Green Mountain National Park wilderness guide
National Park · VT

Green Mountain National Park

Green Mountain National Park is a haven for outdoor lovers, offering dramatic landscapes and diverse recreational opportunities in the heart of Vermont.

National Park200,0004+ Trails

Designation

National Park

Total Wilderness Area

200,000

Elevation / Terrain

Diverse Wilderness

Field Editorial Guide

About Green Mountain National Park

Green Mountain National Park is a haven for outdoor lovers, offering dramatic landscapes and diverse recreational opportunities in the heart of Vermont.

Wilderness Landscape & Natural Heritage

Green Mountain National Park stretches across the verdant landscape of Vermont, offering a plethora of activities year-round. Known for its sweeping vistas, dense forests of maple and oak, and rich wildlife, the park spans varying elevations that provide distinct habitats. Established to preserve the unique ecosystems and natural beauty of the region, it has become a favored destination for hikers, campers, and nature enthusiasts. Key attractions include sweeping views from mountaintop ridges, clear alpine lakes perfect for kayaking and fishing, and miles of trails drawing bikers and snow sports adventurers alike. The park is embellished by seasonal displays of foliage in autumn and offers a lush backdrop in summer, making it an all-season destination for scenic photography. Green Mountain's historical elements pay homage to early settlers and Native American heritage, while its visitor centers and informative trails detail the park's ecological importance.

Field Guide · National Park
Adventure Destinations

Notable Destinations Near Green Mountain National Park

Scenic viewpoints, outdoor landmarks, and notable points of interest within 60 miles.

Key Wilderness Highlights

✦ Stowe Pinnacle Trail – a challenging hike with panoramic views of the region✦ Diverse wildlife including moose, black bears, and peregrine falcons✦ Hearthstone Historic Site, a nod to the area's early settlers✦ Challenging backcountry routes ideal for experienced hikers
Wilderness Recreation

Outdoor Adventures in Green Mountain National Park

Explore curated guides for top outdoor sports, trail networks, and wilderness activities.

Park Recreation

Hiking

Available in Green Mountain National Park
Park Recreation

Camping

Available in Green Mountain National Park
Park Recreation

Wildlife Viewing

Available in Green Mountain National Park
Park Recreation

Mountain Biking

Available in Green Mountain National Park
Park Recreation

Fishing

Available in Green Mountain National Park
Park Recreation

Paddle Sports

Available in Green Mountain National Park
Park Recreation

Snow Sports

Available in Green Mountain National Park
Park Recreation

Scenic Drives

Available in Green Mountain National Park
Park Recreation

Photography

Available in Green Mountain National Park
The Ranger Station

Visitor Logistics & Essential Planning

Everything you need to know about entrance passes, seasons, visitor centers, road transit, and wildlife safety in Green Mountain National Park.

Passes & Fees

Entrance Requirements & Interagency Passes

Entrance fees and permits required for certain activities

Wilderness Checklist

Carry paper topographic map & compass in remote zones.
Store all food and scented items in approved bear canisters.
Check wildfire / smoke advisories before backcountry departure.
Pack out everything you pack in (Leave No Trace).
Wilderness Stays

Camping & Overnight Stays in Green Mountain National Park

Frontcountry developed campgrounds, backcountry wilderness permit guidelines, and starry-night camping advice.

Adventure Basecamps

Gateway Towns Near Green Mountain National Park

Stay, dine, and gear up in these mountain towns and scenic basecamps surrounding the park.

Morrisville, Vermont
⌖ 1.10 miles
Gateway Basecamp

Morrisville, Vermont

Morrisville, Vermont offers outdoor enthusiasts a blend of mountain biking, hiking, paddling, and skiing opportunities year-round. With scenic lakes, forested trails, and proximity to premier ski resorts, it’s an accessible basecamp for exploring Vermont’s Green Mountains.

Spring through Fall for hiking and paddling; Winter for skiing
Explore Town
Wolcott, Vermont
⌖ 5.98 miles
Gateway Basecamp

Wolcott, Vermont

Wolcott, Vermont, is a quiet destination for outdoor lovers seeking hiking, paddling, and cross-country skiing surrounded by peaceful forests and Lake Elmore’s calm waters. Ideal for those wanting a less crowded Vermont experience.

Late spring through fall for hiking and paddling; winter for cross-country skiing.
Explore Town
Johnson, Vermont
⌖ 7.49 miles
Gateway Basecamp

Johnson, Vermont

Johnson, Vermont is a charming town tucked along the Lamoille River offering hiking, paddling, mountain biking, and winter sports in a tranquil natural setting. Ideal for adventurers seeking peaceful forests and rivers.

Spring through Fall, with winter for snow sports
Explore Town
Stowe, Vermont
⌖ 8.26 miles
Gateway Basecamp

Stowe, Vermont

Stowe, Vermont offers a stellar mix of outdoor adventures. With its excellent trails, skiing, and cycling routes, it’s perfect for those seeking to explore the Green Mountains and more.

Fall and Winter
Explore Town
Hardwick, Vermont
⌖ 10.96 miles
Gateway Basecamp

Hardwick, Vermont

Hardwick, Vermont is a welcoming rural town with diverse outdoor options from hiking and mountain biking to paddling and winter sports. It’s ideal for travelers seeking authentic Vermont nature and quiet adventure.

Spring through Fall for hiking and paddling, Winter for skiing and snowshoeing
Explore Town
Craftsbury, Vermont
⌖ 11.51 miles
Gateway Basecamp

Craftsbury, Vermont

Craftsbury offers tranquil outdoor adventures across four seasons, known for excellent cross-country skiing, quiet hiking trails, and paddling on pristine lakes. It’s a peaceful Vermont town perfect for nature lovers seeking a slow-paced escape.

Winter and Summer
Explore Town
Expert-Led Wilderness Expeditions

Guided Experiences in Green Mountain National Park

Explore scenic backcountry routes and epic wilderness adventures with certified local mountain guides, naturalists, and outfitters.

Four Miles of Quiet: Paddling the Winooski beneath Camel’s Hump
ADVEXPEDITION
Burlington, Vermont
Boat TourADV Bookable

Four Miles of Quiet: Paddling the Winooski beneath Camel’s Hump

A roughly two‑hour, four‑mile paddle from Waterbury that threads gentle currents, Vermont farmland vistas and steady birdlife—this guide explains what to expect and how to match the right craft to the river.

Boat TourPT2HCertified Outfitter
Bookable OnlineBook Trip
Float Richmond: Tube Rentals Launched from Main Street
ADVEXPEDITION
Richmond, Virginia
Water ActivitiesADV Bookable

Float Richmond: Tube Rentals Launched from Main Street

Umiak Outdoor Outfitters rents tubes daily from its Richmond store (and Stowe); this guide explains pickup, timing, and the self‑shuttle vs. operator shuttle options to plan a seamless float.

Water ActivitiesPT2HCertified Outfitter
Bookable OnlineBook Trip
Car-top Paddling Out of Stowe: Simple, Self-Serve Boat Rentals from Umiak
ADVEXPEDITION
Stowe, Vermont
Boat TourADV Bookable

Car-top Paddling Out of Stowe: Simple, Self-Serve Boat Rentals from Umiak

A compact rental program offering kayaks, stand-up paddleboards, canoes and inner tubes from Umiak Outdoor Outfitters in Stowe — this guide explains what’s included, how day and multi-day rentals work, and practical packing tips.

Boat TourPT2HCertified Outfitter
Bookable OnlineBook Trip