Okemo State Forest wilderness guide
State Forest · VT

Okemo State Forest

Okemo State Forest offers a quiet escape with its lush landscapes and abundant recreation opportunities in the heart of Vermont.

State Forest7,1063+ Trails
DesignationState Forest
Total Wilderness Area7,106
Elevation / TerrainDiverse Wilderness
Field Editorial Guide

About Okemo State Forest

Okemo State Forest offers a quiet escape with its lush landscapes and abundant recreation opportunities in the heart of Vermont.

Wilderness Landscape & Natural Heritage

Located in the scenic Green Mountain range of Vermont, Okemo State Forest is a haven for outdoor enthusiasts with its diverse ecosystem and rich history. This forest spans several thousand acres and provides a vital habitat for many native wildlife species, making it an excellent spot for wildlife observation. Historically, the area was used for logging, but today it is managed for conservation and public enjoyment. Visitors can enjoy hiking on its numerous trails, which range from easy walks to more challenging climbs. During the winter months, the forest becomes a playground for snow sports, while the warmer seasons welcome campers, anglers, and mountain bikers. Additionally, the forest is home to picturesque waterfalls and waterways, making it a top destination for photographers and nature lovers. One of the most notable features is the stunning view from the summit of Okemo Mountain, a popular ski destination. The forest's appeal is enhanced by its proximity to the charming towns and villages that surround it, offering visitors a glimpse into Vermont's rural charm.

Field Guide · State Forest
Adventure Destinations

Notable Destinations Near Okemo State Forest

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

Key Wilderness Highlights

✦ Okemo Mountain Summit✦ Black River for Fishing✦ Unique Northern Hardwoods Ecosystem✦ Buttermilk Falls
Wilderness Recreation

Outdoor Adventures in Okemo State Forest

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

Park Recreation

Hiking

Available in Okemo State Forest
Park Recreation

Camping

Available in Okemo State Forest
Park Recreation

Wildlife Viewing

Available in Okemo State Forest
Park Recreation

Mountain Biking

Available in Okemo State Forest
Park Recreation

Fishing

Available in Okemo State Forest
Park Recreation

Snow Sports

Available in Okemo State Forest
Park Recreation

Photography

Available in Okemo State Forest
The Ranger Station

Visitor Logistics & Essential Planning

Everything you need to know about entrance passes, seasons, visitor centers, road transit, and wildlife safety in Okemo State Forest.

Passes & Fees

Entrance Requirements & Interagency Passes

Free access

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 Okemo State Forest

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

Moody Park Campground

A small campground with basic amenities located close to the main hiking trails.

Adventure Basecamps

Gateway Towns Near Okemo State Forest

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

Ludlow, Vermont
⌖ 1.39 miles
Gateway Basecamp

Ludlow, Vermont

Ludlow, Vermont, is a year-round outdoor haven. From skiing at Okemo Mountain to hiking and biking the Green Mountains, discover an array of adventures in this charming town.

Winter and Summer
Explore Town
Cavendish, Vermont
⌖ 6.05 miles
Gateway Basecamp

Cavendish, Vermont

Cavendish, Vermont offers peaceful hiking, paddling, and biking in a classic small-town setting. Surrounded by rivers and forests, it’s a quiet escape for outdoor lovers seeking nature year-round, with great winter skiing nearby.

Late Spring through Fall for warm-weather activities; Winter for skiing and snowshoeing
Explore Town
Mount Holly, Vermont
⌖ 6.39 miles
Gateway Basecamp

Mount Holly, Vermont

Mount Holly, Vermont, offers tranquil outdoor adventures from forest hikes and mountain biking to winter skiing and paddling. Set near Okemo Mountain Resort, this quiet town is perfect for nature lovers and those seeking peaceful seasonal escapes.

Late Spring to Fall for hiking, biking, and paddling; Winter for skiing and snowshoeing
Explore Town
Weston, Vermont
⌖ 7.41 miles
Gateway Basecamp

Weston, Vermont

Weston, Vermont, offers a peaceful mountain escape with hiking, cross-country skiing, paddling, and more. Known for its historic village and outdoor trails, it's a great basecamp for exploring the Green Mountains year-round.

Fall and Winter
Explore Town
Plymouth, Vermont
⌖ 10.24 miles
Gateway Basecamp

Plymouth, Vermont

Plymouth, Vermont offers quiet outdoor adventures with hiking, paddling, and skiing in a tranquil Green Mountain setting. Ideal for travelers seeking peaceful trails, rustic backpacking, and scenic winter snowshoeing.

