Throwback Adventure – Jamaica State Park – Vermont

I will have sections of my blog that I will title “Throwback Adventure”, and will plan on posting them every Thursday. These are journeys we have taken before I started the blog, but are well worth sharing. Many of these Throwback Adventures will include our Buster, who was known for his crazy tail, his happy howl, and his zest for life. We miss him dearly…he is forever in our hearts!

In September of 2015 Shadow, Buster, My Aunt, My Uncle, and I Adventured to Jamaica State Park in Jamaica, Vermont.  Jamaica State Park is an almost 800 acre state park, that encompasses the West River. Jamaica State Park is popular for fishing, hiking, kayaking, mountain biking, and winter sports. It also includes Hamilton Falls which is approximately 125 feet tall and sourced from the Cobb River.

We had a wonderful Adventure to Jamaica State Park.  We were so excited to meet my Aunt and Uncle for this day of hiking, and exploring.  Upon arrival we found the Park to be packed full of visitors, soon to realize that there was an official white water event.  Apparently several times a year the dam is opened for this popular event.  This added some excitement to our day with this bonus attraction. 

We began our hike on the trail looking down on the West River.  We were able to see the kayakers from high above, on quite the rapid filled river.  It was really a fun scene we were able to take-in while catching up and enjoying this mid-September day.  Every so often we had to move off the trail to allow for the eager truck full of boaters heading out to the beginning of the dam.  Quite a special environment of which we thoroughly enjoyed.

We were on the trail along the River for a bit before veering off on a slope to our right.  This was a tiring trail, mostly uphill so we took or time traversing this mountain-like path.  I am trying to pull-out my long term memory and believe I knew there was a waterfall and was hopeful, and driven by the desire to locate this natural feature.  I was quite pleased to finally spot the Hamilton Falls and we traversed down another trail to get to the Falls edge.  I found the Hamilton Falls somewhat humorous as there was little water-flow, although I guess September is really not the ideal time for waterfalls.  However the Falls was quite unique, gorge-like with two separate spouts.  We took some photographs before continuing up the trail.  We arrived at the top of the Falls, finding a large pool.  We actually spotted a latter entering the pool, apparently needed for those who might fall in to this pothole feature.  Nearby we found a perfect area for a picnic, relaxing from a strenuous hike.  Jamaica State Park is definitely a unique location.  We were so glad to enjoy his special Adventure with wonderful company (Throwback Adventures will not always be rated).