Did you know that there’s a ghost town in Little River State Park? You’ll need to take the History Trail in the park to hike to this creepy spot in Waterbury, Vermont. The Little River State Park ghost town is a unique piece of Vermont history that’s certainly worth the hike. Ghost towns in Vermont are always interesting places that give visitors insights into the unique and intriguing history of the Green Mountain State. This hike is beautiful, creepy, and historical. It has a little bit of everything!

Before you begin your journey, we recommend getting yourself an AllTrails+ membership. This premium version unlocks endless special features including the ability to see wrong turns in live time, download maps, and so much more.

Back in the late 1800s, about 50 families settled in what was to become the town of Ricker Mountain. However, most of the families abandoned the area by the early 1900s due to flooding and farming difficulties. Today, it’s one of the many abandoned towns in Vermont that Mother Nature is slowly reclaiming.

When you hike this area nowadays, you’ll get to explore a cemetery, a wall that was once part of the town, and plenty of artifacts and homesteads that have stood the test of time. Read on to learn more about what you’ll experience when you explore this creepy spot in Vermont.

To get started on your creepy adventure, head to Waterbury, Vermont. Be prepared to see eerie scenes like this one of the sun reflecting on the cemetery in the ghost town.
Stephen Kosche/All Trails
Come prepared with good walking shoes, a magnifying glass, and enthusiasm when you explore this ghost town.
Flickr/Charles Wohlers
In addition to discovering remnants of the former town, you'll also come across this cemetery.
Google/ Nicholas Arceneaux
Keep your eyes peeled for odds and ends that were left behind in the ghost town too.
Google/ Anne Waring
As you make your way through the trail, you'll learn about the farms and homesteads that were built here.
Jean Kosche/ All Trails
In addition to coming across a ghost town during your hike in Little River State Park, be careful not to stumble over these rocks as you explore this area in Vermont.
Google/MacKenzie Twardus
If you decide to hike this creepy trail in September or October, you'll be treated to breathtaking views like this one.
Google/ Jennie M.
Fall truly brings out the beauty in Vermont, doesn't it? You may even be inspired to tackle some of our favorite fall hikes in Vermont after this one!
If you plan to camp at the park after hiking through the ghost town during the day, end your adventure by telling spooky stories around the fire.
Google/Andy

This is one of those hiking trails in Vermont that you never forget! Whether you were creeped out or not, hopefully, you learned a bit about Vermont history along the way. Next time, bring a friend and teach him or her all about the ghost town of Ricker Mountain.

Now, are you looking for more creepy places in Vermont to visit? Forget about Vermont ghost towns – these places will really scare you! These 17 Terrifying Places In Vermont will haunt your dreams.

On the other hand, if you’re a little too spooked after enjoying your outdoor adventure at Little River State Park, how about hitting some other trails in Vermont? Take a look at the article: These 7 Vermont Hiking Trails lead to some incredible pieces of history, and they make for an epic adventure. Check out our hiking essentials list before you go, so you can be prepared for anything.

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Little River State Park Ghost Town

Christy Articola | February 04, 2023

The Little River State Park ghost town sounds really cool! Are there other ghost towns in Vermont that people can visit? 

There are actually quite a few ghost towns in Vermont. However, some are hard to find because they have been abandoned for so long that they have been swallowed up by the earth for the most part. However, if you look closely enough, you can sometimes find gravestones or other remnants of human habitation. Here are the names of a few of the ghost towns in Vermont:

 

I'm not all that into ghost towns, but I do love history. Can you recommend a few trails in Vermont that are rich in history and historical sites?

Sure! There's so much history in Vermont, and it's all so interesting to discover! Here are a few historical hikes you should try in Vermont:

  • The Baldwin Trail, which passes through former military sites near Lake Champlain
  • The Robert Frost Interpretive Trail, which allows you to visit Robert Frost's old cabin in Vermont
  • Von Trapp Family Chapel Hike, which takes you to the chapel the Von Trapp family built after coming to America
  • Goodsell Ridge Preserve, where you can see very ancient history - in fact, the Chazy Fossil Reef is the oldest known fossil reef in the world!

 

What are the best hiking trails in Vermont?

Vermont is known for its beautiful scenery and outdoor activities, including hiking. Here are some of the best hiking trails in Vermont:

Sterling Pond Trail: A 2.1-mile out-and-back trail in Smugglers’ Notch State Park 

Sunset Ridge Trail: A 5.2-mile out-and-back trail in Underhill State Park

Queechee Gorge Trail: A 1.3-mile out-and-back trail in Hartford, Vermont. 

If you’re looking for a challenge, check out the 16.3-mile point-to-point trail from Killington to Prosper along the Appalachian Trail.

 

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Little River State Park, Water Reservoir, 3444 Little River Rd, Waterbury Village Historic District, VT 05676, USA