 Jamaica State
Park
285 Salmon Hole Ln
Jamaica, Vermont 05343Park Phone: 802-874-4600
Jamaica State Park, now comprising 772 acres, was completed and opened to the
public in 1969.
Previously, the area had supported a few small farms and a sawmill. The West
River Railroad ran through the park. The old railroad bed is now used as the
trail that leads along the West River to Ball Mountain Dam. The railroad
operated from about 1879 until 1927, when a flood wiped most of it out.
The area at Salmon Hole, now used as the swimming area, was the site of a
famous Indian Massacre in 1748.
Jamaica State Park is located on a bend of the West River about one-half mile
from the center of the town of Jamaica. Nearby to the north is Ball Mountain.
Hamilton Falls is located about one mile up Cobb Brook, which enters the West
River upstream from the park. The West River has a very large drainage area
extending from Weston and the south side of Terrible Mountain to Windham on the
east and Bromley on the west.
Every spring and fall, on one weekend in late April and late September, there
is a water release on the West River from Ball Mountain Dam. This is a
semiannual event for many kayakers and canoeists from all over New England.
The West River is also a favorite spot for many fishermen. The combination of
deep slow running water and shallow fast ripples makes for some fine fishing.
There are 43 tent/trailer sites and 18 lean-to sites that are spread out
through the campground. Two rest rooms, complete with hot showers ($), are
located in the campground. A picnic shelter and nature center is located near
the picnic area and swimming hole. A hiking trail follows the West River and
branches off toward Hamilton Falls.
Area Attractions: Hamilton Falls, Hildene - Robert Todd Lincoln's
home, Manchester. A theater and shops, Weston; Art Center, Manchester; Alpine
Slide, Bromley; Townshend Dam Recreation Area.
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