Squeezed between the Canadian border to the north and the Massachusetts border to the south, Vermont is beloved for its bucolic landscapes, Holstein-dotted pastures, pointy white-church steeples, craggy mountains, and the sparkling Lake Champlain.
Vermont has one national park, but its state parks – some with full amenities and others a bit more rustic – are spectacular. Visiting them is the best way to immerse yourself in all the state has to offer, from its 800 lakes and ponds to the Green Mountains and neighboring peaks.
1. Underhill State Park
Best park for summiting the state’s highest mountain
On the edge of 39,837-acre Mt Mansfield State Forest, Underhill State Park is one of the most popular springboards for hiking Vermont’s highest peak. It boasts some iconic trails, such as Sunset Ridge, a cairn-marked rocky rib that climbs towards Mt Mansfield’s 4,393ft summit and offers sweeping views of Champlain Valley, Lake Champlain, and the entire ridgeline of the Green Mountains.
The park sits at an elevation of about 2,000ft and has four trails to the summit, along with a historic Civilian Conservation Corps road and a pavilion that campers in the group tent sites can use. Watch out for the Wampahoofus, a mythological monster with one short leg and one long one – ideal for traveling the steep slopes of Mt Mansfield.
In winter, when the park gates are closed, skiers park along the road to Underhill to access backcountry lines.
2. Camel’s Hump State Park
Best park for hikers of all abilities
This state park is home to Camel’s Hump, Vermont’s third-highest peak at 4,083ft. Although it has no facilities aside from trail-access parking lots, it’s one of the state’s most popular parks – thousands of hikers visit annually to summit or trek through to Vermont’s iconic end-to-end Long Trail.
There’s a trail for every hiker here, from the popular Burrows Trail, which leads to the landing just below Camel’s Hump’s distinctive summit, to the Forest City Trail, which climbs up its most precipitous face.
Detour off the Monroe Trail onto the Alpine Trail to see the wreckage of a World War II fighter plane or check out other zones of Camel’s Hump State Forest. Enter through the Nordic ski area to hike to Burt’s Crown, a favorite local spot, or strap on skis in winter to explore Honey Hollow.
3. Lake St Catherine State Park
Best park for families with kids
Nestled on the shores of Lake St Catherine, this state park features 50 campsites, 11 lean-tos, a boat launch, and a vast multi-use trail network. Both mountain bikers and hikers can hop on the Slate Valley Trails that wind through the town of Poultney.
Fish for panfish and Great Northern Pike in the lake, or enjoy wakeboarding and waterskiing. Though it’s far from any large cities, the park is popular for its beautiful beaches and expansive lawns in the day-use area.
Along with the beach, children love the playground, making it one of the best state parks for families. Disc golfers will also appreciate the park’s course.
4. Quechee State Park
Best park for river and gorge views
Carved by glaciers approximately 13,000 years ago, with the Ottuaquechee River running through it today, Quechee Gorge is one of the state’s most prominent natural features. Most visitors enjoy the views off Vermont Rte 4, at the top of the gorge.
Stop in at Quechee Park, a former wool-processing mill, to enjoy the campground and day-use areas, including a skeet range, baseball diamond, picnic area, volleyball, horseshoes, and campsites. Take the Quechee Gorge Trail to the river for expansive views from the gorge bottom.
The park is close to the towns of Quechee and Woodstock, known for their great shopping and fantastic food.
5. Kingsland Bay State Park
Best park for relaxing on the water
Kingsland Bay’s location on one of the most scenic sections of Lake Champlain’s shoreline offers lake access and Adirondack views, making it a major draw for visitors. There are facilities for events, but the vast lawn rolling down to the water is where visitors can enjoy swimming, paddling, boating, and splashing.
Adventure seekers can rent a boat to explore the Bay and Lake Champlain or paddle over to the hiking trails that meander around the shore.
Originally a girl’s camp, Kingsland Bay has been part of the Vermont State Park network since the late 1960s, with designated natural areas showcasing unique flora, including a cedar-pine forest overlooking the lake.
6. Smugglers’ Notch State Park
Best park for winter action
Once a part of the Underground Railroad and a route for Prohibition-era smugglers, Smugglers’ Notch is now a scenic road where visitors admire the towering cliffs and hike sections of the Long Trail.
Although the road is closed in winter, the park remains popular with ice climbers and skiers. The area is also loved by sledders, Nordic skiers, and snowshoers. While many visit for the day, there are campsites and lean-tos available.
7. Burton Island State Park
Best park for a day trip
Located in Lake Champlain near St Albans, Burton Island State Park is popular in the summer with families, featuring lean-tos, campsites, and a marina. With three miles of shoreline, there’s plenty of swimming on all sides. Moreover, since it’s only accessible by boat, the park feels remote, adding to its allure.
Exploring the park is also enjoyable for birding, biking, and fishing. Visitors can enjoy the park’s agricultural history showcased at the camp store and restaurant.
8. Marsh-Billings-Rockefeller National Historical Park
Best park for history and culture
On the edge of Woodstock, Vermont, this national historical park offers activities for nature lovers and history enthusiasts. The park’s 600 acres are crisscrossed by carriage roads and trails, inviting walkers and hikers to explore.
The historic Billings Farm & Museum and the ornate Victorian-style Marsh-Billings-Rockefeller Mansion, originally the home of conservationist George Perkins Marsh, offer a unique perspective on Vermont’s history.
Visitors can marvel at the landscapes, wander the museum, and explore exhibits on the Abenaki people, the first settlers of the area. The park provides a rich opportunity for exploration and appreciation of Vermont’s cultural heritage.
