Eden

Eden appeals to travelers interested in water, woods, and trails as well as the history of a place. Green River Reservoir and the natural areas offer different experiences: non-motorized recreation is the focus at the reservoir, while the Long Trail is protected for hiking and Babcock Nature Preserve serves as an outdoor laboratory. When choosing a vacation rental or vacation home, you can consider which of these aspects you would like to shape your stay.

Green River Reservoir: Water and Undeveloped Landscape

Green River Reservoir is one of the largest undeveloped bodies of water in Vermont. It is also the largest body of water in the state dedicated exclusively to non-motorized recreation. This distinctive focus sets it apart from a place whose character is shaped mainly by motorized recreational traffic. There are many opportunities for swimming in the reservoir, making the water itself one of the experiences described in Eden.

Green River Reservoir State Park is located in the towns of Hyde Park and Eden and covers about 5,110 acres of land around the reservoir. This approximate size conveys the extent of the park area without indicating a specific trail distance or access point. Visitors interested in the park will find a combination of reservoir and expansive landscape here.

Camping and Remote Campsites

Lake Eden Recreation Area offers camping to residents and visitors. Green River Reservoir State Park also has 27 remote campsites that are accessible by boat.

The state park does not rent boats. If you are interested in one of the 27 campsites, keep this information in mind as you plan. Reservations for campsites, rental shelters, and overnight RV sites at Lake Eden Recreation Area can be made by emailing lera@edenvt.org or calling (802) 635-7725. A deposit must be received to make a reservation.

Hiking and Cross-Country Skiing

Long Trail State Forest also extends into Eden and protects the Long Trail for hiking. Cross-country skiing is also possible in Long Trail State Forest. This forest offers two different outdoor activities: hiking on the protected Long Trail and cross-country skiing. A section of the Catamount Trail also runs through Eden. If you enjoy including trails and outdoor activity in your trip, these names can serve as different starting points for exploring the area further.

Natural Areas and Local History

Babcock Nature Preserve encompasses 1,000 acres of forest, ponds, and a bog in Eden. These areas serve as an outdoor laboratory for research and study in field biology, ornithology, and environmental and natural sciences.

Local history offers another perspective on Eden. In 1996, the Eden Historical Society published the 175-page book “A Walk Through the Garden of Eden.” It includes historic photographs of mills, lake cabins, and notable houses, as well as diary entries by early settlers. The photographs and diaries offer different ways to explore the past: the images show buildings and places, while personal entries include the records of early settlers.

When choosing your vacation rental or vacation home, you can therefore focus on the interests that will shape your stay: water and non-motorized recreation, camping, hiking and cross-country skiing, or natural history and local history. Eden brings these themes together without requiring you to combine them into a single type of outing.

More town pages: Hyde Park, Stowe.

For the broader travel overview: Lamoille.