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Vermont
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Vermont State Parks

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USA Parks
Vermont
Northern Region
Groton State Forest
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Groton State Forest Stone Picnic Talbe © Gary Jordan
The Civilian Conservation Corp CCC quarried rock from around the area back in the 30s and 40s. This picnic table was made by them. It will not have to be replaced for many years.
Groton State Forest Rickers Pond © Gary Jordan
Groton State Forest Owls Head Summit © Gary Jordan
Groton State Forest Owls Head Summit © Gary Jordan
This picture reveals why Vermont is called the Green Mountain State
Groton State Forest Ricker Pond Entrance © Gary Jordan
Ricker Pond Campground entrance booth
Groton State Forest Rickers Mill Remnants © Gary Jordan
Concrete channel poured for plant operation. Circa 1953. There was once a mill here.
Groton State Forest Owls Head Summit © Gary Jordan
Groton State Forest Campside Fire © Gary Jordan
A ring for fire and a grate are provided at each campsite. We stocked ours with local wood. The reason for this measure is to help prevent the spread of a beetle that is killing ash trees. No wood other then local wood is permitted.
Groton State Forest Owls Head Stone Fire Tower © Gary Jordan
Perched on the summit is this Stone Fire Tower. It was built back in 1935 by the Civilian Conservation Corp CCC. It is one highlight of the summit climb.
Groton State Forest Owls Head Summit © Gary Jordan
Lake Groton is shown in the distance.
Groton State Forest Ricker Pond Campground © Gary Jordan
All the sites at Ricker Pond Campground are kept immaculate. The work crew that takes care of it are the very best.
Groton State Forest Rickers Pond © Gary Jordan
Ricker Pond Campground is across the lake over my right shoulder.
Groton State Forest Rickers Pond © Gary Jordan
Groton State Forest Owls Head Summit © Gary Jordan
A climb to the summit yeilded this view.
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GROTON STATE FOREST
GROTON STATE FOREST
Groton, Vermont   05046
(lat:44.2759 lon:-72.2795) map location
Groton State Forest is a picturesque and diverse outdoor playground that offers a mesmerizing blend of natural beauty and recreational activities. Spanning over 26,000 acres, this forest boasts a captivating landscape of rolling hills, sparkling lakes, dense forests, and vibrant wildflowers, making it a paradise for nature enthusiasts. Visitors can indulge in a plethora of activities including hiking, biking, camping, fishing, boating, and swimming in one of the pristine lakes. The forest also features several well-maintained trails that lead to breathtaking vistas, hidden waterfalls, and historic landmarks like the stunning Lake Willoughby. With its tranquil ambiance and endless opportunities for outdoor adventure, Groton State Forest stands as a true gem of Vermont, offering an unforgettable experience in the heart of nature.
History of the Area
Early Settlements:
Prior to European settlement, the area that now encompasses Groton State Forest was inhabited by various Native American groups, including the Abenaki tribe. They relied on the forest's natural resources for hunting, fishing, and gathering.

Colonial Era:
In the mid-18th century, European settlers began arriving in the area, primarily from the nearby Connecticut River Valley. They cleared land for agriculture and established small farms. As the population grew, the settlers recognized the importance of preserving some of the land for future generations.

Logging and Deforestation:
By the 19th century, the forest became an important source of timber for the expanding settlements and industries in Vermont. Logging activities increased, and the forest suffered from widespread deforestation. Large portions of the land were clear-cut, impacting ecological balance and water resources.

Forest Conservation:
During the early 20th century, there was a growing awareness of the need to conserve forests and protect natural resources. The state of Vermont recognized the significance of the Groton area and began acquiring parcels of land to establish a state forest.

Creation of Groton State Forest:
In 1924, Vermont officially established Groton State Forest, initially encompassing around 16,000 acres. Over time, additional lands were added, expanding the forest's size to over 26,000 acres. The state actively managed the forest to restore its health and promote sustainable use of its resources.

Civilian Conservation Corps (CCC):
In the 1930s, the Groton State Forest benefited from the efforts of the Civilian Conservation Corps, a public works program established during the Great Depression. CCC workers carried out various conservation projects, including building trails, roads, picnic areas, and campgrounds within the forest. Many of these structures still exist today and are used by visitors.

Recreation and Education:
From the mid-20th century forward, Groton State Forest developed into a popular recreational destination. The state forest offers opportunities for camping, hiking, fishing, boating, and wildlife watching. Visitors can explore the forest's numerous ponds, lakes, and trails. Educational programs and interpretive signs promote ecological understanding and conservation.
Camping
1. Ricker Pond State Park offers tent, RV camping and lean:to sites with water views.
2. Stillwater State Park provides campsites including cabins, lean:tos and a group area for larger parties.
3. New Discovery State Park has 47 tent/RV sites, 14 leantos plus four remote hike:in locations available.
4. Big Deer Campground features secluded wooded campgrounds ideal for those seeking privacy while enjoying nature's beauty.
5. Boulder Beach campground is perfect if you prefer lake:side camping; it also includes day-use picnic areas.


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Trails
1. Peacham Bog Loop: A 3-mile trail featuring a boardwalk through the bog, offering views of unique plant life and wildlife.

2. Kettle Pond Trail: This is a moderate difficulty 4-mile loop around Kettle pond with beautiful water views throughout.

3. Montpelier-Wells Rail Trail: An easy level multi-use rail-trail spanning approximately 14 miles across Groton State Forest, suitable for biking or hiking.

4. Owl's Head Mountain Pathway: A steep but short hike at just over one mile to an overlook providing panoramic forest vistas from atop Owl's head mountain peak

5. Little Deer Trail System - Consists of several interconnected trails totaling about six miles in length; features include streams, ponds and diverse vegetation types.

6 . New Discovery Horse Trails - These are equestrian-friendly paths covering nearly eight miles within the state park boundaries.

7 . Big Deer Mountain Summit Hike- It's roughly two-miles long round trip that leads hikers up to stunning summit view points on clear days.

8 . Hosmer Brook Nature Walk- Less than half-a-mile walk along brook side showcasing local flora/fauna information boards ideal for educational purposes or casual strolls

9 . Osmore Pond Loop - Approximately three-and-half mile moderately trafficked loop located near Marshfield known primarily for its wild flowers & bird watching opportunities

10.Nature Center Connector - Short quarter-of-a-mile path connecting nature center area with other main routes like Cross Vermont Bike Route etc.,

11.Ricker Mill Historic Site Access Road- Roughly one-third-of-a-Mile gravel road leading towards historic Ricker mill site open year-round barring winter months due heavy snowfall conditions

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Area Campgrounds
Sugar Ridge RV Village & Campground
24 Old Stagecoach Road
Danville, VT
802-684-2550

Directions
1. Start on I:89 N from Burlington, Vermont.
2. Take exit 7 for VT:62 toward Berlin/Barre.
3. Turn right onto VT:62 E (signs for Barre).
4. Continue straight to stay on US Route 302:E/Berlin State Hwy.
5. At the roundabout, take the second exit and continue on US Route 302:E/East Montpelier Rd.
6. Turn left onto County Road after passing East Montpelier Elementary School.
7. Continue until you reach a junction with Groton Forest Road; turn right here.
8. Follow this road into Groton State Forest.

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Vermont
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Vermont State Parks

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