Welcome to Vermont
The Green Mountain State is home to forested lands, majestic mountain peaks and charming small towns. Visit in the spring for the traditional tapping of the maples, or come in the fall, when the foliage erupts in rusty hues. Summer is a delightful time to explore the state’s great outdoors, while winter treats skiers to soft, forgiving powder on thrilling slopes.
Relaxed Towns with Scenic Landscapes
Northern Vermont is home to the state’s largest city, Burlington. With fewer than 50,000 residents, this city is hardly urban. Instead, you’ll find a scenic, relaxed town. Bicycle along the shores of Lake Champlain, shop for goods at a farmers market or the popular Church Street Marketplace, and grab a tall glass at one of the local breweries.
A Paddler’s Paradise
Vermont’s landscape is dotted with lakes and laced with rivers, making it a paddler’s paradise. The Winooski River winds through the Green Mountains, passes the state capital of Montpelier and ends at Lake Champlain in Burlington on its 90-mile run through the state. The exquisite scenery on its banks and many access points make it a top pick for paddlers. Folks seeking the challenge of trying to hook an elusive wild trout will want to hit the Batten Kill River. Lake Champlain, which straddles the state’s border with New York, is a popular spot for boating, fishing and watersports. For hunters, the Green Mountain National Forest teems with game.
Reach New Heights in the Green Mountains
You can expect a lot of mountainous adventures in Vermont. One of the most sublime spots is Smugglers Notch State Park, which surrounds a historic pass through the Green Mountains. Hiking and mountain biking trails take you to rippling waterfalls, pristine lakes and scenic overlooks, including the state’s highest peak at Mount Mansfield. Sitting almost 1,000 feet above the Champlain Valley, Mount Philo State Park offers some of the best views in the state. For more views, hike to the top of Mount Tom, located in Woodstock. More trails and adventures are found at the Marsh-Billings-Rockefeller National Historical Park, with historic farm and forested lands previously owned by three notable families.