Vermont
Nature|National & State Parks

Allis State Park In Vermont Is So Well-Hidden, It Feels Like One Of The State’s Best Kept Secrets

Allis State Park in Vermont offers scenic trails, a historic lookout tower, and panoramic views, making it a hidden gem worth visiting.

Published Nov 30, 2020

Written by 

Rebecca

Vermont is filled with some of the most beautiful parks in the country, so it makes sense that some parks fall through the cracks. However, that definitely doesn't mean they should: Just consider Allis State Park, which might be the second state park developed in Vermont, back in 1928, but it rarely gets the attention it deserves.

Allis State Park, which is located on the summit of Bear Hill Mountain, has beautiful trails that are fun to hike through all year round (colorful leaves await you in the fall, new flowers blooming can be spotted in the spring, it's so dang green in the summer, and the snowy trees in the colder months will make you feel like you just stumbled upon a winter wonderland) and it boasts a lookout tower with incredible views of the Killington, Pico, and Mt Ascutney peaks, Camel's Hump and Mt. Mansfield to the north, and the White Mountains of New Hampshire. Plus, it's much quieter and less-traveled than other Vermont parks!

Allis State Park has plenty of trails to explore and areas to picnic in.

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Gaja J. Snover/AllTrails

The most popular sight is the lookout tower, which used to be for spotting fires. And yes, you can climb up there!

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Valerie Lund/AllTrails

Ascend up the stairs and you'll be rewarded with panoramic views of Vermont's most popular mountains and even the White Mountains of New Hampshire.

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Valerie Lund/AllTrails

Just remember if you have a fear of heights you WILL have to walk down, and the staircase is narrow.

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Rebecca van Sambeck

But again, it's worth it all for the views!

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Karen Karen Larocque/AllTrails

The trails themselves are pretty easy and should be suitable for hikers of all ages. Along the way, you're rewarded with a quiet, peaceful forest.

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Val Neuhausser/AllTrails

Allis State Park is definitely worth the trek!

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Joanna Kaleta/AllTrails

Just travel to Brookfield in central Vermont to visit one of Vermont's hidden gems.

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Nature|National & State Parks

With A Children’s Playground And Beach, This Family-Friendly Park In Vermont Is The Best Summer Day Trip

Published Jul 16, 2024

Written by 

Marla S.

As a child, I loved making sand castles and spending time in nature during the summer. Luckily, there's so much to do in Vermont too - from hiking to going on a picnic to spending time at the beach. If you're interested in making and recapturing memories like these, we suggest spending the day at a state park frolicking in the water while the kids play. When you're near Poultney, head to Lake Saint Catherine State Park for a fun summer adventure the whole family will love. If we've piqued your curiosity, read on to learn more.

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To start your fun-filled day trip at Lake Saint Catherine State Park, take VT 30-S if you're coming from Burlington.

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Google/Bob Ricketson

This lovely state park spans 117 acres and has been operating since 1953.

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Unlike many state parks, Lake Saint Catherine in Vermont has two sandy beaches.

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Google/Brendan Sowerby

As you can see, there's also a massive grassy area and a fun playground along the lake. We think these amenities make Lake Saint Catherine State Park the ideal destination for a kid-friendly outing.

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Google/Fabio Caetano

If you'd like to spend some time on the water, feel free to rent a kayak, canoe, or paddle boat.

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Google/Bob Ricketson

In addition to spending the day exploring on the water, you're welcome to go fishing, too.

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Google/Brian Watson

As shown in this stunning photo, we highly recommend staying until the park closes at sunset. Make sure to have your camera on hand, too.

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Google/Jean Kunkel

If you'd like to spend more than a day at Lake Saint Catherine State Park, we suggest taking advantage of the camping facilities on the premises. To help you prepare for your adventure, we also recommend referring to AllTrails to learn of hikes in this Vermont state park. And, if you're looking for more things to do during the warmer season, take a look at our ultimate guide to summer fun in Vermont.

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Nature|National & State Parks

This Historic Park Is One Of Vermont’s Best Kept Secrets

Lake Saint Catherine State Park in Vermont is a historic and scenic park that was once a summer camp for boys.

Updated Jun 14, 2024

Written by 

Natalie Clunan

Vermont is brimming with wonderful parks and I love checking them out! Today's spotlight shines on Lake Saint Catherine State Park in Poultney, a historic Vermont park. The 117-acre park is a top-notch site for all kinds of recreation, but not many people realize this gorgeous park was once a summer camp for boys. Let's check out this hidden gem park in VT:

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Google Images/Bob Ricketson

The star of the show at this historic Vermont park is the beautiful Lake Saint Catherine. Enjoy a glorious day on the water here. A public boat launch gives access to those looking to fish or water ski. Anglers love the chance to land largemouth and smallmouth bass, rainbow and brown trout, yellow perch, and northern pike. Lake Saint Catherine State Park is open to day-use visitors as well as overnight campers.

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Google Images/Robert Gossman

Splash around in the crisp clear water or relax on the beach. Rentals of rowboats, canoes, kayaks, and pedal boats are available to tour the lake. Before the park's opening as a swimming and picnic area in 1953, this location was once a summer camp for boys. Prior to the land's development as a camp, it was farmland as much of Vermont was in the beginning. As you explore this hidden gem park in VT, you'll find remnants of those past times.

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Vermont State Parks

Stop by the nature center for one of its regularly scheduled programs. A park interpreter is on site to conduct nature activities, hikes, crafts, and more. The park also has a concession stand and playground to keep the kids satisfied. It is truly one of the best VT parks to visit!

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Vermont State Parks

Fall in love with this historic park in Vermont and you can spend the night! There are 50 tent/RV sites and 11 lean-to sites available in serene wooded settings. Once you spend the night, you can see why this spot was once a popular summer camp.

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Google Images/Deborah Hayes

Learn more by visiting the website for Lake Catherine State Park.

Have you visited this historic. park in Vermont? What are some of your favorite VT parks? Share your experiences in the comments section below.

Find some of the best trails in the state on AllTrails.

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Want to see some more Green Mountain State history? Check out these iconic Vermont buildings.

https://www.onlyinyourstate.com/vermont/9-iconic-buildings-in-vermont/

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