Lake St. Catherine State Park

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Lake St. Catherine State Park has long been a destination for outdoor enthusiasts looking for a place to relax and enjoy hiking, biking, swimming, fishing, boating, and picnicking. 
Trail Activity
Hiking Mountain biking Snowshoeing
Length
1.80 miles, Network
Difficulty
Easy, Moderate
Town
Poultney (VT)
Surface
Packed Earth/Dirt
Pets
Permitted on leash
Fees
Yes

Description

A short trail network on the north side of the park winds through woods and meadows.

The Woods Trail begins at the footbridge at the north end of the day-use parking area. From there the trail winds its way through a meadow with islands of trees, apple trees and opportunities for birding. The trail is on flat terrain and winds its way back toward the park entrance road. The Meadow Trail intersects the Woods Trail near its eastern end. This trail climbs a short distance and follows a ridge through the forest before descending back to the meadow, where it follows a mowed path. The bridge has steps on one side. 

Biking is allowed on parts of the Woods and Meadow trails as well as on a short, one-way (downhill) only trail. Bikers should yield to pedestrians on the multi-use trails. Please follow signs to ensure that you are staying on biking and multi-use trails.

Other Information

Pets are not permitted in the day-use area, but are allowed in other parts of the park.

The area is known for its past slate quarrying operations, with remains of slate mills, quarries, and rubble piles still visible. The park itself was once a children's summer camp and farmland. Remnants of these past activities can still be found within the park.

Trail Manager

For more information about the trails and the park, visit the Vermont State Parks online, or contact:

VT Dept. Forests, Parks & Recreation Region 2: Rutland Region
271 North Main Street, Suite 215
Rutland, VT 05701-2423
Phone: (802) 786-0060
View website

Trail Tips

Plan Ahead and Prepare
Know your limits – it’s okay to turn back. Your home is the ultimate destination, not the summit.

Trailhead Information

From the town of Poultney, turn east onto Furnace Street and continue for 0.3 miles. Turn left onto VT-30 (Lake Road) and continue for 3 miles. Turn right into Lake St. Catherine State Park. 

At the first intersection in the park, turn right and continue straight for visitor parking. There is a nature center located behind the first parking lot on the left. A hiking trail is accessible from the northern side of the farthest parking lot.

The gates at the entrance to the park are closed in the off season. When there is enough snow to need to plow, they are opened and there is plowed access to a plowed parking lot.

Legend
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