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 Brighton
State Park
102 State Park Road
Island Pond, Vermont 05846Park Phone: 802-723-4360
The primary attraction of this general area is its remoteness: mountains with
tree-covered slopes, fast running rivers and streams, and clear lakes. The land
northeast and southeast of Island Pond is especially suited to the angler, the
hunter, or the outdoor lover, and is virtually without roads or villages.
Logging roads into the deeper reaches of this area are numerous and offer
interesting side trips.
The Town of Island Pond had its heyday in the 1800s up until the Depression
years, when the railroad from Montreal, Canada to Portland, Maine passed
through. The population was much larger than it is today. The streets were
lively with railroad men and rugged loggers from around the region, and 13
tracks passed through the town. Only two tracks remain today, and the unique
wooden bridge that once traversed all 13 tracks is gone. The heritage of
railroading is still evident in the train station and a few other massive
structures at the north end of town. Interestingly, Island Pond was the site of
the first international railroad junction in the United States.
Facilities:
The campground sits on the mostly undeveloped Spectacle Pond where it is common
to hear loons calling at night. There are 5 cabins, 61 tent/trailer sites and 23
leantos. All three restrooms include hot showers ($). A sanitary dump station is
available, but no hookups. There are hiking trails, a camper's beach with boat
rentals, nature museum, an amphitheater, a garage theater, and play area. At the
nearby day use area there is a long sandy beach, (at the southern end of Island
Pond), a bathhouse with restrooms, and rental boats.
In 2000, an additional 430 acres were added to the park. Most of this acreage
includes a series of complex wetlands and fens as well as critical wildlife
habitat. Located within the park is the 15 acre Natural Area, which is noted for
its understory of boreal plant species and stand of mature red pines.
Area Attractions:
Ethan Allen Furniture (2 miles E. Route 105); Bald Mountain Fish Hatchery,
Newark; Maple Grove Museum, Fairbanks Museum and Planetarium, St. Johnsbury.
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