| Jay Peak | 39 MILES | 3861′ |
| Gore Mtn. | 25 MILES | 3330′ |
| Monadnock Mtn. | 29 MILES | 3140′ |
| Haystack Mtn. | 35 MILES | 3223′ |
| Belvidere Mtn. | 34 MILES | 3360′ |
| Willoughby Lake | 15 MILES | |
| Bold Mtn. | 15 MILES | 3315′ |
| Mount Mansfield | 44 MILES | 4393′ |
| Stone Mtn. | 11 MILES | 2753′ |
| Mount Washington | 35 MILES | 6288′ |
| Camels Hump | 50 MILES | 4085′ |
| Mount Ascutney | 80 MILES | 3144′ |
THE GEOLOGY OF DARLING STATE PARK
By HARRY W. DODGE, JR.
INTRODUCTION
Darling State Park, located in northeastern Vermont (see map, “Burke Mountain,” [Fig. 1]), offers outstanding opportunities to the camper, picnicker, hiker, view-seeker and winter sportsman. On a clear day the top of Burke Mountain offers a most spectacular view of northeastern Vermont and such distant points as Mount Ascutney (located on the Connecticut River, some 80 miles as the crow flies, to the south). Other prominent peaks that may be seen are Camels Hump (50 miles southwest), Mount Mansfield (44 miles west), Jay Peak (39 miles northwest), and Mount Washington (the highest Peak in the New England States and the northeast, which is located in New Hampshire some 47 miles southeast of Burke Mountain). For the traveler, the view from Burke Mountain reveals “where he has been” and where he might “next go.” See [Figure 1] for the location of points which can be seen from the overlooks atop Burke Mountain.
Both the professional and amateur naturalist will find Darling State Park extremely interesting. This pamphlet is devoted primarily to the geology of the park, but the fauna and flora of this area present the visitor with days of interesting studies. It is hoped that in the near future pamphlets describing these aspects of Darling State Park will be published.
THE GEOLOGY OF THE PARK
Before discussing the more detailed aspects of the geology of Darling State Park, certain basic geologic concepts must be explained. But, even before such a discussion, it might be best to clarify the position of geology among the many other, and oftentimes interrelated, sciences.
The basic reason for the science of geology might be said to be twofold; one is economic, the other related to Man’s basic curiosity. In the first, the geologist through the use of his knowledge of the earth’s rocks, locates those indispensable minerals and fuels without which our advanced society and technology could not exist. In the second, the geologist tries to unlock the many mysteries within the earth’s crust merely to satisfy a thirst for knowledge and to pass such knowledge on to his fellow man. These two basic reasons complement each other and allow continued advancements in geology, both as a pure science and as a primary economic aid to the nation.
As found in most spheres of present-day scientific endeavor, the geologist relies heavily on other related sciences for insight into problems at hand. A basic knowledge, and oftentimes an advanced knowledge, of physics, chemistry, mathematics and zoology, to name only some, are needed before the geologist can approach many of his own problems. It might be obvious to you by now, but a geologist will be certainly included in the first scientific party to journey to the moon and planets.