Description
Located in the 27,000-acre Groton State Forest, New Discovery State Park was built by the CCC in the 1930's and today many of their stone fireplaces and log picnic pavilions are still in use. The park is a hub for the many miles of trails in Groton State Forest and has the best horse camping in the Vermont State Park system. Remote camping is also available along the shores of Osmore Pond where breeding loons are found in the summer.
Geography:
The rocky, tree covered hillsides were originally cloaked with white pine, spruce, hemlock, beech, maple and birch. These were initially logged by local farmers for lumber, fuel and potash. The logging industry was large-scale for almost 100 years while the railroad was operating. Today, logging is still a vital industry in the area, but has lost some of its dominance in favor of modern society's leisure time movement.
Recreation:
Excellent camping, swimming, hiking, swimming, paddling, fishing, horseback riding, mountain biking and picnicking. Nature programs are offered at the Groton Nature Center.
Facilities:
46 tent/RV sites, 15 lean-tos, restrooms with flush toilets, hot and cold running water and coin-operated showers. There is also a 7-site horse camping area with paddocks, hitching posts, water spigots and troughs and access to miles of riding trails. The park has two log picnic pavilions; Osmore Pond Pavilion that can seat up to 100 people with picnic tables and grills, and the Owl's Head shelter that can seat up to 50 people with picnic tables and grills. Neither pavilion has electricity. There are also three remote campsites and 3 remote lean-tos located at Osmore Pond that are only accessible by paddling or hiking. Drinking water is available throughout the park. Firewood is available for purchase. There is a RV sanitary dump station but there are no hookups. No camping in or around pavilion. Camping on designated campsites only.
Nearby Attractions:
Other parks in the Groton Forest, Granite Museum/Quarry Tours in Barre, State Capitol in Montpelier, Fairbanks Museum, St. Johnsbury
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