Hapgood Pond in Peru
June 01, 2010
I was 14 when I first visited Hapgood Pond in Peru on a hot summer day in June 1985. My friend Katie invited me to spend the afternoon at this beautiful spot in the Green Mountain National Forest.
Like typical young teenagers, we spent hours gossiping, swimming and sunbathing. Back then, using an SPF sunblock wasn’t anywhere on our radar — it was baby oil all the way. Even though I fell asleep in the sun and ended up with a blazing sunburn on my back, that day at Hapgood Pond turned out to be one of my fondest memories.
Hapgood Pond was the first area in Vermont to become part of the Green Mountain National Forest in the 1930s. Open Memorial Day to mid-October, the pond is open for swimming, fishing and limited boating. The land surrounding Hapgood Pond includes a picnic area, 28 campsites and a nature trail.
After all these years, I still love spending time at this scenic, peaceful place.
Kerri
Posted at 11:23h, 01 JuneOh I want to visit…and sit on that bench…. and see that beautiful sight! What a FABULOUS image you’ve captured!! LOVE it!
Baydog
Posted at 14:38h, 01 JuneDid you ever have the wood-oven pizza at Hapgood’s general store? It’s owned and run by a guy originally from the Jersey shore.
Erica Houskeeper
Posted at 16:58h, 01 JuneHi Kerri — It’s such a great spot. Thank you so much for your kind words about the bench photo! I’m so glad you like it.
Hi Baydog — I have been to the JJ Hapgood general store many times, but I don’t think I’ve ever tried the pizza. It’s on the list! Have you been to the Peru Fair? It’s one of my favorite fall festivals.
Baydog
Posted at 17:14h, 01 JuneErica: No, but I’ve been to the one in Winhall, right across from the bottom of the access road. Don’t get to VT too much in the summer. Go figure. They had a tractor pull!
Erica Houskeeper
Posted at 19:12h, 01 JuneBaydog — Ah yes, the Bondville Fair. Another good one. Love the tractor pull.
matthew houskeeper
Posted at 23:23h, 01 JuneI have never been on any of the trails there. In the few times I have visited, I usually just hung around the pond.
elvira pajarola
Posted at 08:15h, 02 JuneMAGNIFICIENT photography of this little lake…the clear water and the clouds reflecteing in it…..wonderful!!!!!
Absolutely gorgeous woodland!
(ohhh, the baby-oil story must be a teeny experience all over the globe…I remember something like this too!)
Have a beautiful week, Erica!!
ciao ciao elvira
Alyson (New England Living)
Posted at 01:34h, 04 JuneThat looks so serene! You’ve got me excited for summer and the beauty and relaxation that comes with it! 🙂
Mark Kreider
Posted at 00:58h, 16 JuneWhat a beautiful place and memories to go with it all… precious stuff!
Erica Houskeeper
Posted at 01:11h, 16 JuneHi Matt, Elvira, Alyson — Sorry for my late response. Thanks for stopping by and commenting. The pond is such a peaceful place and one that I hold near and dear to my heart.
Hi Mark — Thanks so much! Our memories are really what make these places so special, don’t you think? Of course it helps that these places are so beautiful too!
Anonymous
Posted at 20:13h, 21 Mayi grew up going camping with my parents. Hapgood pond was my favorite.I used to hit crabapples with my wiffleball bat , then take a walk on ther trail.I remember smoket the bear made a apperance.. i was scared shitless.But in all honesty , ive been to all campgounds ind new england, prob 30, hapgood pond is my favorite.July step in the water up to your neck , you can see your toes… salamanders everywhere… i LOVE THAT PLACE
Anonymous
Posted at 20:17h, 21 Maythrow 5 bucks in the holder.. man i used to ride my bike all around the perimter, grocires in londenderry, great times in my childhood..
sophie jamois
Posted at 01:29h, 01 Julywow….ca me rapelle des beaux souvenirs…
Kathy Wilkinson
Posted at 19:56h, 18 AugustYour blog brought back many fond memories of swimming and picnicing at Hapgood Pond as a child in the 60s and 70s.
Sophie
Posted at 11:04h, 26 JuneGoing camping at Hapgood Pond this weekend! Do you happen to know anything about the grills at the campsites? It says there are fire pits with grills, but not sure what the set-up is like.
Thanks!
Sadie
Posted at 20:33h, 10 JulyHi Sophie, I saw these comments were all older except yours. I was curious what the campground is like too. Hopefully you found some answers. Can you share any insight since you’ve already went?
Erica
Posted at 13:18h, 12 JulyHi Sadie and Sophie — Sorry I missed your comments. I usually get notified by email but didn’t for some reason when your comments came in. The camping is nice at Hapgood, although I don’t know what kind of condition the grills are in.
Laura
Posted at 18:23h, 25 JulyVery nice reviews. I’m really excited about camping at Hapgood pond this weekend! We have 3 young children so I was curious about how “kid friendly” the campground is. Too bad there isn’t playground. However, we will take advantage of what they do have to offer! I can’t wait to see the beauty in person! Absolutely beautiful pictures Erica! Do you know of anything for young children to do around the area? Thanks again!
Erica
Posted at 15:10h, 06 AugustHi Laura — I somehow missed your comment. I love Hapgood, and the beach and swimming area are great for kids. I hope you had a fun visit!