Save
You must be signed in to save park lists.
Your Park Lists
add New List
Add Photo
You must be signed in to add photos.
state route ranger badge
Vermont
7

Vermont State Parks

responsive menu icon
USA Parks
Vermont
Northern Region
Hazens Notch State Forest Park
Afternoon Hike © stateparks.com
Small Boy Fishing © stateparks.com
Gone fishin.
Search
Availability
Calendars
Availability Search
HAZENS NOTCH STATE FOREST PARK
HAZENS NOTCH STATE FOREST PARK
Westfield, Vermont   05874
(lat:44.8444 lon:-72.5203) map location
Located in the Green Mountains of northern Vermont, Hazens Notch State Forest Park is a pristine natural area that offers an enchanting escape into serene wilderness. Spanning over 3,800 acres, this park boasts breathtaking vistas, dense forests, and meandering streams, creating an idyllic setting for outdoor enthusiasts. The rugged trails cater to hikers and nature lovers, leading them through diverse habitats teeming with wildlife and displaying a vibrant palette of wildflowers during the warmer months. With its tranquil beauty and abundant recreational opportunities, Hazens Notch State Forest Park is a true gem for those seeking a peaceful retreat in nature.
History of the Area
1. Early Settlement and Logging: The Hazens Notch area was first settled in the late 18th century. The settlers, primarily of European descent, were drawn to the region due to its vast forest resources. Logging became a major industry in the area during the 19th and early 20th centuries.

2. The Hazens Family: The park's name is derived from the Hazens family, who were influential in the development of the region. Colonel Jonathan Hazen was the first prominent member of the family to settle in Hazens Notch. He played a crucial role in developing the area's logging industry and contributed to the growth of the nearby town of Montgomery.

3. Environmental Preservation Efforts: In the early 20th century, concerns about deforestation and the impact of industrial activities on the environment began to emerge. Local conservationists recognized the need to preserve Vermont's natural beauty and formed the Vermont Forest and Park Association (VFPA) in 1900. The VFPA, along with the state government, started identifying ecologically significant areas to protect. Hazens Notch was among the areas identified for preservation.

4. State Forest Establishment: In 1938, the state of Vermont acquired the lands within Hazens Notch to establish the Hazens Notch State Forest Park. This move aimed to protect the region's forests, wildlife, and watershed while also providing opportunities for outdoor recreational activities.

5. Recreation and Conservation: Hazens Notch State Forest Park has been managed with a dual focus on outdoor recreation and conservation. The park offers a range of recreational activities such as hiking, mountain biking, birdwatching, and camping. It serves as an important ecological corridor, providing habitat for various plant and animal species.
Nearby Vacation Rentals
Search for a vacation rental


Location
Hazens Notch State Forest Park is

Trails
1. The Long Trail: A 272-mile trail stretching from Massachusetts to Canada, passing through Hazens Notch State Forest Park.

2. High Ponds Loop: An easy-to-moderate 3-mile loop featuring a pond and diverse wildlife; ideal for birdwatching and nature trips.

3. Haystack Mountain Trail: This moderate difficulty trail is approximately 5 miles long with an elevation gain of about 2000 feet offering panoramic views at the summit.

4. Ricker Pond Nature Walk: A short, family-friendly half mile walk around Ricker Pond providing scenic water views throughout the year.

5. Eagle Ledge Overlook Hike : Moderate hike that covers roughly two miles round trip leading to stunning overlooks on Eagle's Ledge.

6.The Catamount Cross-Country Ski Trails - These trails cover over twenty-five kilometers in total length suitable for cross-country skiing during winter months

7.Hazen's Notch Association Walking Paths - Several walking paths varying between one-half mile up to three-and-a-half miles maintained by local non-profit organization

8.Lowell Lake Pathway- Easy level pathway covering four point five kilometres encircling Lowell lake within park boundaries

9.Burnt Mountain hiking route- Difficult six-point-two-kilometre-long trek ascending Burnt mountain peak

10.Spruce Peak path - Challenging eight kilometre ascent towards Spruce peak showcasing alpine vegetation zones

11.Long Branch Loop - Approximately seven kilometer moderately trafficked loop located near Montgomery Center known for its wild flowers

12.Green River Reservoir Canoe-in Campsites Access Route- Roughly ten kilometer lightly trafficked out and back trail used primarily canoe access

Visitor Comments, Memories and Reviews
write a review
Share On

Area Campgrounds
Maplewoods Campground
260 Maplewoods Drive
, VT
802-635-9181

Directions
If you're coming from Burlington, Vermont:
1. Start by heading southeast on US:2 E/Williston Rd.
2. Continue onto VT:289 S (signs for Essex Junction).
3. Take exit 10 to merge onto I89 N towards St Albans.
4. At Exit 19, take a right off the ramp onto Route 104A Eastbound.
5. Follow this until it merges with Route 36 in Fairfax and continue eastward.

From Montpelier, Vermont:
1. Start out going northwest on State Street toward Main Street/US:302 W.
2. Turn left at first cross street into Taylor St then turn right after Subway restaurant(on the left).
3. Merge via ramp to Interstate Highway:I89N/St.Albans/Burlington.

For both routes:

6. Continue straight through Fairfield into Bakersfield where route becomes Boston Post Road/Eastern Avenue,.
7. Follow signs for Hazen's Notch/Rt108 North which is a sharp Left Turn near Cold Hollow Cider Mill.
8. The park entrance will be approximately five miles ahead of that point.

state route ranger badge
Vermont
7

Vermont State Parks

X