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I-91 to exit 17. Take Route 302 West through Groton. Drive 2 miles past Groton, turn right onto Route 232. After 2 miles, parking area is on the right.
General Description: The 25,000-acre Groton State Forest consists of northern hardwoods, the most common being maple, birch and beech. Spruce and fir are found both in the lower and wetter areas along the streams and at the higher elevations. Wildlife is abundant and includes black bear, moose, mink, beaver, otter, fisher, loons and herons. The Peacham Bog Natural Area encompasses one of the largest bogs in Vermont. Many unusual plants and animals can be found there. The forest includes six state parks which offer year round recreation facilities and activities such as picnicking, swimming, canoeing and kayaking. (see our Bikes & Beaches feature article for more detail). The Groton Nature Center, located on the shore of Lake Groton, offers a variety of Ranger led programs. Camping is available at several State Park campgrounds. There is even a lodge at Seyton Ranch State Park. A network of multi-use trails ideal for mountain biking connects most of the interesting features of the forest. The summit of Owlshead Mountain is accessible by trail and the summer road which leads almost to the top, offers panoramic views of the surrounding area. It is one of the most-photographed viewing spots in Vermont. The secluded Kettle Pond, is known for its beautiful moss-covered boulders and the blueberry bushes along the shore line.
Other Activities: hiking, horse-back riding, cross-country skiing, snowmobiling
The Trails: The Forest's network of multi-purpose trails are basically 4WD jeep roads which are marked with orange reflectorized diamonds. (Trail bikes and all-terrain vehicles are prohibited anywhere on State land). The hiking/snowshoeing trails are marked with blue paint. The Montpelier to Wells Rail Trail also runs through the forest, pretty much uninterrupted, except for a few road and stream crossings, from Rickers Pond to Plainsfield. Many remnants of the past can be seen along the trail including old railroad ties which can still be seen scattered over the embankment. You can do a 20+ mile loop by heading north from Rickers Pond on the Rail Trail for the first half of the ride. The Rail Trail offers easy, level pedaling through the forest and plenty of historical features and wildlife viewing opportunities. This section of the ride, up to Marshfield Pond, is fine for beginners, who can choose to turn around at any point. The remainder of the ride requires traveling on rocky, multi-use trails with a 800' foot climb around Hardwood Mountain. The climb isn't technical, but requires good physical fitness. The best map of the trails is published by the State of Vermont, Department of Forests, Parks and Recreation (see contact information below).
Historical Notes: During the French and Indian Wars, Groton was visited by bands of Indians and raiding parties of both English and French. Groton was a rugged wilderness then. Mountain lions and timber wolves roamed the hills. Captain Edmund Morse, one of the first settlers, arrived in 1783. He built the town's first Saw & Grist Mill on the outlet of what is now Ricker Pond Throughout the years, the main industry has been logging and sawmills have operated at 12 different sites in the town of Groton. The Montpelier & Wells River Railroad (now a recreational trail through the forest) was completed in 1873 and gave Groton's sawmills easy access to a wood hungry market. There is no virgin forest left as it was heavily logged for timber and to supply the wood burning trains. The area was also devastated by several forest fires and hit by a hurricane in 1938. The Civilian Conservation Corps, encamped near Osmore Pond in the 1930's, was responsible for new plantations of pine and spruce. Today, at higher elevations, the spruce and firs are making a comeback.
For more information: State of Vermont Agency of Natural Resources Phone: 802-476-0181
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