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Little River State Park

Park Phone: 802-244-7103

In the late 1700s, pioneers cleared fields and roads of rocks and stumps from the tracts now called Ricker Basin and Cotton Brook. At one time, a large settlement of 50 or so families lived in this area. The hard demands of the land and weather forced younger generations to abandon the farms. Today, old cemeteries, a sawmill, old town roads, bridges, and many cellar holes can still be found as evidence of a past community.

On November 3 and 4, 1927 torrential rains and Little River's rising waters drove residents to their roofs. A second flood in 1934 spurred the construction of Waterbury Dam. Between 1935 and 1938 the Civilian Conservation Corps in cooperation with the Corps of Engineers constructed Waterbury Reservoir. Interestingly, the CCC camp was a fully operating, thriving community with more than 80 buildings, housing 2,000 men at its peak. Yet today, half a century later, only a few solitary chimneys and concrete foundations remain. In 1962, the Vermont State Parks began development of Little River State Park.

Facilities: Little River State Park, which is part of Mt. Mansfield State Forest, primarily consists of a campground with 81 tent/trailer sites and 20 leantos. This is central Vermont's largest and most popular campground. Three of the four restrooms include hot showers ($). A sanitary dump station is available, but no hookups. Within the campground, there are swimming beaches, play areas, a boat launch, ballfield, nature museum and programs, and boat rentals. Adjacent to the park are miles of hiking trails (open for day use) that take in the rich cultural and natural history of the area.

Waterbury Reservoir 830 acres, is very popular for boating and fishing activities as is the Little river, which flows from the Reservoir to the Winooski River 3 miles downstream. One can view the massive dam that was constructed in the 1930's as a flood control dam from the park road as you travel to the campground.

NOTE: Dam repair at Waterbury Reservoir has been completed and the water level is now rising.  The reservoir is anticipated to return to normal levels for the 2007 season.

Area Attractions: Ben and Jerry's Ice Cream Factory and Cold Hollow Cider Mill, Route 100, Waterbury; Alpine Slide and Gondolas, Stowe; Granite Quarries, Barre; State Capitol and Historical Society, Montpelier; Camel's Hump, North Duxbury; Waterbury Flea Market, Waterbury. 30 miles to Burlington, Vermont.