Hubbard Park has several impressive stands of white pine, red pine and hemlock. The center area of Hubbard Park is a designated natural area. In certain areas of the park, notably near the tower, can be found majestic red oaks, even more remarkable given they are on the northern edge of their range. A number of impressive beech trees can also be found in the Park. Many, many young beech can be found (as well as white ash), in a number of areas of the Park, which are examples of succession to the climax stage of forest. A range of habitats can be found including meadows, softwood and hardwood stands, swamps and thickets
Not too far from the tower a beautiful little white birch grove can be found. On the east side,down from the tower, an old fence row still has some anciet sugar maples clinging to life. Probably tapped early in their lives, they now have large sections of rotten wood, with twisted patches of intact bark bringing what nutrients are needed to,and from, the branches above.
Habitats around Hubbard Park
Swamps, Yellow birch/Hemlock forests, Beech/Maple and Red Oak, White and Red Pine, fields/meadows, a small pond, a couple small brooks, thickets and more can be found in Hubbard Park.
Balsam fir, spruce, red maple, sugar maple, hop hornbeam, Norway spruce, Butternut, white birch, and even a few living Elm trees can be found in the different forest types.
Features of Hubbard Park:
"Old Shelter" Pavilion
Located on top of a grassy hill with a beautiful view, the Old Shelter has access to a ball field in the area and the sledding hill during the winter months. The Old Shelter includes picnic tables, a water fountain and a a grill. There is a composting toilet nearby this shelter as well. Please be aware that the Old Shelter is not handicap friendly and all shelters have a Carry in - Carry out policy. Keep our park beautiful and take your trash with you! Before using the Old Shelter without a reservation, check the reservation wall in the shelter to be sure that the shelter will be free for your time of use.
New Shelter" Pavilion
Hubbard Park's New Shelter is a handicap friendly pavilion that is great for the whole family! A composting toilet is located right across the road from the New Shelter. This area has a small field with room for children and dogs to run around! There are picnic tables, a grill and a water fountain located at this shelter. If using the shelter without a reservation, be sure to check the reservation posts to make sure that there is not a reservation during your time of use. Remember, Hubbard Park has a Cary in - Carry out policy. Please keep our parks beautiful and take your trash with you!
Seven Fireplaces
Right in the middle of the forest is Hubbard Park's Seven Fireplaces. In this area, there are a number of fireplaces designated for campfires by park users. There is also a grill located in the area and a composting toilet at the entrance of the Seven Fireplaces. Trails leading to the North Branch Nature Center and to Hubbard Park's Fitness Trails are located at the Seven Fireplaces. Hubbard Park has a Carry in - Carry out policy. Please keep our parks clean and beautiful. Remember to take your trash with you! Take only pictures and leave only footprints.
The Tower
Built in 1915 and finished in 1930, the tower is located on the highest point of Hubbard Park. Climb up the stairs to get a priceless view of Vermont's little capital and beyond. Be sure to wander around the base of the tower and roam around the fruit and nut trees planted in order to attract wildlife park users. A picnic table and benches are located on the premises of the tower. A composting toilet is also located on the grounds of the tower. Remember Hubbard Park has a Carry in - Carry out policy. Please take all trash with you and leave only footprints behind.
