North Hero State Park

Quick Facts

Vermont

(802) 372-8727

Map Directions

Things To Do

Overview

North Hero State Park is named for North Hero Island in Lake Champlain. The Hero Islands were named to commemorate those early Vermonters who served in the Revolutionary War. Land for the 399-acre park was purchased in 1963. The North Hero example is noted for its size, relatively undisturbed condition, and rare flora habitat.

Map of North Hero (VT)

Latitude, Longitude: 44.907523, -73.241266

Boating
North Hero is popular for boating, paddling, and floating. Bring your canoe, kayak, or boat and have fun in the water.
Bird Watching
Many beautiful species of bird have been spotted in and around North Hero State Park. Some include: yellow-rumped warbler, Canada goose, cackler, long-tailed duck, bald eagle, golden eagle, red-tail, northern harrier, goshawk, cooper's, sharpie, red shoulder, osprey, kestrel, junco, chickadee, cardinal, white-throated sparrow, blue jay, morning dove, white-breasted nuthatch, goldfinch, tufted titmice.
Bicycling
An easy ride around the campground is great for all ages, but for those wanting a longer ride, pick up the Lake Champlain Bikeways Trail and enjoy miles of scenic road with great views of the lake and beyond.
Auto/Motorcycle
Located on the Lake Champlain Byway, where visitors can see an original log cabin built in 1783 considered the oldest remaining in the United States. Views of Lake Champlain, Vermont's Green Mountains, New York's Adirondack Mountains and the many Vermont farms are always around you. A four season destination, the Lake Champlain Byway offers wonderful day visits or week long family vacations.
Fishing
Lake Champlain offers many different species of fish including: brook trout, rainbow trout, brown trout, lake trout, landlocked salmon, rainbow smelt, yellow perch, walleye, northern pike, chain pickerel, largemouth bass, smallmouth bass, bullhead, panfish, and crappie. Kids younger than 15 do not need a fishing license, but 15 and older do.
Historic Sites
The sand beach at Knight Point State Park (10 miles) is free to registered campers. The Hyde Log Cabin in Grand Isle is the oldest in the United States. St. Anne's Shrine in Isle LaMotte is the site of a 1665 French settlement. The Missisquoi National Wildlife Refuge in Swanton has a visitor center and interpretive trails. Lake Champlain ferries are often ridden just for the ride. The Grand Isle State Fish Culture Station, near the LCT ferry dock in Grand Isle, is a state-of-the-art hatchery with the visitor center open daily.
Picnicking
Sit next to the waters in North Hero, or pick an open grassy area to have a relaxing picnic.
Water Sports
North Hero State Park is popular amongst paddlers. Kayakers and canoers have the convenience of paddling almost right up to a waterfront campsite.
Wildlife Watching
Wildlife abounds in North Hero State Park. Commonly seen animals include white-tailed deer, fisher, coyote, black bear, beaver, otter, turkey, ruffed grouse, woodcock, woodpeckers, whitebreasted nuthatches, black-capped chickadees, vesper sparrows, alder flycatchers, chestnut-sided warblers, red-tailed hawks and sometimes bald eagles. Reptiles and amphibians include wood frog, spring peeper, American toad, and yellow-spotted salamander.
Winter Sports
Snowshoeing and cross country skiing are fun ways to see the park in winter. There are no facilities or staff available, but visitors are encouraged to explore the park during the off season and enjoy the quieter time of year.