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Long Trail State Forest

Belvidere, Eden, Lowell, Johnson, Montgomery, Waterville, Westfield; Franklin, Lamoille and Orleans Counties 9,529.44 Acres

Long Trail State Forest

 

General Description:

The primary purpose of the Long Trail State Forest is protection of the Long Trail. Since 1986, parcels have been acquired with that goal in mind and in 1996 the Long Trail State Forest was established as a result of a partnership between the State of Vermont and the Green Mountain Club.  This parcel stretches north-south between Vermont Routes 242 and 15.  It not only conserves a significant length of the Long Trail for hiking but it also provides an opportunity for hunting, fishing and wildlife viewing. This popular yet remote recreation area is home to Gilpin Mountain, Domeys Dome, Strawberry Hill and Sugarloaf Mountain, which provides a 2940 foot backdrop to Hazen’s Notch State Natural Area. Management of the Long Trail State Forest is split into northern and southern sections with the St Johnsbury district office covering the north and the Barre district office covering the south.

Unique Features:

The Department of Forests Parks and Recreation works in partnership with The Green Mountain Club on the protection of the Long Trail. In addition to several mountain summits crossed by the Long Trail, including Dewey’s Dome, Haystack Mountain, Bowen Mountain, Prospect Rock lookout, Butternut Mountain, and Laraway Mountain, Long Trail State Forest also includes Belvidere Pond, a 100 acre body of water with extensive associated wetlands.  The state forest provides habitat for many species of native wildlife including moose, deer, black bear, beaver, fisher, bobcat and forest songbirds.

Recreation Overview:

The Long Trail State Forest is open for dispersed recreational activities. This parcel provides hiking opportunities on over 27 miles of the Long Trail.  Other types of recreation available on the forest include hiking, backpacking, snowshoeing, cross-country skiing, canoeing, hunting and fishing. The forest offers spectacular scenery and an opportunity to view peregrine falcons soaring high above the cliffs near Hazen’s Notch State Natural Area. For more information regarding recreation on state lands, please follow the link below.

Any questions about this parcel?  Please contact: St. Johnsbury District Office  802-751-0110