Start the New Year on the right foot with a hike in a Vermont State Park. Join a free, guided, easy, family 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.
Bring the whole family! Dress for the weather; 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 31 and January 1. Check out our website at www.vtstateparks.com and our Facebook and Twitter feeds for more information and more hikes as they are added.
Underhill State Park: Meet: 1pm at gate just below Underhill State Park on Mountain Road, in Underhill Center. Hike: 3 hours, easy to moderate terrain.
Groton Nature Center, Big Deer State Park: Meet: 1pm at Groton State Forest Nature Center parking area on Boulder Beach Road, 1.6 miles from Route 232. Hike: 1+ hour loop hike across multiple trails – easy terrain.
Molly Stark State Park: Meet: 10am at cul de sac across the street from the park entrance on Route 9. Hike: 2 hours +/-, moderate terrain on park roads and trails following the ridge to Hogback Mountain
Bald Mountain, Aitken State Forest: Meet: 11am meet at the Frontage Road, just to the southeast of the Rutland fire station (Route 7 and Center Street). Hike: Approximately 3.5 miles with some steep climbing.
Grand Isle State Park: Meet: 10am by park office. Hike: 1 hour, easy loop hike on Ironwood Nature Trail.
Little River State Park: Meet: 10am in parking area two miles up Little River Road. Hike: Easy, 1+ miles, 100 ft. climb to flat trail through historic remains of CCC Camp Smith to waterfall. Please leave dogs at home.
Silver Lake State Park: Meet:1pm at the Town Clerk Office parking lot in Barnard (100 yards from the park entrance). Hike: 1.5 hours, easy guided nature walk.
Niquette Bay State Park: Meet: noon at trailhead in State Park. Hike: 1.5 miles, 2 hours, moderate.
Camel’s Hump State Park: Hike and meeting details TBA
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