SUMMER 2023 PARKING AND TRAILS NOTICE
Parking update: Parking for Rock River visitors is currently very limited. As of late July, road construction on Route 30 has reached the Rock River parking areas and Depot Road. Areas where parking is unavailable may change from day to day, but will generally be more limited on weekdays. To avoid a citation and to keep road crews safe, please do not park in active work zones or anywhere that "no parking" signs are posted.
The public trail into Rock River Preserve was severely impacted by flooding in July and we are working with our volunteers on new routing and repairs for safety. Until further notice, the trail is only passable for experienced hikers who are familiar with the terrain. Please have proper footwear, keep your hands free (i.e., no coolers/chairs) to help navigate the steep rocks, and always choose the lower routes closer to the river. If you are new to the river: please seek an experienced hiker to guide you. Go slow, go together. The 'hug me' rock is more precarious on the return trip. Please be alert enough to get out safely and plan accordingly.
In summary: With parking at the River currently limited and trails remaining in precarious condition, we don't recommend visiting during weekdays, nor if navigating the trails may pose a challenge. As ever, accessing the property is at your own risk and extraordinary caution should be taken. The board of Rock River Preservation continues to work with our volunteers on restoring the access trail to a safer condition, and we are in regular contact with the contractor working on the Route 30 repaving project to minimize parking disruptions. Please email us to sign up for our newsletter for further updates.
The public trail into Rock River Preserve was severely impacted by flooding in July and we are working with our volunteers on new routing and repairs for safety. Until further notice, the trail is only passable for experienced hikers who are familiar with the terrain. Please have proper footwear, keep your hands free (i.e., no coolers/chairs) to help navigate the steep rocks, and always choose the lower routes closer to the river. If you are new to the river: please seek an experienced hiker to guide you. Go slow, go together. The 'hug me' rock is more precarious on the return trip. Please be alert enough to get out safely and plan accordingly.
In summary: With parking at the River currently limited and trails remaining in precarious condition, we don't recommend visiting during weekdays, nor if navigating the trails may pose a challenge. As ever, accessing the property is at your own risk and extraordinary caution should be taken. The board of Rock River Preservation continues to work with our volunteers on restoring the access trail to a safer condition, and we are in regular contact with the contractor working on the Route 30 repaving project to minimize parking disruptions. Please email us to sign up for our newsletter for further updates.
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The Land and The River
Rock River is a beautiful tributary of the Connecticut River in Southern Vermont. When folks speak of "Rock River", they're often referring to the wilderness trails and "beaches" alongside the lower reaches of this river. Rock River Preservation, Inc. is a group of volunteers who took the initiative to conserve this land. We continue to proudly maintain it for future generations! Please see our visitors page for further information and guidelines.
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The Community
Rock River Preservation strives to maintain a collaborative relationship with adjacent landowners and the communities of Newfane and Dummerston, through which Rock River passes. We oversee regular maintenance and cleanup of the trails and swimming holes of Rock River Preservation, Inc.-owned land. We post rules for responsible use of the river by visitors and coordinate a stewardship program through which these are communicated and administered. As outlined in our conservation plans, we take an active role in trail maintenance, protecting fragile ecosystems, and suppressing non-native plant species that appear on the land. We are proud to make annual donations to the local first responder agencies who keep our community safe.
Visitors
Visitors to Rock River are asked to enjoy this special place in a spirit of RESPECT for our Community, the Land, and fellow Visitors (please see our guidelines for complete details). Parking is available along Route 30 in Dummerston. The land is accessed by woodland trails (see our map). We urge you to read our full visitor information carefully and make all necessary preparations before your visit.
Take part in the ongoing preservation
of Rock River!
Rock River exists only thanks the work and financial support of its visitors. We ask you to consider ways that you can contribute so that others may continue to enjoy this special place in the future.