Knight Point State Park - Vermont Beaches

Knight Point State Park
RD 1 Box 21
North Hero, VT, 05474
Phone: 802-372-8389

Description - Knight Point is a lovely 54-acre point on the southern tip of North Hero Island off US 2. The park is site of a reconstructed 1790 tavern which fed and housed ferry travelers. The park is also part of the Camp meeting Point Natural Area. An expansive lawn flows from the parking area to Lake Champlain. Nature trails, a playground, picnic tables and a shelter are offered. Restrooms are located next to parking lot.

Attractions - Knight Point on North Hero Island opened as a state park in 1978. Area history goes much further back. The Hero Islands were named to commemorate early Vermonters who served in the Revolutionary War. John Knight, the Point's first resident, began ferry service between the two islands in 1785. The service was operated by his family until the first bridge opened in 1892. The site of the ferry landing is still visible on the east shore after a hundred years. The Knight Point House, now a residence for park staff, is historically significant. The wooden wing on the north end is a visually accurate reconstruction of the Knight Tavern, built in 1790 as an inn for travelers crossing by ferry between the islands. The brick section of the residence, added to the tavern in 1845, is unique because of its two-story front porch.

Expansive lawns dominate the center of this 54-acre day use park. The lawn becomes meadow to the west of the developed area, where the forest along the lakeside is a substantial natural feature. Besides stands of mature, windswept oak and maple on the point, one finds both hickory and hophornbeam further inland. Tight clusters of cedar trees add to the beauty and provide cover for small animals.

The cobbled shoreline, from west of the swimming beach and extending around the point, is a designated State Natural Area. This area is home to an unusually diverse group of rare plant species and is the most extensive example of this type of natural community on Lake Champlain.

Recreation - Knight Point State Park offers a meandering trail which loops around the point and offers scenic lake and shore vistas and more intimate opportunities for close-up nature and forest viewing. A short connecting trail cuts back through the meadow for those wishing to shorten the walk. A stroll of less than one mile, both trails are wide-mowed grassy paths. The park also offers a sandy beach for swimming, boat rentals and shaded or open picnic tables (cooking grills). The 20' x 40' open-air shelter may be reserved for group functions. Cross-country skiing permitted in winter by walking around entrance gate; all facilities closed including restrooms.

Climate - Winter daytime temperatures in the lower half of the Lakes / Kingdom region averages 14 to 16 degrees Fahrenheit (-10 to -9 Celsius). The upper half of this region experiences winter temperatures ranging below 14 degrees Fahrenheit (below -10 Celsius). Summer daytime temperatures are cooler along the western area of Lake Champlain averaging 66 to 70 degrees Fahrenheit (19 to 21 Celsius). The central area of this region expects temperatures from 66 to 68 degrees Fahrenheit (19 to 20 Celsius) with the eastern area of this region experiencing the coolest summer time temperatures of less than 66 degrees Fahrenheit (below 19 Celsius). The yearly precipitation for Lakes and Kingdom Travel Region vary from less than 36 inches (91 centimeters) along the western line to more than 44 inches (112 centimeters) along the eastern border of New Hampshire and Canada.

Location - From the village of North Hero travel 3 miles south on US 2.

LAT: 44.7697649
LONG: -73.2931873

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