some of the animals that have been spotted in the park. The flora is also taking off as summer approaches. All the leaves on the trees ...

Greetings from Seyon Lodge State Park ! Today the sun is shining and reflects in a beautiful way off the new green foliage on the trees and plants of the forest. Flowers in hanging baskets swing in the breeze that keep the black flies at bay, and the anglers that head out to the pond are in for some good fishing, I hear. Speaking of fishing...Leighton Wass, a frequent angler and new friend of mine, is about to visit Seyon for the 200th time to go fishing on the pond! He has been coming to Seyon since 1987 and for the last 22 years has never been "skunked" during his fishing trips here. Since I have known him, Leighton's love for this special place has been apparent; he always has a nice thing to say about the way the park looks or the good fishing on the pond...it's nice to see someone so content and appreciative of the outdoors. If you get a chance to meet Leighton, you will know what I mean. We congratulate him on his 200th fishing trip to Seyon and look forward to...

As the sun rises this morning I awake to the calls of Robins outside… spring is here at last. I am the park ranger/innkeeper here at beautiful Seyon Lodge State Park in Groton, Vermont and these days I’m busy opening the park and preparing for this season’s guests and visitors. Out near the big barn in the side yard is a row of rowboats all tipped up on their sides, waiting for the ice to thaw on the pond. Later today we’ll bring them down to the water one by one and launch them into the marina for this year’s anglers to enjoy. I notice that the sky is spitting snow as I zip up my parka and head out the door. Today is a quiet day, the breeze through the tall pines and the squeaking of red squirrels keep me company as I wander down to the water’s edge. Soon this place will be alive with anglers eager to cast their fly rods and Lodge guests heading out for hiking and other activities before dinnertime. Heading up toward the vegetable garden my mind switches gears. What to plant this ye...

If you’re looking for a few more amenities while you enjoy the season, Seyon Lodge offers a retreat Teddy Roosevelt would have been sure to enjoy. The recreational opportunities in Groton State Forest are unparalleled winter or summer. There are 4.9 miles of groomed cross-country ski trails for your family’s use. Additionally, thousands of acres beckon to be discovered on snowshoes right outside the front door of the lodge. Then, when you’re done with your adventure, completely relax next to the fire and then retreat to the dining room for a wonderful evening meal. The meals have even been known to draw the locals out from their warm homes and down the snowy roads! After you awake to your breakfast, the friendly Innkeepers will be happy to direct you to all the exciting opportunities the area has to offer. Seyon Lodge, without a doubt, offers a winter get-away you will never forget. A whole new world of recreational opportunities presents itself when th e snow falls in Vermont. Even in...