Late Spring through Fall for hiking and paddling; Winter for snow activities
Explore Town
Reading, Vermont
⌖ 10.68 miles
Gateway Basecamp

Reading, Vermont

Reading, Vermont, offers quiet outdoor adventures with hiking, paddling, and cross-country skiing in forested landscapes. Ideal for travelers seeking a peaceful basecamp amidst the Green Mountains.

Late Spring to Early Fall and Winter
Explore Town
Expert-Led Wilderness Expeditions

Guided Experiences in Okemo State Forest

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

Two Hour Mountain ATV Tour
ADVEXPEDITION
Bridgewater, Vermont
Guided TourADV Bookable

Two Hour Mountain ATV Tour

Drive or ride shotgun on a thrilling Polaris Razor tour across Vermont’s Killington peaks. ATV Vermont guides you through diverse trails filled with stunning views and rugged mountain terrain.

Guided TourAges 4+ (Must be over 16 to drive)Certified Outfitter
Bookable OnlineBook Trip
Volunteer • Deck the Rails
ADVEXPEDITION
Killington, Vermont
SkiADV Bookable

Volunteer • Deck the Rails

Lend a hand at Killington Ski Resort and earn a lift ticket while helping build and break down a high-energy rail jam. No event experience required—just be ready to carry 15–20 lbs while on skis or a board.

SkiSaturday •  Free Killington Lift Ticket • RunnersCertified Outfitter
Bookable OnlineBook Trip
Volunteer • Full Send Fridays Downhill
ADVEXPEDITION
Killington, Vermont
Bike TourADV Bookable

Volunteer • Full Send Fridays Downhill

Earn a lift ticket and a front-row view of high-speed downhill racing by volunteering as a course marshal at Killington. Hike the course, keep riders safe, and be part of the mountain-bike community for a purposeful mountain day.

Bike TourVolunteer Course Marshal Positions Available • Earn a Free Killington Lift Ticket!Certified Outfitter
Bookable OnlineBook Trip
H2 Certification Hang Gliding Package
ADVEXPEDITION
Charlestown, New Hampshire
Air ActivitiesADV Bookable

H2 Certification Hang Gliding Package

Move beyond basics at Morningside Flight Park: a 10–12 lesson H2 hang gliding progression for pilots honing steeper takeoffs, ridge flight, and traffic‑pattern skills. Train on an authentic New Hampshire ridge site with experienced instructors guiding you toward USHPA Hang 2.

Air ActivitiesNovice pilot certification program • Morningside, NH • 10-12 lesson hang gliding progressionCertified Outfitter
Bookable OnlineBook Trip
H2 Lessons
ADVEXPEDITION
Charlestown, New Hampshire
Air ActivitiesADV Bookable

H2 Lessons

Advance your hang gliding with H2 Lessons at Morningside Flight Park in Charlestown, NH. This 3–4 hour, skills-focused clinic works toward USHPA Hang 2 certification with steep takeoff practice, landing drills, and weather decision training.

Air ActivitiesMorningside, NH • 3-4 hour flight experienceCertified Outfitter
Bookable OnlineBook Trip
Star Cabin Rental
ADVEXPEDITION
Charlestown, New Hampshire
LodgingADV Bookable

Star Cabin Rental

A tiny, 120 sq/ft platform cabin at Morningside Flight Park offering solar lights, USB charging, and access to ponds, fire pits, and flight-park views. Ideal for travelers who want more comfort than a tent while staying deeply connected to New Hampshire’s outdoors.

LodgingRustic platform cabin • Charlestown, NH • Sleeps 2 with solar lights and USB chargingCertified Outfitter
Bookable OnlineBook Trip
Weekend Intro to Paragliding Lessons
ADVEXPEDITION
Charlestown, New Hampshire
Air ActivitiesADV Bookable

Weekend Intro to Paragliding Lessons

Spend two focused lessons at Morningside Flight Park learning canopy control, training-slope launches, and stand-up landings. Flexible scheduling across 2–3 days makes this a practical jump from curiosity to confident beginner flying.

Air ActivitiesTwo day paragliding package • Charlestown, NH • 3-4 hour first flight experienceCertified Outfitter
Bookable OnlineBook Trip
The Castle Rental
ADVEXPEDITION
Charlestown, New Hampshire
LodgingADV Bookable

The Castle Rental

Sleep steps from the glider launches atop Morningside Flight Park. The Castle Rental is a summit cabin with sweeping Connecticut River Valley views—perfect for pilots, photographers, and small groups seeking a dramatic overnight.

LodgingSummit cabin rental • Charlestown, NH • sleeps 4-6 with Connecticut River Valley viewsCertified Outfitter
Bookable OnlineBook Trip