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New and Improved Bucket List
We got our start 30 years ago when “no trespassing” signs threatened to block communities from swimming holes and paddlers’ spots where families had splashed for generations. Working with visionary community leaders, we’ve protected more than 60 places where people will always have access to local rivers, and right now we’re working to add public access to yet another half dozen rivers.
This year we spruced up several of these sites to make them more welcoming and accessible for all to enjoy. Meet these new and improved places to walk, splash, fish, or paddle – places to add to your weekend bucket list.
Big Falls Eddy, North Troy
Downstream of Vermont’s highest undammed waterfall, you’ll find a quiet eddy where you can swim, fish, paddle, and picnic. Thanks to frequent flooding and a rich wetland, the soils are home to Jurassic-like ostrich ferns that grow 3-4 feet tall, and a towering canopy of silver maples. Enjoyed by the community for generations, visitors will now be welcomed by an improved parking area, a wide flat path to a river overlook, with benches and giant stone steps beckoning visitors to experience the floodplain forest and wander down to the river.
Leatherneck Landing, Richford
Whether you’re paddling the full length of the Northern Forest Canoe Trail, out for a day trip, angling for trout, or looking for a lovely spot to sit by the river, you’ll find a beautiful trail, picnic table, and kiosk ready to welcome you along the Missisquoi River. Protected years ago, we worked with the landowner to create healthier habitat and an even better paddlers’ camp, planting conifers that will grow tall surrounding the campsite, and red osier dogwood and willows along the river’s edge – a win-win for paddlers and perch.
Rainbow Rock, Chester
Just minutes after we installed a kiosk here, a car driving by screeched to a halt. “This is open to the public?” Yes! With colorful bedrock outcrops and a deep swimming hole, Rainbow Rock has been a favorite Williams River swimming hole for generations. And now that there’s a welcoming sign, it’s ready to welcome new splashing swimmers, fetching dogs, and lucky anglers.
Thunder Head View, Hancock
This bend in the river has been open to the public since a post-Tropical Storm Irene buyout, when our conservation efforts helped convert it from a salvage yard to a restored floodplain and riverfront park, but it sorely needed some TLC. We’ve recruited stalwart volunteers to help care for the site, and this summer we built an accessible trail, picnic table, and sign – finishing touches that we hope inspire many more people to enjoy this special place.
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