The best walks and hikes in Green River Reservoir State Park

Green River Reservoir State Park offers a unique wilderness hiking experience. The park is known for its undeveloped character, with 19 miles of largely pristine shoreline around the 653-acre reservoir. You'll find yourself immersed in diverse landscapes of forests, wetlands, and ponds, often exploring informal paths or old logging roads rather than extensively marked trails. It's a more rugged and less structured adventure, perfect for those seeking a true connection with nature.

Yes, there are a couple of easy trails available. For a relatively flat and gentle walk, consider the Ritterbush Pond route, which is just under 2 km. Another easy option is the Ridge Trail, offering a pleasant walk with minimal elevation changes.

The terrain in Green River Reservoir State Park varies, encompassing forests, wetlands, and areas around the reservoir. While some trails, like the Ritterbush Pond route, have minimal elevation gain, others, such as the Mount Norris loop from Lake Eden, feature more significant ascents, reaching close to 400 meters of elevation gain. Expect a mix of relatively flat sections and moderate climbs, especially if you venture onto longer routes.

Green River Reservoir State Park is generally dog-friendly, but it's always best to keep your dog on a leash to protect the park's abundant wildlife and ensure a pleasant experience for all visitors. The park is a crucial habitat for nesting loons and is Lamoille County's largest deer wintering area, so responsible pet ownership is essential.

For families, the easier trails like Ritterbush Pond or the Ridge Trail are excellent choices. These routes are shorter and have less elevation, making them suitable for children and those looking for a more relaxed outing. They offer a great way to experience the park's natural beauty without strenuous effort.

Green River Reservoir State Park is a haven for wildlife. Birdwatchers can spot a variety of species, including nesting loons, common mergansers, great blue herons, ospreys, and occasionally even bald eagles. The diverse forest and wetland ecosystems also support thrushes, woodpeckers, and it's a significant deer wintering area, so keep an eye out for deer and other forest creatures.

Yes, there are circular routes to enjoy. For example, the Mount Norris loop from Lake Eden offers a moderate circular hike. Another popular option is the Elmore State Park – Elmore Mountain loop from Elmore, which provides a rewarding circular journey through the landscape.

The main natural feature is the 653-acre Green River Reservoir itself, with its extensive undeveloped shoreline offering serene views. As you hike, you'll traverse through rich northern hardwood forests, mixed woods, and softwood stands, providing varied scenery. Keep an eye out for smaller, undisturbed aquatic communities like Schofield and Rush Ponds, which add to the park's natural beauty and provide excellent wildlife viewing opportunities.

The park offers beauty in all seasons. Spring brings lush greenery and active wildlife, while summer is ideal for combining hiking with paddling on the reservoir. Fall showcases stunning foliage with vibrant colors in the diverse forest types. While winter hiking is possible, be prepared for snow and ice, as the park maintains its wild and undeveloped character, meaning trails may not be extensively groomed.

The hiking experiences in Green River Reservoir State Park are highly regarded by the komoot community, with an average rating of 5.0 stars. Hikers often praise the park's remote feel, the opportunity for a true wilderness experience, and the chance to immerse oneself in its diverse natural landscapes and observe wildlife.

While the park emphasizes a wild and undeveloped experience, there are typically designated parking areas for visitors accessing the park for recreational activities. It's advisable to check specific access points or trailheads for detailed parking information before your visit, especially given the park's focus on primitive access.