The temperatures and snow were perfect for a nordic ski tour today, so after considering a few options, the Skimeister and I decided to explore Little River State Park. This park abuts the Waterbury Reservoir, which is in between Waterbury and Stowe, Vermont. We entered the park from Vermont Route 2 on the edge of Waterbury.
I had printed a map of the park from the Vermont State Parks Web site. They have a historical map of this area because at one time, years ago, it was home to bustling settlements of up to 50 families! Hard to believe now with all the woods, but there are some remnants of stone foundations, chimneys, stone walls and the like. I remember that I could see some of these things when I hiked around here several years ago in the summer. But in the winter, much of it is covered by fluffy white stuff.
Speaking of snow, the coverage was very good. There was about five inches of fresh, light snow on top of the base. We parked the car in the last lot we saw and, bearing to the left, we took the long access road in to the park campground. This was a longer approach than we expected, but its mellow incline would be great for standard cross-country or touring ski equipment.
Here we were delighted to see a dog sled team mushing along! They seemed to be carrying their owner and two tourists. What a cool experience! The truck at the parking area indicated that these dog sled tours are operated by October Siberians of Hinesburg, Vermont.
Also along this stretch, you pass the Waterbury Dam, built by CCC crews in 1935-38. There were some ski turns evident on the scree-covered earth that helps contain the reservoir. The Skimeister had to make some turns of his own. How often can you say that you skied a dam?
At the campground entrance, we stayed left again and headed for the Stevenson Brook Trail. We didn't know what to expect and it turned out to be a real treat. The trail climbs and climbs moderately along the brook, which featured some beautiful ice and snow river "mushrooms." Our backcountry ski gear was appropriate here.
The map says that there are bridges out near the top of Stevenson Brook Trail, but in fact now there are a couple of well-made bridges to ski over.
We approached an area that used to be home to a sawmill, and took a left onto the Woodward Hill Trail. It is a VAST snowmobile trail, but we wanted to go that way to do a loop back down. There was quite a climb and we stepped out of the way of snowmobiles twice. The old, unmarked road that descended to the left, directly back to the campground, afforded some nice telemark turns in the powder, but it was actually not steep enough to sustain our speed. So, we made turns when we could.
Then, back along the access road, past the dam and back to the car.
When I come back here to ski again, I'd try a Stevenson Brook Trail - Dalley Loop Trail trip. Vermont's Little River State Park is a fun place to explore.
