North Hero State Park

Copyright: Vermont Dept. of Forests, Parks & Recreation North Hero State Park

Attractions - North Hero State Park is named for North Hero Island in Lake Champlain. The Hero Islands were named to commemorate those early Vermonters who served in the Revolutionary War. Land for the 399-acre park was purchased in 1963. Nearly one-third of that land lies below 100 feet elevation. Lake level on Champlain fluctuates seasonally from about 95 to 101 feet above sea level so much of the park is subjected to seasonal inundation. The forest type in these flood plain areas is uncommon in Vermont, found only around Lake Champlain. The North Hero example is noted for its size, relatively undisturbed condition and rare flora habitat.

The thick woods around the campground and the fact that much of the property was farmed and pastured before becoming a park, have led to conditions favorable for wildlife. Old fields are in stages of reverting to forest. There is a diversity of habitats that land management in the park works to perpetuate. Fields are periodically mowed, burned or cut back around the edges. Patches of one or two acres are clear-cut into the woods on a rotating schedule to create staggered openings in varied successional stages.

Such habitat work pays off. White-tailed deer are common. A variety of migratory waterfowl including mallards, blacks and wood ducks nest in the wooded wetlands. Ruffed grouse and American woodcock find favorable conditions. Even several species of fish including chain pickerel and northern pike spawn and feed in the flooded areas. Map turtles, known to nest at only a few sites in Vermont, nest along the beach. A section of the beach is roped off during the hatching season to protect the turtles.

Recreation - Camping is one of the most popular forms of recreation at North Hero State Park. There are 117 campsites and one large group site. Several hiking trails provide access to the ungraded swimming beach. There is also a picnic area with an adjacent playground, boat rentals and a boat launch. Cross-country skiing permitted in winter by walking around entrance gate; all facilities closed including restrooms.

Climate - Winter daytime temperatures in the lower half of the Lakes / Kingdom region averages 14 to 16 degrees Fahrenheit (-10 to -9 Celsius). The upper half of this region experiences winter temperatures ranging below 14 degrees Fahrenheit (below -10 Celsius). Summer daytime temperatures are cooler along the western area of Lake Champlain averaging 66 to 70 degrees Fahrenheit (19 to 21 Celsius). The central area of this region expects temperatures from 66 to 68 degrees Fahrenheit (19 to 20 Celsius) with the eastern area of this region experiencing the coolest summer time temperatures of less than 66 degrees Fahrenheit (below 19 Celsius). The yearly precipitation for Lakes and Kingdom Travel Region vary from less than 36 inches (91 centimeters) along the western line to more than 44 inches (112 centimeters) along the eastern border of New Hampshire and Canada.

Location - From Alburg travel 6 miles southwest on US 2. After crossing over the Alburg Passage turn left onto Bridge Road which dead-ends into Lakeview Drive. Turn left on Lakeview to reach the park.