Top Things to do in Vermont
Top Hotels in Vermont
The 10 Best State Parks in Vermont, United States
Whether you’re exploring Vermont’s covered bridges, visiting Quechee Gorge or skiing at Killington, you’ll find Vermont to be picture-perfect. If you’re the outdoorsy type, you’ll love Vermont. In winter, of course, there’s plenty of skiing and snowboarding. In the warmer months, however, Vermont offers plenty of opportunities for hiking, biking, fishing and boating. If you enjoy boating, swimming and fishing, a vacation rental on Lake Champlain might be perfect for you.
Restaurants in Vermont
1. Camel's Hump
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 82 reviews
At 4083 feet high, this peak is connected to Mount Mansfield by the Long Trail.
Reviewed By G2258YKpaulp - Montpelier, United States
Ok-- it's a mountain-- be prepared for that. Don't listen to the "average times" to get to the top. Even in shape it's a slog up a varied surface trail with changeable weather conditions. Be prepared for that and bring a lot of water. HOWEVER, once up, you'll not want to come down. The views are fantastic on a clear day and the vegetation is protected and beautiful. I managed to hit the summit on a clear day during foliage and it was spectacular. On the downward leg, look for the wing of the B-24 Liberator that crashed into the mountain during WWII, killing the entire crew. Amazingly enough, that's all that's up there. The rest, including four huge Wright Cyclone engines were brought down for scrap by some local farmer years ago, probably by mule.
2. Elmore State Park
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 34 reviews
Reviewed By Anja98ac
Wonderful trail up to the fire tower, narrow and steep trails, like walking in a fairytale forest, expecting hobbits to come out of the trees at any time. So beautiful. Walked the trail with my husband on a Wednesday morning, never saw anyone else. We had the entire forest to ourselves - what luxury! The stillness and the beauty was marvellous. Absolutely recommend this trail. I’d also recommend using proper hiking gear, as there are climbs requiring some good footwear.
3. Crystal Lake State Park
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 3 reviews
Reviewed By Loves2Research - Agawam, United States
Crystal Lake State Park was the perfect choice of the many lakes in the area. The lake had plenty of parking, picnic tables, boat rentals,and a large bathhouse to shower and change. Crystal Lake is a glacial lake approximately 3 miles long and one mile wide. In places it is over 100 feet deep and great for fishing. We enjoyed this peaceful location at it offered expansive lawns in which to sit and a very large white sand beach for swimming. The water was comfortable for swimming. We enjoyed a nice picnic and spent a lazy afternoon relaxing in this beautiful location.
4. Molly Stark State Park
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 34 reviews
Named for the wife of a general in the American Revolutionary Army, this park is great place to picnic among the trees.
Reviewed By 619janev - Shelburne, United States
Snowshoeing up to Mount Olga was really fun. It had just snowed and it was absolutely beautiful. It was not super easy as we had to cut our trail but it was really a lovely day . We did not see another soul until we were leaving the park and some people were coming in to winter camp for a night or two. Great exercise!
5. Smugglers Notch State Park
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 357 reviews
This narrow path through thousand-foot cliffs, once a smuggling route into Canada, is now a park used for biking, hiking, picnicking and rockclimbing.
Reviewed By MaryJ071597 - Spokane, United States
We stayed a night in Stowe during the peak color season and this drive was recommended to us. We are so glad we did it. It was gorgeous! We had limited time so we were very disappointed we didn't get to experience more of this area. We made it to Smugglers Notch though and captured some beautiful shots. The road is very winding up there. It was super windy and we watched the leaves getting blown off the trees. We definitey recommend this scenic drive.
6. Jamaica State Park
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 91 reviews
Park offering easy hiking trails.
Reviewed By M5588CPninam
We visited the park in the winter, so there were only a few people around, but the landscape was gorgeous and the camping sites looked well-maintained. We went for a pleasant hike with our 6 year old and stopped for him to play in the playground for a bit before heading home. We saw enough to know that we will make a point of coming back!
7. Underhill State Park
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 30 reviews
Vermont park where hikers can begin some of the best trails for Mount Mansfield.
Reviewed By wildwolf00 - Vermont, United States
Hike to Mount Mansfield summit (chin) either via Sunset Ridge Trail (longer but less steep) or via Laura Cowles Trail (shortest trail to the summit but a steep strenuous parabolic straight-line climb-- not advised for beginners). Return via Sunset Ridge. Total time about 3.0-3.5 hrs. Round trip distance approx 4.8 miles. Summit (The Chin): Fantastic 360-degree views, on an exceptionally clear day you can see all the way north to Montreal, east to Mt. Washington (NH) and beyond (Maine), west to the NY Adirondacks. Be sure to pack warm layers, sometimes it can be super windy and cold at the top even in summer...but many days it is not too cold, even warm with light winds. Be sure to check the daily weather forecast posting at the Ranger Station in the parking lot. Summit is exposed rock above treeline. Beware of possible thunderstorms in summer. Dogs allowed on leash on trails. If summit obscured by clouds expect winds and low temps. Do not climb if thunderstorm clouds over or in vicinity of summit. Rare Alpine environment above treeline-- please stay off grasses and flowers, and step on rocks as much as possible. Also stay within marked boundaries (white string marking sensitive growth regeneration areas). Ascent: Laura Cowles to summit (chin): Rating: Strenuous. About 2 hours up, 2.0 miles. Especially wet after recent rain. Don't recommend descent via this trail due to steepness (knees) and slick. DESCENT via Sunset Ridge is recommended, slightly longer (about 2.8 miles) but less steep than Laura Cowles Trail. Cowles to summit to sunset loop approx 4.8 miles. Advise hiking poles to unload knees on way down. A few difficult spots to slide down on your rear. After leaving Underhill State Park campground, no toilet facilities or potable water. Pack in, pack out. Overall, it is not a beginner hike but is well worth the trip. Most families go up Sunset Ridge Trail and return the same way, about 5.6+ miles round-trip. Plan about 5 hrs total with 30-min lunch at top. Enjoy!
8. Ascutney State Park
9. Button Bay State Park
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 59 reviews
Reviewed By JohnH881 - Shelburne, United States
This State Park is wonderfully situated on a point sticking out into Lake Champlain. There are very adequate camp sites. Located near the entrance is a community pool ideal for family. Large covered picnic pavilion. About .6 miles from the last parking lot is an outlook point where swimming is available. The wodland trail to the point parallels the south shore and has a several accesses to swimming spots. Care should be exercises as the beaches are rocky, often smooth and slippery. There is also a Nature Center at the end of the point.
10. Camp Plymouth State Park
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 62 reviews
State park contains the site of a former gold-mining company.
Reviewed By tuser - New Jersey, United States
Beautiful place to spend the day. There were not a ton of people so we felt very safe (covid). Benches to sit on, grills to cook on, a lake to swim, enough trades to stay in the shade if your want relief from the sun. Only 4 dollars per person for the whole day.
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