This summer camp has been in the family for two generations. It is rustic in a Vermont way, but very easy to relax in. We have kept many of the antiques of multiple generations.
We have always loved the proximity to the lake, 12 feet from the porch. We have sat on the sun porch and watched loons and on rarely a moose wonder right in front.
The property comes with a canoe, but there is a dock where you could bring in your own small sailboat/jet ski/motor boat. The lake is often calm and a great place to water ski from. The water is clear and clean and swimming is so refreshing. The local state park has naturalist lead walks and there are many areas to hike. A short family hike for almost anyone is Owl's Head, a charming short hike to the top of an overlook of the lake. Biking is a great way to get around and nearby we connect to Vt. Bike path on the old railroad tracks!
The camp is adjacent to the 25,000 acre Groton State Forest, located less than an hour drive from Montpelier, VT and White River Junction offers an array of natural features and recreation areas for park visitors to enjoy. With seven state parks, an extensive trail network, boulder studded sandy beaches, large glacial lakes, secluded ponds, dramatic cliffs and one of the largest bogs in Vermont nestled within it's boundaries, it is no surprise that Groton State Forest is a popular year-round outdoor recreation and camping destination.
Miles of logging roads, snowmobile trails and gravel forest roads traverse and wind through Groton State Forest offering easy to moderate mountain biking, hiking and horseback riding opportunities. Cross-country skiing, snow-shoeing and snowmobiling are popular winter activities on the trail system as conditions allow. The paths travel in and out of the woods, past several lakes and ponds providing access to most of the interesting Groton State Forest features including Owlshead Mountain, Lake Groton, Kettle Pond, Peacham Bog and several historical sites.
Off trail activities include picnicking, swimming, fishing, canoeing and kayaking. (see our Bikes & Beaches feature article for more detail). Tent and RV camping is available at the Ricker Pond, Stillwater, Big Deer and New Discover State Park campgrounds. There is even a bed & breakfast Lodge on Noyes Pond at Seyton Ranch State Park for those who prefer not to rough it. The Groton Nature Center, located on the shore of Lake Groton, offers a variety of Ranger led programs. Other park facilities include: hot showers, boat launches, playgrounds, picnic and recreation shelters, concession stands and more.
The forest is primarily a second growth forest (see Historical Notes below) comprised mostly of northern hardwoods, the most common being maple, birch and beech. Spruce and fir can be 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.
Groton State Forest Mountain Bike Trails
Mountain biking is available on almost all of the Groton State Forest roads (20 miles) which are basically gravel-surfaced roads marked with orange reflectorized diamonds, and other multi-use trails and roads specifically designated for mountain bike use. The multi-use trails are generally blazed with yellow paint. There are also over 17 miles of hiking only trails which are blazed with blue paint. (Trail bikes and all-terrain vehicles are prohibited anywhere on Vermont State land). See our list below for suggested mountain bike rides.
Keywords: 2 Bedroom VT Cottage, bungalow, camp, cabin