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This park is named for the famous wife of General John Stark of the Revolutionary War. The park is located along the Molly Stark Trail Scenic Byway (State Route 9), the main east-west route in Southern Vermont that connects Brattleboro, Wilmington and Bennington. Elizabeth "Molly" Paige Stark was an accomplished and independent woman by her own right; she raised 11 children, teaching them to read and write. She was strong willed and social, and didn't bow to her husband's demands. She was instrumental to the American success at the Battle of Bennington; after the general departed west from New Hampshire, Molly recruited more men for the New Hampshire Militia. She even converted her homestead barn into a hospital to care for wounded from both sides. The approximate westward route that Stark and his Volunteers followed is commemorated by the Molly Stark Trail Scenic Byway.
The area that now makes up Molly Stark State Park was cleared for agriculture and sheep farming by settlers in the 19th century. In 1932 a Civilian Conservation Corps crew built a roadside picnic area here on land owned by the Towns of Wilmington and Brattleboro. In 1939, the towns gave the 100 acre property to the State; later in the same year, Olga Haslund, a Wilmington resident, gave 48 acres. The result was the creation of Molly Stark State Park. In 1955, the steel fire tower was moved from Townshend State Park to the summit of Mt Olga at Molly Stark State Park. Hogback Ski Area operated partially on park property under lease agreement from 1955 until 1987. Campground development started in the late 1950's with the park officially opening on July 2, 1960.
Excellent camping, hiking, mountain biking and picnicking. A fire tower provides a sweeping view of the surrounding area. Drinking water is available throughout the park. There is a RV sanitary station but there are no hookups.
23 tent/RV sites and 11 lean-tos, restrooms with flush toilets, hot and cold running water and coin-operated showers. There is a play area and a picnic pavilion that can seat up to 100 people with electricity, picnic tables and grills. The pavilion has a nearby restroom.
Mt. Snow Gondola Rides, 1836 Country Store in Wilmington, Brattleboro Museum & Art Center, Bennington Battle Monument.
Park Address: 705 RT 9 E, Wilmington, VT 05363
