Little River State Park is Vermont's hidden treasure for family hiking. Located in the hills above Waterbury Reservoir, the park features a network of trails passing through a landscape rich in history—abandoned farms, old cellar holes, and the remnants of communities that thrived here before the dam was built in the 1930s.
The trails are well-maintained and mostly moderate, making them perfect for families with kids, casual hikers, or anyone wanting a relaxed day in the woods. Add excellent camping, swimming in the reservoir, and proximity to Stowe, and you have one of Vermont's best outdoor destinations.
Best Trails
Woodward Hill Trail
- Distance: 3.0 miles round trip
- Elevation Gain: 700 feet
- Difficulty: Moderate
The park's signature hike climbs to a viewpoint overlooking Waterbury Reservoir, the Worcester Range, and on clear days, Camel's Hump. The trail passes several cellar holes and old stone walls—remnants of the farms that once dotted these hillsides.
History Loop
- Distance: 2.5 miles loop
- Elevation Gain: 400 feet
- Difficulty: Easy-Moderate
Designed to showcase the area's settlement history, this loop passes numerous cellar holes, a cemetery, and interpretive signs explaining what life was like for the families who lived here. It's an outdoor history lesson perfect for kids.
Cotton Brook Loop
- Distance: 4.0 miles loop
- Elevation Gain: 500 feet
- Difficulty: Moderate
A longer option that follows Cotton Brook through hemlock forest before climbing to views and returning through historic sites. Good for hikers wanting more mileage.
Stevenson Brook Trail
- Distance: 2.0 miles round trip
- Difficulty: Easy
A gentle trail following a pretty brook—ideal for young children or a relaxed stroll.
History and Character
Before the 1930s, these hills were home to a thriving farming community. When the Civilian Conservation Corps (CCC) built the Waterbury Dam in 1938, the valley flooded, and the hilltop farms were abandoned. Today, their traces remain:
- Stone cellar holes where houses stood
- Old stone walls marking property boundaries
- Abandoned orchards and lilac bushes
- A preserved cemetery
Walking these trails, you're hiking through a ghost landscape—nature reclaiming what was once cultivated land. The interpretive signs throughout the park bring these stories to life.
Swimming and Recreation
Little River State Park offers more than hiking:
Beach and Swimming
The park beach on Waterbury Reservoir is perfect for cooling off after a hike. Lifeguards are on duty during summer; facilities include changing rooms and picnic areas.
Boating
The reservoir is open to motorized and non-motorized boats. Kayaking and canoeing are popular.
Camping
The park has 81 campsites (tent and lean-to) in a forested setting. Reserve through Vermont State Parks, especially for summer weekends.
Practical Information
Getting There
Little River State Park is on Little River Road in Waterbury, about 15 minutes from Stowe and 25 minutes from Montpelier.
Fees
Vermont State Park day-use fee applies. Camping has separate fees.
Season
- Summer: Full services, swimming, camping
- Fall: Day-use hiking continues; camping may close
- Winter: Park roads close; trails accessible for snowshoeing
Best For
- Families with children
- History enthusiasts
- Casual hikers wanting varied options
- Campers seeking a base for area exploration
Quick Reference
| Trail | Distance | Difficulty | Features |
|---|---|---|---|
| Woodward Hill | 3.0 mi | Moderate | Views, history |
| History Loop | 2.5 mi | Easy-Mod | Cellar holes, cemetery |
| Cotton Brook | 4.0 mi | Moderate | Brook, longer loop |
| Stevenson Brook | 2.0 mi | Easy | Gentle, family-friendly |
Little River State Park offers something increasingly rare: varied outdoor recreation in a beautiful setting without extreme difficulty or crowds. The historic trails, reservoir swimming, and excellent camping make it an ideal destination for families or anyone seeking a relaxed Vermont outdoor experience.
