Vermont Days - FREE Park Entry
Enjoy some FREE time in a Vermont State Park! Free Park Day Entry Statewide, Free Fishing, Free Events and more! Check out: Vermont Days 2022
Park events
Amazing Apples! at Smugglers' Notch State Park
Why do apples ripen in the fall while other fruits ripen in the spring? Come learn about the ecology of apple trees and other fall fruits - and why it's so important to the world around us!
Free farm-fresh apple samples while supplies last.
Meet at the info booth by the Sterling Pond trailhead.
For all ages with adult supervision.
Autumn Trees Research Presentation at Smugglers' Notch State Park
Join our Park Interpreter for a revisit of her senior thesis: Autumn Leaf Succession of Native and Invasive Trees. Tree species studied included the Sugar Maple, Sycamore, Norway Maple, and Tree of Heaven.
Presentation length is about 10 minutes, so drop by Barnes Camp Visitor Center anytime!
Ages 8+ with adult supervision.
Why do Leaves Change? at Smugglers' Notch State Park
Why are leaves green? Why do some turn red? Or orange? Or Yellow?? Find out for yourself with a look under our microscope!
Meet at the info booth by the Sterling Pond trailhead.
Ages 8+ with adult supervision.
Autumn Scavenger Hunt at Smugglers' Notch State Park
You might know the classic Smugglers' Notch Scavenger Hunt kits...but now try an autumn twist! Get yours at Barnes Camp Visitor Center!
For all ages with adult supervision.
Ruth Stone House Poetry Workshop at Robert Frost Interpretive Trail
Join a generative poetry workshop at the Robert Frost Interpretive Trail led by staff from the Ruth Stone House! We will spend time drawing inspiration from scenery along the trail, writing, and sharing poetry. The trail is ADA accessible and rated easy. Workshop is free of charge, and space is limited! Email brooks.jill96@gmail.com to reserve a spot.
Like Robert Frost, Ruth Stone was an acclaimed poet who lived in rural Vermont for much of her life. The Ruth Stone House carries out her wish to further the literary and creative arts. Read more about their mission here.
The Green Mountain National Forest is providing free outdoor programs and guided hikes throughout the fall! Be on the lookout for events through September and in to mid-October.
Tracks, Skins 'n' Skulls at Little River State Park
Make & paint plaster animal tracks as you meet your furbearing friends of Little River. Option: Create your own wildlife puppet show while molds dry. Nature Center, Duration: 1hr.
Owl Prowl & Night Ghost Hike at Little River State Park
Become “crepuscular” on a twilight tour of Little River's lost farming settlement ruins. History Hike Parking, 2hrs, flashlights & STURDY FOOTWEAR REQUIRED - NO CROCS or FLIP-FLOPS ALLOWED!
Aquadventure! Paddle Tour at Little River State Park
Explore Waterbury Reservoir in search of wildlife & spectacular Vermont Views. See how the “CC” Boys built Waterbury Dam by hand.
- PRE-REGISTRATION REQUIRED – SPACE IS LIMITED
- For experienced swimmers and padlers only.
- No additional fees for campers.
- If using park gear, you MUST get life jackets & paddles at office by 10:30am
- Activity starts at 11am sharp at A-Side Camper’s Beach. If you have your own boat(s), put in at the Boat Launch on the A-Side and paddle LEFT to starting point. Duration: up to 1.5hrs
- Steady rain or thunder cancels event.
Guided Hike up Rattlesnake Cliff
Come along for a 3.5 mile hike ending in breathtaking views of Lake Dunmore and Silver Lake! Hike is rated difficult, features steep terrain and 1000 feet of elevation gain - a great work out! Takes 2 1/2- 3 hours to complete on average. Wear close-toed shoes and bug spray, bring plenty of water, and don’t forget your camera! Blaze orange clothing items encouraged for hunting season safety. Meets at Silver Lake trailhead. Email hike leader Jill at brooks.jill96@gmail.com to sign up.
The Green Mountain National Forest is providing free outdoor programs and guided hikes throughout the fall! Be on the lookout for events through September and in to mid-October.