Information
Landmark: Vanadzor Central ParkCity: Vanadzor
Country: Armenia
Continent: Asia
Vanadzor Central Park, Vanadzor, Armenia, Asia
Button Bay State Park is a public recreation area located on the eastern shore of Lake Champlain in Vergennes, Vermont.
Visual Characteristics
The park features a shoreline composed of smooth, rounded stones, characteristic of glacial deposits. The water of Lake Champlain is typically a deep blue, with varying shades depending on light conditions. Inland, the terrain consists of mixed deciduous and coniferous forests, with a dense understory in many areas. The park's elevation ranges from the lake level to approximately 200 feet above the lake.
Location & Access Logistics
Button Bay State Park is situated approximately 8 miles northwest of Vergennes, Vermont. Access is via Button Bay Road, which branches off Route 22A. The drive from Vergennes city center is approximately 15 minutes. Ample parking is available within the park, including designated areas for RVs and trailers. There are no direct public transport routes to the park; visitors typically arrive by private vehicle.
Historical & Ecological Origin
The geological formations in the Button Bay area are primarily a result of glacial activity during the last Ice Age, which shaped the Lake Champlain basin and deposited the characteristic stone beaches. The park was established as a state park in 1964 to preserve its natural features and provide recreational opportunities. The ecological classification is a temperate deciduous forest transitioning to a lake shoreline ecosystem.
Key Highlights & Activities
Activities include hiking on marked trails, such as the Shoreline Trail (1.5 miles) and the Forest Trail (2 miles). Kayaking and canoeing are possible from the boat launch. Fishing is permitted in Lake Champlain. The park offers camping facilities, including tent sites and lean-tos. Birdwatching is a common activity due to the diverse avian population.
Infrastructure & Amenities
Restrooms with flush toilets are available in the main campground and day-use areas. Picnic tables and charcoal grills are provided throughout the park. Shade is available from mature trees in designated picnic spots and campgrounds. Cell phone signal (primarily 3G and 4G) is intermittent within the park, with stronger reception near the park entrance. There are no on-site food vendors; visitors should bring their own provisions.
Best Time to Visit
The best time for general visitation is from late May through early October, when park facilities are fully operational. For photography, early morning and late afternoon offer softer light. The months of July and August provide the warmest weather for water-based activities. There are no specific tide requirements as Lake Champlain is a freshwater lake.
Facts & Legends
A local historical oddity is the presence of "button stones," smooth, disc-shaped rocks found along the shoreline, which are believed to have been formed by the erosion of larger stones over millennia. These stones are a unique characteristic of the bay.
Nearby Landmarks
- Mount Independence State Historic Site (10km Southwest)
- Chimney Point State Historic Site (12km Southwest)
- Fort Ticonderoga (15km Southwest, across Lake Champlain)
- Shorewell Farm (3km Southeast)
- Vergennes Falls (8km Southeast)