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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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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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Google/Google

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

The One Place In Vermont That Looks Like Something From Middle Earth

Smugglers' Notch State Park in Vermont offers spectacular scenery, numerous hiking trails, and unique natural features, making it one of the best state parks in the region.

Updated Jun 5, 2024

Written by 

Kristin Grimes

If you've read or seen the iconic books or films "Lord of the Rings" or "The Hobbit," you're probably familiar with the term "Middle Earth." This imaginary realm created by JRR Tolkien was based on his childhood growing up in the midlands of England, but in today's pop culture, it is a phrase used to describe being in a very obscure place. If you're looking to jump into the pages of mythical surroundings, Vermont's Smugglers' Notch State Park in Stowe is the place for you. It's one of the best state parks in Vermont.

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Smugglers' Notch State Park is one of the best state parks in Vermont and you can find it near Stowe. Elevated 2,119 feet and near Mount Mansfield, which is the highest peak in Vermont, you can bet on finding spectacular scenery.

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Flickr/Jimmy Emerson, DVM

Endless adventures here await for the brave at heart. This park offers numerous hiking trails in Vermont and plenty of recreation for all who visit.

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Flickr/Martin Pilote

Do you agree that this is one of the most beautiful places in Vermont? We certainly think so!

The steep cliffs can be unnerving for those afraid of heights - or avalanches!

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Flickr/Jim Liestman

Trees grow in places and conditions that are completely unexpected, but the unique attributes are all part of what makes this one of the best parks in Vermont.

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Flickr/Cory Janiak

The rocks also defy expectations, providing many places to climb and hide.

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Flickr/Neil Hunt

Hide out in a cave if you're brave as there are several caves of all sizes. Some are easy to find, and many take a bit of a hunt, but it's worth the effort to check them out.

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Flickr/Jeff Myers

When in the Notch, don't miss a short but steep hike to Bingham Falls. This will become one of your favorite hiking trails in Vermont.

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Flickr/Doug Kerr

If the weather is right (and you're not afraid of the cold), take a dip in this natural swimming hole.

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Flickr/Leslee_atFlickr

Winter hikes to the falls are out of this world. There's nothing more enchanting than seeing a frozen waterfall in Vermont in the winter.

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Kristin Grimes/Only In Your State

Enjoy the snow-capped mountain views in winter.

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Flickr/Leslie Stormes

The drive through Smugglers' Notch during the fall was named one of the top 10 tree tunnels in the world.

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Flickr/heipei

Rocky cliffs and the natural colors combine to make Smugglers' Notch State Park one of the most unbelievable places and best state parks in Vermont to explore.

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Flickr/Rain0975

Or should we say... Middle Earth...

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Canopic/Flickr

Have you been to Vermont's Smugglers' Notch State Park yet? Do you agree it's one of the most beautiful places in Vermont? Let us know in the comments.

What do you think are some of the best state parks in Vermont? Tell us in the comments! For another Vermont State Park that's out of this world, check out Allis State Park and soak in the amazing scenery.

Ready to get out and explore more of Vermont? Follow one of the best hiking trails in Vermont. You can find them all on AllTrails.

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