Waterbury Reservoir —There are many reasons readers chose Waterbury Reservoir as their go-to spot for swimming and paddling. Accessible through two of Vermont's busiest day-use state parks — Waterbury Center and Little River — it offers scenery, a grassy beach with ample shade, an adaptive kayaking program for folks with disabilities, and 850 acres of water and 15 miles of shoreline to explore.
Here's one more draw: the colorful stories the park attendants like to share. On the first day of summer at Waterbury Center State Park, Walter Carpenter was at the lower parking lot directing traffic. A 16-year veteran, Carpenter spoke about how quickly the lot fills up — sometimes just 10 minutes after the park opens, and often with international visitors.
"Africa, Asia, Europe, the Indian subcontinent, " he said. "I've had Russians and Ukrainians here at the same time."
Ask Carpenter about the woman who requested that he fish out the $100 she accidentally dropped down the composting toilet. Spoiler alert: It wasn't Carpenter's first such request, nor does he expect it'll be his last. Guess that's why his name tag reads "Walter the Survivor."
Other Finalists
- Green River Reservoir State Park
- LaPlatte River Nature Park
