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Jamaica State Park

This trail system is currently PARTIALLY OPEN. See Trail Alerts tab for details.
This trail system is currently PARTIALLY OPEN. See Trail Alerts tab for details.
Jamaica State Park contains adventures for everyone with its easy river access for swimmers, boaters, and anglers; rugged hiking terrain; family-friendly rail trail; and scenic vistas. 
Trail Activity
Accessible Experience Hiking Ungroomed cross-country skiing Bicycling Snowshoeing
Length
2.30 miles, Network
Difficulty
Easy, Moderate
Town
Jamaica (VT)
Surface
Packed Earth/Dirt, Gravel/Crushed Stone/Cinder, Rock/Ledge
Pets
Permitted on leash
Fees
Yes

Description

FLOODING CLOSURE:

Jamaica State Park was heavily impacted by the flooding on July 10th 2023. The trail network remains partially closed as outlined below:

  • The Switch Road trail is open - the West River trail is open between the Ball Mountain Dam and the Switch Road trail but is CLOSED south of the Switch Road Trail (towards the state park).
  • The West River trail is open from the State Park north for 0.25 Miles to the dumplings observation deck, but closed beyond.
  • The Overlook trail is open from the Campground side 0.75 miles to the Overlook point, but is CLOSED beyond the overlook. No access to the West River trail from the Overlook Trail.
  • Hamilton Falls cannot be accessed from the State Park at this time

West River Trail: 2.0 miles from park entrance to Cobb Brook Bridge. Unblazed.
One of few converted rail beds in southern Vermont, the section in the park is universally-accessible and great for easy walking, jogging, or biking. The trail meanders along the West River, following the old bed of the West River Railroad. Look for “The Dumplings,” a group of large boulders about 0.5 miles up the trail. Follow the trail for another 1.5 miles to reach Cobb Brook. After crossing the brook, the trail continues to Ball Mountain Dam (another 0.5 miles on federal property). Completed in 1961 for flood control, the dam stands 265 feet high and is 915 feet long. The section of trail in the park is part of a 16-mile rail trail that is managed by the Friends of the West River Trail.

Switch Road Trail: 1.1 miles from West River Multi-Use Trail to base of Hamilton Falls. Blue blazes.
Follow the West River Trail 2 miles. Before reaching Cobb Brook, the trail intersects with the Switch Road Trail. This trail was originally used to transport cord wood harvested in the West Windham valley to the railroad where it was used as fuel for the wood burning steam engines. Bear right and continue up the trail for one mile. A steep footpath on your left brings you to the bottom of the falls. To go to the top of the falls, continue on the trail to the end, turn left onto the town road, and turn left again onto a descending path. Once there, you will be looking down a 125-foot cascade onto a unique series of potholes. 

Overlook Trail: 2.0 miles from campground to West River Multi-Use Trail. Blue Blazes.
Beginning near Hackberry lean-to, the trail loops around a fence and joins a logging road. Turn left and follow the road for about 0.5 miles. The trail then turns sharply to the left and climbs the ridge to a series of scenic vistas at the summit of Little Ball Mountain. The vegetation here is easily damaged, so please walk carefully and stay on the trail. The trail continues down the north side of the ridge and through a wooded valley joining the West River Trail.

There are 41 tent/RV sites and 18 lean-to sites that are spread out through the campground. Two restrooms, complete with hot showers ($), are located in the campground. A picnic shelter and nature center are located near the picnic area and swimming hole. A hiking trail follows the West River and branches off toward Hamilton Falls.

Other Information

The park's most popular sites include:

Hamilton Falls: A breathtaking geological feature, the falls are beautiful and dangerous. The rocks are very slippery and a slip could be fatal. Swimming is strongly discouraged. Forty-one acres around Hamilton Falls have been designated a State Natural Area. Please do your part to protect the Natural Area by staying on designated trails and packing out your trash. Recommended access to the falls is via the West River Trail and Switch Road Trail, starting from the park's main gate.

The Dumplings: At this location on the West River, there are large boulders (glacial erratics) in the river. This is a popular “play area” for white-water boaters. A viewing deck has been constructed here to provide scenic views of the river.

Salmon Hole: Great for swimming, this area marks the site of the “Salmon Hole Massacre” where a group of French men and Native Americans ambushed British soldiers in 1748.

Trail Manager

For more information visit the Vermont State Department of Forests, Parks, and Recreation online, or contact:

VT Dept. Forests, Parks & Recreation Region 1: Springfield Region

VT Dept. Forests, Parks & Recreation Region 1: Springfield Region
100 Mineral Street, Suite 304
Springfield, VT 05156-3168
Phone: (802) 522-0780
rebecca.roy@vermont.gov
View website

Trail Tips

Plan Ahead and Prepare
Avoid hypothermia, even in warm weather, by limiting your sweat and exposure to cold water. Bring warm and dry clothes in case the shivers set in.
Legend
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Trailhead Information

From the town of Jamaica, drive south on VT-30/VT-100. Toward the southern end of town turn right on Depot Street. Continue for 0.5 miles. The turn is on the left. Parking is provided within Jamaica State Park campground.

There is parking plowed out at the main entrance in the winter. Walk in from the entrance to the trailheads. 

Click on a parking icon to get custom directions
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Trail Alerts

Safety
Dangerous Waterfall

Swimming in the upper and middle pool and climbing on the rocks at Hamilton Falls is strongly discouraged. Strong currents and slippery rocks can result in uncontrolled falls.

Ecology
Fragile Natural Area

Please help preserve this fragile Natural Area and Class A Waters

  • Stay on trail. Save plants-reduce erosion
  • Pack out all you bring in
  • Minimize sunblock in water
  • Properly dispose of human and pet waste
  • Be considerate of others and the neighborhood
Trails
Flooding

Some or all of the trails in this system are temporarily closed due to flooding.

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