National Parks and Natural Wonders That Make Vermont a Must-Visit
Nestled in the northeastern corner of Vermont, the Northeast Kingdom offers one of the state’s most pristine natural sanctuaries: the Kingdom Trails in East Burke, about an hour north of St. Johnsbury. This extensive network of over 100 miles of multi-use trails winds through rolling forests and along gentle streams, inviting visitors to explore on foot, bike, or snowshoe depending on the season. What makes Kingdom Trails exceptional is its carefully maintained singletrack paths that blend seamlessly into the landscape, providing both beginner-friendly loops and challenging routes that test even experienced mountain bikers. Autumn cloaks the forest in fiery reds and golds, making the fall months a spectacular time to pedal or hike here, while winter transforms it into a serene snowshoeing and fat-tire biking paradise.
Heading southwest from Burlington, a drive of about 45 minutes brings you to Camel’s Hump State Park, home to Vermont’s third highest peak at 4,083 feet. Camel’s Hump is renowned for its distinctive, triple-peaked summit and sweeping panoramic views of the Green Mountains. The Long Trail crosses directly over the summit, so adventurous hikers can tackle the popular Burrows Trail, a moderate 3.8-mile climb that rewards with stunning vistas of the surrounding valleys and Lake Champlain beyond. The park’s unique alpine tundra ecosystem along the summit ridgeline is a rare sight in Vermont and protected by conservation efforts. Early fall is the prime season here, when cooler temperatures make the climb pleasant and the changing foliage adds vibrant color to the vista.
Further south, near Middlebury, the Green Mountain National Forest beckons with vast wilderness that stretches across hundreds of thousands of acres. The Robert Frost Interpretive Trail at the Bread Loaf Campus offers a soulful experience combining natural beauty with literary history, named after the poet who lived nearby. This short, easy loop trail showcases forest ecology alongside interpretive plaques with Frost’s poetry, making it a reflective stroll for all ages. For those seeking a more commanding view, the nearby Hapgood Pond Recreation Area features a scenic lake surrounded by forested hills. Summer visitors can swim or paddle in the calm waters, while autumn’s crisp air enhances the vivid foliage that frames the pond’s mirror-like surface.
In the southwestern corner of the state, the town of Manchester, just under two hours from Burlington, charms visitors with its blend of natural and cultural attractions. The nearby Equinox Preserve offers a slower-paced natural retreat with historic carriage roads and hiking trails that ascend Mount Equinox. The summit trail is a strenuous six miles round trip, but the summit restaurant and ski area provide easier access routes. Equinox stands out for its high elevation and the sweeping views over the Taconic Mountains and the Hudson River Valley in New York. The spring wildflower bloom on the lower slopes transforms the preserve into a colorful carpet of native flora, ideal for botanists and photographers alike.
On the eastern edge of Vermont, a short 30-minute drive south from Barre brings you to Groton State Forest, one of the largest state forests in Vermont. With over 21,000 acres, it offers an array of natural highlights, including several glistening lakes and ponds such as Lake Groton and Kettle Pond. The forest’s Peacham Pond and Boulder Beach areas are perfect for summer swims and picnics, while the forest’s extensive trail system invites hiking and mountain biking amid towering pines and hardwoods. What sets Groton apart is its combination of accessible water recreation and quiet, forested trails, making it a year-round destination. Fall visitors benefit from the stunning foliage reflected in the still waters, creating picture-perfect scenes.
Near the southern border, the Molly Stark State Park lies about 20 minutes east of Brattleboro and nearly hugs the New Hampshire state line. Named after the wife of Revolutionary War General John Stark, the park’s Bald Mountain Trail offers a moderate hike with excellent views of the Connecticut River Valley and the White Mountains beyond. The ascent is roughly two miles one way, winding through mixed hardwood forests and open ledges that showcase the region’s geological diversity. The park’s picnic areas and camping facilities invite visitors to linger and soak up the quiet rural setting. Springtime here is especially beautiful, as wildflowers carpet the forest floor and migratory birds return to the valley.
Finally, no account of Vermont’s natural splendor would be complete without mentioning the serene shores of Lake Champlain, which borders the western edge of the state near Burlington. The Lake Champlain Islands, accessible within an hour’s drive north, offer a unique blend of water-based recreation and pastoral landscapes. At Button Bay State Park, a short drive south of Middlebury, visitors find hiking trails that wind through rare fossil beds and limestone bluffs overlooking the lake’s turquoise waters. Kayaking, birdwatching, and fishing are popular activities here, with the backdrop of the Adirondack Mountains across the lake. Summer evenings bring spectacular sunsets that paint the sky with vivid hues, a perfect end to a day immersed in the lake’s tranquil beauty.