Planning big dreams for a life in Vermont? Big congratulations are in order. The state is a ripe spot for nature’s bounty with loads of opportunities for communing—and appreciating—the great outdoors. The Green Mountain State is bordered by Canada, New York, New Hampshire, and Massachusetts. This New England state is well renowned for its vibrant green mountains (including the highest point, Mount Mansfield), highlands, rivers, and valleys. Vermont is an idyllic delight with fertile areas, lush foliage, streams, and lakes.
Learn about the best state parks in Vermont:
Green River Reservoir State Park
Google Rating: 4.9
The first spot to visit? Green River State Park, a large reserve located on the Green River reservoir with miles of shoreline. This state park is filled with activities, which include camping, boating, swimming, fishing, picnicking, mountain biking, hiking, wildlife spotting, and even winter sports like snowshoeing. Note: day use of the reservoir is limited, and the park does not rent boats on site. Visitors will have to bring their own kayaks and canoes (or rent them from nearby vendors).
Mount Philo State Park
Google Rating: 4.8
Next in your exploration itinerary is Mount Philo State Park. If you’re living near—or traveling from—Boston, this state park is just 227 miles from the city. This 237-acre state park surrounds the area around Mount Philo and is loaded with scenic views. To the west, you can spot the Adirondack Mountains and Lake Champlain. And to the east, you can catch a view of the Green Mountains. Recreation is also the name of the game at Mount Philo State Park, with fun opportunities such as camping (with tent sites and lean-tos), hiking, and picnicking.
Jamaica State Park
Google Rating: 4.8
Now, it’s time for more nature delights at Jamaica State Park. The 772-acre state park is located on the West River and is just the place to go for water-based activities and hikes. Recreation opportunities include swimming, boating, kayaking, fishing, camping, wildlife viewing, hiking, mountain biking, and snowshoeing. Beyond that, there are nature programs, picnic spots, horseshoe pits, and volleyball courts.
Waterbury Center State Park
Google Rating: 4.7
Looking for day adventures? Head on over to Waterbury Center State Park, a day-use state park outside of Burlington, Vermont. The park itself is 90 acres and can be found within the Mount Mansfield State Forest. Spend the day hiking, swimming, boating, canoeing, kayaking, bicycling, birding or wildlife spotting, and picnicking. Winter sports are also available in the colder months.
Branbury State Park
Google Rating: 4.7
Just 58 miles outside of Montpelier, Vermont, Branbury State Park is a jewel box of nature experiences. This 69-acre state park is near Lake Dunmore, with scenic views and photo opportunities at nearly every turn. Plan a camping trip—or just a day visit—and engage in a bevy of fun-filled pastimes including swimming, boating, hiking, fishing, paddle boarding, and canoeing. There are also nature programs, a playground, picnic spots, cabins, showers, boat rentals, and a snack bar on site.
Little River State Park
Google Rating: 4.7
Ready for some charm? Go to Little River State Park, a campground state park 18 miles outside Montpelier, Vermont. Located within the Mount Mansfield State Forest, this bustling and verdant park is just the ticket for camping, hiking, swimming, fishing, boating, wildlife watching, picnicking, and more.
Camp Plymouth State Park
Google Rating: 4.7
Picture-perfect views have arrived, and you can find them at Camp Plymouth State Park. 113 miles from Springfield, the 295-acre park is a haven for outdoor fun. Plan a camping trip to hike, swim, fish, horseback ride, and picnic. Water sports and winter sports are also popular at Echo Lake nearby.
Elmore State Park
Google Rating: 4.7
Commune with beauty at Elmore State Park, a 755-acre nature area that includes Elmore Mountain and Lake Elmore. Aside from green mountains, the state park also boasts a sandy beach by the lake for endless fun. Spend the day hiking or engage in a variety of water-based activities (think, swimming, fishing, boating, and more), plus rent boating equipment and picnic.
Lake St. Catherine State Park
Google Rating: 4.6
Explore the lake at this 117-acre state park. Lake St. Catherine State Park is a popular swimming area where you can also hike, picnic, fish, camp, and view wildlife. Winter and water sports are also available.
Lowell Lake State Park
Google Rating: 4.7
Don’t forget to visit Lowell Lake State Park, a much-loved day-use state park that sits on 102 acres. Hike the Lowell Lake Trail loop, picnic, boat (non-motorized only), fish, view wildlife, and enjoy winter sports too.
The Green Mountain State
Considering a move to Vermont? Check out our other articles on the best places to live and notable safe cities to call your next home. And when you’re ready to find your new home, you can find new listings every day at NewHomeSource.
*All parks have been ranked based on the criteria of popularity, distance from the closest major cities, violent crime, property crime, google ratings, and the number of google reviews.
Stephanie Valente is a Content Director and Editor in Brooklyn, NY. She’s previously held writing and social media positions at Barkbox, Men’s Journal, and currently works at a full-service advertising agency. She’s a self-confessed home and design enthusiast. Stephanie is an award-winning poet and fiction writer. When she’s offline, you can find her taking a yoga class, running, hanging out with her rescue dog Pepper. Find her on stephanievalente.com.
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