The Jamaica State Park will again attract white water sports enthusiasts as the US Army Corps of Engineers releases water from its Ball Dam to the West River in Southern Vermont on April 26 and 27.
The water release makes the river ideal for rafting, kayaking, and canoeing. Thousands of people come to the park to watch the action on the West River and hike along the three-mile long former rail bed hiking trail that gently winds up the steep valley.
Aside from the heart-stopping whitewater thrills and actions, the West River also offers breathtaking sceneries. During the spring season, a contracted service provides rides for a fee from the park day use area to the top of the Ball Mountain Dam. Shuttles leave every 30 minutes. In the fall season, Jamaica State Park provides a shuttle service up the West River Rail trail from the day parking area to the Cobb Brook Bridge. Shuttles operate from 8am-4pm for a fee. Entry to the park costs $2.50 per adult and $2.00 per child.
For more information on Jamaica State Park or for reservation information, visit www.vtstateparks.com or call 888-409-7579.