Southern Vermont offers gorgeous lakes for paddling, canoes, and kayaks
65 Emerald Lake Lane
East Dorset, VT 05253
Phone: 802-362-1655
Season: Memorial Day Weekend - Columbus Day Weekend
Located between Manchester and Rutland, the park is popular for its wooded hillside campground, beach and swimming area, and nearby attractions and tourist destinations. The park surrounds 20-acre Emerald Lake. It is restricted to non-motorized watercraft, so it is ideal for swimming and paddling. Fishing for yellow perch, small mouth bass, northern pike and other warm-water species. The park is a favorite destination of hikers, with the Long Trail and Appalachian Trail nearby, and trails on Dorset Mountain.
The 67 campsites and 37 lean-tos are located on a heavily wooded ridge above Emerald Lake. Flush toilets, hot showers ($) and a dump station are provided. There is a small beach with snack bar and boat rental facilities. (Canoes, kayaks, row and pedal boats) A hillside picnic area, as well as lakeside picnic tables are available.
Day use hours: 10 a.m.-9 p.m.
231 North Main Street (offices)
Rutland, VT
Phone: 802-747-6700
The Green Mountain National Forest scenic beauty along the backbone of Vermont's Green Mountains offers a four season recreation experience. Primitive recreational opportunities exist within the eight Wilderness Areas on the Green Mountain National Forest. The Forest also hosts two National Recreation Areas. The most popular season is autumn, when the mountains are ablaze with color. In spring, the forest bursts forth from the grip of winter and blooming wildflowers that are visible along many of the Forest trails. The first fishing days are enjoyed by a lot of people. Mud season is usually short but intense. Mountain biking and hiking on wet trails is not encouraged during this time. Head nets and an effective insect repellant are suggested for black fly season. Summer is popular for picnicking, camping, hiking, backpacking, fishing, boating, and canoeing. Winter brings out skiers (both downhill and cross-country), snowboarders, snowmobilers, and snowshoe enthusiasts.
Uses: Hiking, fishing, hunting, picnicking, bird watching, bicycling, canoeing, camping, horseback riding, cross-country skiing, snowshoeing, snowmobiling
Grout Pond National Site
Manchester, VT
Phone: 802-362-2307
Visitors will enjoy swimming, fishing, canoeing, and hiking trails.
Hapgood Pond National Site
Manchester, VT
Phone: 802-362-2307
This park offers canoeing and boating, hiking trails, fishing areas, swimming and picnic areas.
48 Salmon Hole Lane
Jamaica, VT
Phone: 802-874-4600
Season: May 8-Columbus Day
Every spring and fall, on one weekend in late April and late September, there is a water release on the West River from Ball Mountain Dam. This is a semiannual event for many kayakers and canoeists from all over New England.
The West River is also a favorite spot for many fishermen. The combination of deep slow running water and shallow fast ripples makes for some fine fishing.
There are 41 tent/trailer sites and 18 lean-to sites that are spread out through the campground. Two rest rooms, complete with hot showers ($), are located in the campground. A picnic shelter and nature center are located near the picnic area and swimming hole. A hiking trail follows the West River and branches off toward Hamilton Falls.
ALERT: The weight limit for the town's bridge leading into Jamaica State Park has been downgraded to 8 tons. Campers with large RV or trailer units should check their total weight to ensure they meet the reduced weight limit.
262 Shaftsbury State Park Road (Route 7A)
Shaftsbury, VT 05262
Phone: 802-375-9978
Season: Memorial Day Weekend - Labor Day Weekend
Lake Shaftsbury State Park is on an 84-acre parcel surrounding the small but picturesque Lake Shaftsbury. A furnished waterfront cottage sleeps six, with deck and grill. Lake Shaftsbury also operates a group camping area with 15 lean-tos available throughout the year for scouts, church groups, and other organizations. Port-a-let facilities are available. There is also a developed beach, play area, and picnic area. There is an open picnic shelter/pavilion available for large group gatherings. The snack bar concession has rental canoes, kayaks, rowboats, and pedal boats. Day use hours: 10 a.m.-9 p.m.
2755 State Forest Road
Townshend, VT
Phone: 802-365-7500
Season: Memorial Day-Labor Day
A visit to Townshend State Park, located at the foot of Bald Mountain on a bend of the West River, feels like a step back in time. The park was constructed during the Great Depression by the Civilian Conservation Corps. The campground is a popular destination for visitors seeking a rustic experience. Visitors can take a hike up the Bald Mountain Trail, passing various chutes, waterfalls and pools on the way to spectacular vistas.
The campground, situated in a wooded area, has 30 tent/trailer sites and 4 lean-to sites. There are two bathrooms, one of which has showers ($). A picnic shelter with a fireplace and three tables is attached to the ranger's quarters. Note: Due to the park's physical layout, there is a limit of 6 people and one vehicle per site.
142 State Park Road
Bennington, VT
Phone: 802-447-7169
Season: Memorial Day-Columbus Day
Woodford is located on a mountain plateau and surrounds Adams Reservoir. There are several lakes and ponds in the surrounding area.The campground has 103 sites including 20 lean-tos. The heavily wooded area surrounds the reservoir and offers great camping opportunities. Flush toilets, hot showers ($), and a dump station are provided. There is a small beach and picnic area near the dam with pit toilet facilities. Rowboats, canoes, and kayaks are available for rent. There are several hiking trails, including a 2.7-mile trail around the lake.
Day use hours: 10 a.m.-9 p.m.
