Welcome to Vermont

With lush forest covering almost 80 percent of its mountainous and hilly terrain, Vermont satisfies visitors hungry for rustic New England scenery. From lush summer greens to blankets of powdery snow to awe-inspiring fall foliage, the Green Mountain State promises fun and adventure throughout the year. Folks who want a slower pace can stop at small towns that burst with Colonial-era houses, charming church steeples and idyllic farmland.

A Haven for Outdoor Recreation

Formed over multiple ice ages, the Green Mountains comprise more than 220 peaks with elevations of 2,000 feet or more. The Green Mountain National Forest is the perfect introduction to this alpine wonderland. Lace up your hiking boots and trek through the famous Appalachian Trail or the Long Trail, the oldest long-distance trail in the country, which extends from the Canadian border to the Massachusetts state line. In winter, skiers, snowboarders and snowshoe enthusiasts can hit 20 alpine ski resorts, 7,300 acres of alpine terrain and 30 cross-country touring centers.

For a change of scenery, head to the Lake Champlain Islands on Vermont’s western border. With more than 200 miles of shoreline and an abundance of wildlife, the area is a playground for anglers, birdwatchers, canoeists, kayakers and sailors. Other popular activities include cycling along the Burlington Bike Path, keeping an eye out for “Champy” (a fabled lake monster) from the marina and learning about archaeology and the history of the lake at the Lake Champlain Maritime Museum.

For a change of scenery, head to the Lake Champlain Islands on Vermont’s western border. With more than 200 miles of shoreline and an abundance of wildlife, the area is a playground for anglers, birdwatchers, canoeists, kayakers and sailors. Other popular activities include cycling along the Burlington Bike Path, keeping an eye out for “Champy” (a fabled lake monster) from the marina and learning about archaeology and the history of the lake at the Lake Champlain Maritime Museum.

Burlington Beckons

There’s no better place to experience New England charm, art, culture and history than in Burlington, located on the shores of Lake Champlain. In the city’s walkable downtown core, you’ll find everything from picturesque parks and delectable eateries to world-class museums and eclectic shops. Consider watching a show at the Flynn Center for Performing Arts, immersing yourself in art and anthropological artifacts at the Fleming Museum of Art or seeing what life was like in the 1700s at the Ethan Allen Homestead Museum.

Foodies will relish the city’s vibrant culinary scene. Sample sweets at Lake Champlain Chocolates, sip on local brews at craft breweries and indulge in the freshest meats, cheeses, produce and maple at farm-to-table restaurants. After feasting, walk it all off on Waterfront Park’s recreation paths, take a sunset cruise on the lake or enjoy the live music scene in the city’s many bars and pubs. In the spring  and summer, Burlington comes to life with outdoor concerts and festivals.