Paradise Park Trails
About
Paradise Park provides a lovely series of trails for hiking, snowshoeing, and skiing through mature forest, along a stream, and around the fields and shoreline adjacent to Lake Runnemede. Multiple trails can make this a very easy half-mile hike or add some loops for a 5-mile varied terrain outing. There are numerous benches for viewing and resting and picnic locations, including a large picnic area with overhead protection, fire pits, and water source. Watch for deer, fox, otter, beaver, and a wide variety of native and migratory birds in this preserve, located on a portion of the original late 1800’s estate of William Maxwell Evarts, a former Attorney General of the United States.
To honor Windsor as the site of the signing of the Vermont Constitution, the lake was named for the location where the Magna Carta was signed.
Interesting features include: a dyke separating Evarts Pond and Route 5, a gazebo with views of Mt. Ascutney, and a covered picnic area with fire pits and water source.
Prohibited Uses: Boating and swimming are not permitted under the Paradise Park Management Plan. This is to protect the rare and endangered aquatic plants and habitats that exist in Lake Runnemede. Lake Runnemede is among the very few Vermont lakes not overtaken by foreign invasive species.
No motorized vehicles allowed in park or on water. No Hunting/Trapping/Firearms. No Littering. No tree cutting. Dogs must be leashed. Permit Required for Camping, Special Events, Alcohol and Fires.