About UNION VILLAGE DAM PICNIC AREA (VT)
Overview Union Village Dam is a US Army Corps of Engineers facility located on the Ompompanoosuc River in Thetford, VT. Close to the towns of Hanover, New Hampshire, and Norwich, Vermont, Union Village Dam is a popular destination for outdoor recreation in the Upper Valley.Recreation Swimming, fishing, and hiking are all popular activities at Union Village Dam. A playground, horseshoe pit, volleyball net, picnic tables and grills are available for all to enjoy. Family gatherings and events are also popular at our picnic pavilion.Facilities The picnic pavilion at Union Village Dam can accommodate approximately 65 people. Flush toilets are located next to the pavilion, while portable toilets are provided at the beach area and picnic tables and grills are dispersed throughout the park.Natural Features Union Village Dam provides a sandy swimming beach and over a mile of trails to explore on the property. Shaded areas and open lawns provide a variety of picnic opportunities along the Ompompanoosuc River.
How to Get There
From East and West: Take I-89 to White River Junction, and take I-91N. From the North: (Bradford, VT) Take exit 14 off of route I-91, and turn right onto Rt. 113. Continue up the hill on Rt. 113 for about 3/4 mile. Turn left onto Academy Rd. just before the white church. (If you reach the elementary school you have gone too far) Follow Academy Rd. about 2 3/4 miles until you reach the covered bridge. Pass through the covered bridge and take an immediate right. In 1/10th mile the Picnic Shelter will be on the left. (Look for the sign that says Union Village Dam) From the South: (White River Junction, Massachusetts, etc.) Take exit 13 off of I-91 North. Take a left at the bottom of the ramp and follow Rt. 5 North. Bear right in the center of Norwich to continue on Rt. 5 North. Continue following Rt. 5 North for about 5 1/2 Miles. Turn left onto Rt. 132. Follow Rt. 132 for about 2 3/4 miles and then bear right onto Academy Rd. Bear left at the covered bridge. In 1/10th mile the Picnic Shelters will be on the left. (Look for the sign that says Union Village Dam) Union Village Dam 2 Main St. East Thetford, VT 05043 Office: (802) 649-1606
Driving directions (Google Maps) →What to Pack for Your Stay
Tuned to the live forecast for this park.
👔 What to Wear
- 👕
Long-sleeve shirt
Synthetic or merino, sun-protective.
- 🧥
Light shell or windbreaker
Even on warm days, wind can chill (avg wind 0 mph).
- 👖
Hiking pants or convertible
Layer for variable conditions.
- 🥾
Trail runners or low boots
Comfortable, broken in.
🎒 What to Pack
- 💧
Water
Bring at least 1L of water; more in heat.
- 🍫
High-energy snacks
A snack for the trail.
- 🧴
Sun protection
Sunscreen, sunglasses, brimmed hat.
- 🩹
First-aid kit
Blister patches, ibuprofen, tape, antiseptic wipes.
- 🗺
Offline map
Download your route in advance via Gaia, Caltopo, or OSM-based apps.
Recommendations adapt to the current forecast + trail stats. Use them as a starting point — local conditions, your experience, and the time of day you start all matter.
Plan Your Visit to UNION VILLAGE DAM PICNIC AREA (VT)
Heading to UNION VILLAGE DAM PICNIC AREA (VT)? A few things to know before you go:
- Reservations: popular sites fill up fast — check Recreation.gov 6 months in advance
- Fees: day-use and camping fees vary; check current rates on the official park page
- Trash & pack-out: follow Leave No Trace principles
- Wildlife: store food in bear boxes where provided; never feed wildlife
- Weather: the 5-day forecast above is updated every 6 hours; verify just before you go
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need a reservation for UNION VILLAGE DAM PICNIC AREA (VT)?
No central reservation system listed for UNION VILLAGE DAM PICNIC AREA (VT). Check the official page (https://www.recreation.gov/camping/campgrounds/251045) for the latest entry policy and availability.
How do I get to UNION VILLAGE DAM PICNIC AREA (VT)?
From East and West: Take I-89 to White River Junction, and take I-91N. From the North: (Bradford, VT) Take exit 14 off of route I-91, and turn right onto Rt. 113. Continue up the hill on Rt. 113 for about 3/4 mile. Turn left onto Academy Rd. just before the white church. (If you reach the elementary school you have gone too far) Follow Academy Rd. about 2 3/4 miles until you reach the covered brid…
How do I contact UNION VILLAGE DAM PICNIC AREA (VT)?
You can reach the park at phone: (802) 649-1606 or email: andrew.d.white@usace.army.mil.
References & Official Resources
