Bettis River Access
Hancock, Vermont
White River
- Public access: Yes
- Activities: walking, swimming, picnicking
- Caretaker: Vermont Riverlands, LLC
Bettis River Access
If it’s been raining, or if it’s spring snowmelt season, chances are this site is flooded. That’s exactly what makes it a better park than a junkyard.
Years ago this site was heaped with broken down cars — just about the worst use of a place that floods several times a year. In heavy rains, the abandoned cars’ oil, gas, and fluids would wash straight into the White River, poisoning downstream water.
Beginning in 2011, right after Tropical Storm Irene, Vermont River Conservancy worked with Vermont’s Agency of Natural Resources to buy the land, remove all the junk cars and trash, and make sure it would be safe for visitors, wildlife, and people downstream. Thanks to years of dedication and partnership with groups like White River Partnership, today the area is protected and open to the public.
Visitors can park, walk along a trail to a picnic area and river access spot, and enjoy the flowing waters of the Upper White River. When you visit, please help keep the site clean. Pick up after your dog and pack out your trash.
Conservation Details
- River: White River
- Acreage: 5.50
- River frontage (ft): 990
Funding Partners
This project made possible thanks to the support and partnership of:
- Two Rivers Ottauquechee Regional Commission
- White River Partnership
- Vermont Housing and Conservation Board
Directions
From Route 100/Route 125 intersection in Hancock village, travel south approximately 0.7 miles to Bettis Autoland and Salvage Yard at 475 Vermont Rt, 100. The access is a public right-of-way between the office and garage of Bettis Autoland. Past the first gate at the property boundary is a small parking area on the left. A second gate is locked to exclude motor vehicles. The public trail continues from this gate. Please stay on the designated trail to protect vegetation and soil.
