United States
Vermont
Vermont offers remarkable outdoor adventures across its pristine landscape dominated by the 250-mile Green Mountain range with 20 peaks exceeding 3,500 feet, including Mount Mansfield at 4,393 feet. Explore the 343,000-acre Green Mountain National Forest with over 500 miles of trails, including 100 miles of the historic Long Trail—America's oldest long-distance hiking path. Discover more than 800 lakes and ponds, with Lake Champlain stretching 120 miles along the western border featuring 587 miles of shoreline and 70+ islands. Experience the state's dramatic seasonal transformations from spectacular fall foliage displays across sugar maple forests to world-class winter skiing at renowned resorts like Killington, Stowe, and Sugarbush. The Northeast Kingdom region showcases Vermont's most remote wilderness with vast forests, pristine lakes, and abundant wildlife including moose and black bears across three counties of rugged, undeveloped terrain.
0National Parks
55State Parks
50+Landmarks
1National Forests
Vermont Adventure Guide
Vermont's landscape is defined by the Green Mountains, a branch of the Appalachian Mountain chain extending for 250 miles through the center of the state, with 20 peaks rising above 3,500 feet including Mount Mansfield—the state's highest point at 4,393 feet. The state's 343,000 acres of pristine forested mountains are protected within the Green Mountain National Forest, offering over 500 miles of trails, including 100 miles of the famous Long Trail—America's oldest long-distance hiking path established in 1910—which follows the main ridge of the Green Mountains from Massachusetts to Canada. Vermont's extensive waterways include over 800 lakes and ponds, with Lake Champlain forming a significant part of the state's western boundary, stretching 120 miles long and up to 12 miles wide, with a maximum depth of 400 feet, 70+ islands, and 587 miles of shoreline offering exceptional opportunities for boating, fishing, and swimming. The state's pastoral countryside features iconic rolling hills, working farms with red barns and grazing animals, historic covered bridges (more than 100 remain standing), sugar maple groves that erupt in spectacular fall foliage displays, and pristine river valleys carved by glacial activity and thousands of years of flowing water. Vermont experiences dramatic seasonal changes, from snowy winters that transform the landscape into a winter sports paradise with world-class skiing at resorts like Killington, Stowe, and Sugarbush, to vibrant spring and summer seasons when wildflowers carpet alpine meadows and hiking trails showcase panoramic mountain vistas. The Northeast Kingdom region in northeastern Vermont encompasses three counties of exceptionally rugged, isolated terrain with vast forests, pristine lakes, and the highest concentration of public lands in the state, including 37,500 acres protected within the Nulhegan Basin Division of the Silvio O. Conte National Fish and Wildlife Refuge, which is home to numerous wildlife species including moose, black bears, and over 130 species of birds.
Top Highlights
8.5
Hiking to Thundering Brook Falls
Top-Rated Destination
Thundering Brook Falls Trail is a hidden gem in Killington, Vermont, offering a delightful escape into nature's embrace. Just a short drive from the bustling ski resorts, this trail stands out with its serene atmosphere and impressive waterfall. At its heart, the trail features Thundering Brook Falls, a captivating cas...
Quick Info
- Best Season to VisitSummer and Fall
- Popular ActivitiesHikingMountain BikingSkiingPaddlingCampingFishingFall Foliage ViewingSwimmingBird WatchingSnowshoeing
Travel Tips
- •Pack layers even in summer as nighttime temperatures can drop significantly
- •Fall foliage season attracts crowds; book accommodations well in advance
- •Many dirt roads become difficult to navigate during spring mud season (late March-April)
- •Winter driving conditions can be challenging; all-wheel drive or snow tires recommended
- •Cell service is limited in many areas, especially in the Northeast Kingdom
- •Trail conditions change dramatically with seasons; check current reports before hiking
Complete Vermont Adventure Guide
Vermont's landscape is defined by the Green Mountains, a branch of the Appalachian Mountain chain extending for 250 miles through the center of the state, with 20 peaks rising above 3,500 feet including Mount Mansfield—the state's highest point at 4,393 feet. The state's 343,000 acres of pristine forested mountains are protected within the Green Mountain National Forest, offering over 500 miles of trails, including 100 miles of the famous Long Trail—America's oldest long-distance hiking path established in 1910—which follows the main ridge of the Green Mountains from Massachusetts to Canada. Vermont's extensive waterways include over 800 lakes and ponds, with Lake Champlain forming a significant part of the state's western boundary, stretching 120 miles long and up to 12 miles wide, with a maximum depth of 400 feet, 70+ islands, and 587 miles of shoreline offering exceptional opportunities for boating, fishing, and swimming. The state's pastoral countryside features iconic rolling hills, working farms with red barns and grazing animals, historic covered bridges (more than 100 remain standing), sugar maple groves that erupt in spectacular fall foliage displays, and pristine river valleys carved by glacial activity and thousands of years of flowing water. Vermont experiences dramatic seasonal changes, from snowy winters that transform the landscape into a winter sports paradise with world-class skiing at resorts like Killington, Stowe, and Sugarbush, to vibrant spring and summer seasons when wildflowers carpet alpine meadows and hiking trails showcase panoramic mountain vistas. The Northeast Kingdom region in northeastern Vermont encompasses three counties of exceptionally rugged, isolated terrain with vast forests, pristine lakes, and the highest concentration of public lands in the state, including 37,500 acres protected within the Nulhegan Basin Division of the Silvio O. Conte National Fish and Wildlife Refuge, which is home to numerous wildlife species including moose, black bears, and over 130 species of birds.
