Join Vermont State Parks for Fun, Guided, First Day Hikes

Start the New Year on the right foot with a hike in a Vermont State Park. Join a free, guided, family-friendly hike taking place in state parks and forests throughout the state. Professional guides and outdoor educators will lead the way, sharing their knowledge and love of the Vermont outdoors. Don't need a guide? Then get outside at the state park or forest of your choice. They are always available and close by to all of us. Entry is free and you will discover a whole new world in the winter.

Dress for the weather and bring snowshoes if there is a lot of snow. Bring some 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 802-249-1230. Update messages will be posted on December 31st and January 1st. Check out our website at www.vtstateparks.com  and our Facebook and Twitter feeds for more information and more hikes as they are added.

Media Contact:  Jessica Savage, Jessica.savage@vermont.gov or 802-249-1230

Ascutney State Park:

Guide: Scott Davison, The Woodstock Naturalist

Meet: 10:00 am at the ranger station

Hike: 1+ hour, easy terrain (NOTE: not a summit hike)

Bomoseen State Park:

Guide: Caitlin Gates, Vermont State Park Interpreter 

Meet: 1:00 pm at park entrance station

Hike: 1+ hour, easy terrain

Button Bay State Park:

Guide: Ron Payne, Otter Creek Audubon Society

Meet: 9:00 am at park entrance

Hike: 3 hours, easy terrain

Groton Nature Center, Big Deer State Park:

Guide: Dave Spencer, local expert 

Meet: 1:00 pm at Groton State Forest Nature Center parking area on Boulder Beach Road, 1.6 miles from Route 232

Hike: 1+ hour loop, easy terrain

Hunger Mountain:

Guide: Caitlin Miller, Green Mountain Club

Meet: 9:00 am at Hunger Mountain Trailhead in Waterbury

Hike: 3.5 miles, 5 hours, moderate to difficult terrain - hike to the summit if weather permits

Jamaica State Park:

Guide: Scott Renker, Lowell Lake State Park Ranger

eet: 10:00 am by the park office at the entrance

Hike: 1+ hour, 1-mile, easy terrain - participants will have the option of a longer hike along the same trail

Niquette Bay State Park:

Guide: Jessica Savage, Recreation Program Manager, VT Forests, Parks & Recreation 

Meet: 12:00 noon at trailhead in State Park

Hike: 1.5 miles, 2 hours, moderate terrain

Taconic Mountain Ramble State Park:

Guide: Alyssa Bennett, Bat Biologist, VT Fish & Wildlife

Meet: 12:00 noon at the Hubbardton Battlefield parking lot on Monument Hill Road

Hike: 2-3 hours, easy to moderate terrain, followed by fresh baked cookies!

Underhill State Park:

Guide: John Connell, Greenmont Farms

Meet: 1:00 pm at gate just below Underhill State Park on Mountain Road, in Underhill Center

Hike: 3 hours, easy to moderate terrain - bring a snack and warm beverage to share!