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!