Park events

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

Fireflies, owls, bats, and more—not every species goes to sleep as the sun goes down! Join us on a short night hike as we use all our senses to learn about nocturnal animals. Insect nets and red-light flashlights will be provided to the hikers. All ages. Meets at the Loop Two Bathhouse and lasts about half an hour.

All events are free to State Park campers. Any attendee below the age of 11 must be accompanied by an adult. Dress tick-safe.

As we celebrate the opening season of state parks across Vermont, we have another wonderful opening to celebrate this spring....the Groton Nature Center will open to the public on Sunday, June 11th!

Vermont Parks Forever, in partnership with ECHO, Leahy Center for Lake Champlain and Vermont State Parks, has restored the 40-year old Groton Nature Center to create the state’s first museum-quality nature center with free access for all.

Located in the 27,000-acre Groton State Forest and surrounded by seven state parks, the Groton Nature Center has been completely modernized and reimagined. Park visitors of all ages will have the opportunity to learn about the importance of wildlife, land use, and conservation through themed, tactile, and interactive exhibits. We invite you to take a look at the photos below and to see the center in person on June 11th as we gather to cut the ribbon. Ribbon cutting will take place at 11:30 AM

Looking forward to celebrating with you,

P.S. – If you can’t join us on June 11th, we hope you’ll visit the Groton Nature Center this summer. The center will be open throughout the park season.

Vermont Days is an annual weekend in June celebrating the arrival of summer with free admission to day-use areas at Vermont State Parks and state-owned historic sites. Free Fishing Day is on Saturday, June 10 and gives residents and non-residents permission to fish in Vermont for the day without a license. 

Both Vermont residents and out-of-state visitors are invited to celebrate summer in Vermont by spending the day on the lake, immersing yourself into Vermont’s past, or casting a line on Vermont Days.

EVENT LISTING
Whetstone Beer Co. Pints for Parks Launch Party May 6 supporting VT State Parks
12 pm to 4 pm
Jamaica State Park 48 Salmon Hole Ln, Jamaica, VT 05343

Join Whetstone Beer Co. for the “Pints for Parks” launch party benefiting Vermont State Parks via Vermont Parks Forever at Jamaica State Park. Whetstone will release the limited-edition Jamaica State Park Kolsch during the Spring Whitewater Release at the park, so bring your kayaks, rafts, and canoes. Or just bring your thirst to sample our new Hamilton Falls-inspired beer, grab a pint, groove to river-themed music, and maybe pick up a prize.

Pints for Parks is collaboration between Whetstone Beer Co. and Vermont State Parks, where twice per year Whetstone will create a unique, limited-edition beer celebrating a specific park. Whetstone will donate proceeds from all Pints for Parks beer to VT State Parks’ partner charity, Vermont Parks Forever. Join us as we honor Jamaica State Park!

Whetstone Beer Co. Event Page: https://www.whetstonebeer.com/events/

Event link on Facebook: https://fb.me/e/vlde4hi3

Taconic Mountains Ramble is a true gem at any time of the year. Come and see for yourself! Bring yourself, and some snowshoes if you would like! Please dress in layers and bring snacks and beverages. 

(moderate-difficult- steep terrain, narrow trails, uneven ground) 

To register and for more information, email hike leader: caitlin.s.gates@gmail.com

Guide Names: Brendan McKenna and Kathleen Backus, Vermont State Park Volunteers

To register or for more information: bmckennavt@gmail.com  

Meeting Location: Woodford State Park (off road parking across the street from entrance), 142 State Park Road, Bennington, VT 05201

Meeting time: 11:30PM on Saturday 12/31/2022

Hike description: This moderately challenging trail loops through the park, forests and by Adams Reservoir for approximately 4 miles. If there happens to be more than six inches of snow, snowshoes will be needed. If the trail is packed, micro spikes should be carried to be on hand if needed. Headlamps or a source of light is absolutely necessary. We will hike rain or shine.

Taconic Mountains Ramble State Park

Guide Name, Caitlin Gates, Vermont State Parks Volunteer

To register or for more information: caitlin.s.gates@gmail.com

Meeting location: 321 St. John Rd, Hubbardton, VT 05743

Meeting time: 11:00am

Hike description: Snowshoes and/or traction aids required depending on conditions. This moderate three-mile hike explores a picturesque undeveloped park with sweeping views of the Taconic Mountain Range and the Valley of Vermont. Descend a steep trail to a beautiful, peaceful Japanese style garden with impressive rock and water features.

Slate Valley Trails

Guide Name: Gail Helfer, Slate Valley Trails Volunteer

To register or for more information: chuckngail@yahoo.com

Meeting location: Fairgrounds Trailhead, 131 Town Farm Road, Poultney, VT

Meeting time: 9:00am

Hike description: Easy/moderate 5 miles. Meet at Fairgrounds trailhead parking lot. We’ll start the new year off with a hike on the trails in Fairgrounds west.  Hike will go to Big Top and return via Scrambler and Ringmaster.  Bring snacks/lunch, water and dress for the weather, including microspikes or snowshoes, depending on the ground conditions.  

Silver Lake in the Moosalamoo National Recreation Area

Guide Name: Elise Johnson, Program Technician, Vermont State Parks

To register or for more information: elise.johnson@vermont.gov

Meeting location: Silver Lake Trailhead, Route 53, Salisbury, VT 05769

Meeting time: 1:00pm

Hike description: Snowshoes/traction aids required depending on conditions. This approximately 3 mile round trip, moderate hike follows a gravel road steeply up to remote Silver Lake in the Moosalamoo National Recreation Area of the Green Mountain National Forest.