Green Island wilderness guide
Wilderness Area · VT

Green Island

Green Island is a pristine wilderness area in Vermont, known for its rugged landscapes and diverse plant and animal life, offering visitors an unspoiled escape for outdoor adventures.

Wilderness Area15,0004+ Trails

Designation

Wilderness Area

Total Wilderness Area

15,000

Elevation / Terrain

Diverse Wilderness

Field Editorial Guide

About Green Island

Green Island is a pristine wilderness area in Vermont, known for its rugged landscapes and diverse plant and animal life, offering visitors an unspoiled escape for outdoor adventures.

Wilderness Landscape & Natural Heritage

Green Island, situated in the heart of Vermont, is a premier wilderness area boasting rich biodiversity and captivating landscapes. Spanning a substantial area, this protected region is characterized by dense forests, serene lakes, and rolling hills that offer a habitat for a variety of species. Among the inhabitants are white-tailed deer, black bears, and countless bird species, making it a prime spot for wildlife viewing. The history of Green Island as a protected area highlights the conservation efforts of the early 20th century when local conservationists worked tirelessly to preserve its natural beauty against industrial threats. Today, visitors can engage in numerous recreational activities including hiking on its extensive trail network, camping under the star-studded sky, and fishing in its clear waters. The area appeals to those seeking solitude and a connection to nature, with plenty of spaces to explore and tranquil spots to contemplate the surroundings.

Field Guide · Wilderness Area
Adventure Destinations

Notable Destinations Near Green Island

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

Key Wilderness Highlights

✦ Summit Lake Overlook✦ Old Growth Forest✦ Wildflower Valley✦ Hidden Waterfall Trail
Wilderness Recreation

Outdoor Adventures in Green Island

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

Park Recreation

Hiking

Available in Green Island
Park Recreation

Camping

Available in Green Island
Park Recreation

Wildlife Viewing

Available in Green Island
Park Recreation

Fishing

Available in Green Island
Park Recreation

Photography

Available in Green Island
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 Island.

Passes & Fees

Entrance Requirements & Interagency Passes

No entrance fee is required; however, certain areas might require a permit for camping.

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 Island

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

Maple Grove Campground

Situated near the entrance, this campground offers easy access and basic facilities like water and restrooms.

Fern Valley Backcountry Campsite

Located deeper within the wilderness, ideal for those looking to immerse themselves in nature.

Adventure Basecamps

Gateway Towns Near Green Island

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

Berlin, Vermont
⌖ 3.46 miles
Gateway Basecamp

Berlin, Vermont

Berlin, Vermont is a peaceful town offering easy hiking, paddling on the Winooski River, and quiet winter trails. Perfect for travelers seeking a calm, nature-focused getaway with seasonal outdoor activities.

Spring through Fall for hiking and paddling; Winter for snow sports
Explore Town
Barre Town, Vermont
⌖ 5.68 miles
Gateway Basecamp

Barre Town, Vermont

Barre Town, Vermont, invites outdoor lovers to hike granite quarry trails, paddle calm rivers, and ski tranquil snow-covered forests, offering rugged adventure in a classic New England setting.

Spring through Fall for most activities; Winter for skiing and snowshoeing
Explore Town
Barre, Vermont
⌖ 5.68 miles
Gateway Basecamp

Barre, Vermont

Barre, Vermont offers authentic outdoors experiences from forest hiking and mountain biking to paddling serene ponds. With easy access to Groton State Forest and scenic winter trails, it’s a quiet adventure basecamp in Vermont’s green heart.

Late Spring through Fall for hiking and biking, Winter for snow sports
Explore Town
Plainfield, Vermont
⌖ 7.53 miles
Gateway Basecamp

Plainfield, Vermont

Plainfield, Vermont offers a quiet, rural escape with hiking, mountain biking, and paddling amid rolling hills and rich fall colors. Ideal in autumn and winter for serene outdoor exploration near Groton State Forest.

Fall and Winter
Explore Town
Northfield, Vermont
⌖ 8.67 miles
Gateway Basecamp

Northfield, Vermont

Northfield offers outdoor lovers a mix of hiking, paddling, and winter sports amid Vermont’s rolling hills and rivers. Its quiet trails and scenic waterways provide year-round adventure in a small-town setting.

Spring through Fall for hiking and paddling; Winter for skiing and snowshoeing
Explore Town
Orange, Vermont
⌖ 11.60 miles
Gateway Basecamp

Orange, Vermont

Orange, Vermont offers quiet forests, gentle paddling on the Waits River, and peaceful trails for hiking and winter sports. It’s a perfect low-key destination for outdoor lovers wanting authentic Vermont nature without crowds.

Spring through Fall for hiking and paddling; Winter for snow sports
Explore Town
Expert-Led Wilderness Expeditions

Guided Experiences in Green Island

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