Two hiking trails are located within Wilgus State Park:
The Pinnacle Trail is an approximately 1.0 mile long loop trail that climbs to the top of the ridge located west of Route 5 at a 628 feet elevation, offering limited views of the Connecticut River and New Hampshire from a narrow vista point. This trail starts across Route 5 from the park contact station and is moderate in difficulty with portions being steep and ledgy. Follow the blue paint blazes and use caution when crossing busy Route 5.
The Wilgus Nature Trail provides a 0.5 mile walk on level terrain with access to a viewing platform that provides hikers with views of the Connecticut River and its wildlife.
The 89 acres of land comprising Wilgus State Park was given to the State of Vermont in 1933 by Colonel and Mrs. William Wilgus for the creation of this park. Colonel Wilgus, born in 1865, was an internationally famous civil engineer whose brilliant career paralleled the development of modern transportation.
Park development was carried out by the Civilian Conservation Corps (CCC), a depression-era public works program aimed at putting young men to work. The original park consisted of a day use picnic area with large flue-type stone fireplaces and picnic tables and the ranger's quarters. The campground was developed and expanded between 1960 and the present time and now features cabins, lean-tos and campsites along the banks of the Connecticut River.
Wilgus State Park is a very popular park for canoes and kayaks. The park contains a cartop boat launch that provides day-use access to the river and offers canoes and kayaks for rent.
The park is open for day use from 10:00 AM - 9:00 PM or official sunset, from early May - Columbus Day Weekend. Pets are allowed on leash.
Wilgus State ParkVisit Vermont State Parks online for more information and a printable map or contact:
From I-91 Exit 8, head east on Route 131, turn south (right) onto US-5 and go 1.5 miles south to the state park entrance. Parking is on the left. It is not plowed in the winter.
It is mud season in Vermont. Even if a trail is marked as open, pay attention to trail conditions. If you encounter mud or ice, turn around. Come back once the trail has had time to dry out.
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