Vermont’s natural beauty feels straight out of a postcard, a peaceful blend of rolling hills, mirrored lakes, and vibrant forests that change with every season. From mountain trails that test your spirit to gentle waterfalls that calm your mind, the Green Mountain State offers outdoor escapes for every traveler. Beyond maple syrup and cozy ski lodges lies a land where nature truly shines. These ten unforgettable destinations prove that every corner of Vermont is worth the trip.
1. Green Mountain National Forest
Stretching across two-thirds of the state, Green Mountain National Forest offers over 900 miles of trails winding through old hardwood trees, bubbling streams, and wildflower meadows. The legendary Long Trail crosses its peaks, rewarding hikers with sweeping views of the valley below. Fall brings brilliant foliage that blankets the landscape in fiery hues, while winter turns it into a snowy paradise. With camping, wildlife, and solitude, this vast forest defines Vermont’s wild, untamed heart.
2. Lake Champlain
Lake Champlain is Vermont’s shimmering gem, stretching 120 miles along the western border. Its sparkling waters invite sailing, kayaking, and paddleboarding in summer, while cyclists follow the scenic Burlington Bike Path hugging the shore. Visitors can explore the lake’s small islands, relax on its beaches, or enjoy fresh seafood along Burlington’s lively waterfront. As sunsets paint the sky in gold and rose, Lake Champlain captures the calm, timeless beauty that defines Vermont’s outdoor life.
3. Smugglers’ Notch State Park
Nestled between Mount Mansfield and Sterling Mountain, Smugglers’ Notch State Park delivers a dramatic mix of rugged cliffs, shaded forests, and winding mountain roads. Once a secret route for bootleggers and traders, the narrow pass now lures hikers and rock climbers chasing stunning overlooks. Trails lead to hidden waterfalls and wildflower-lined paths, offering perfect moments of solitude. In winter, deep snow turns it into a playground for skiers seeking untouched mountain adventure and serenity.
4. Quechee Gorge
Often called the “Grand Canyon of Vermont,” Quechee Gorge is one of the state’s most spectacular natural wonders. Carved 165 feet deep by the Ottauquechee River, its emerald waters rush between towering cliffs draped in lush forest. Visitors can view the gorge from the bridge above or follow the trail down to the riverbank for an even closer perspective. In autumn, fiery foliage frames the scene, making Quechee Gorge a breathtaking must-see all year long.
5. Mount Mansfield
Rising 4,393 feet, Mount Mansfield reigns as Vermont’s tallest peak and an adventure in every season. Hikers can tackle routes like the Sunset Ridge Trail for panoramic views of Lake Champlain and the distant Adirondacks. The mountain’s alpine tundra supports rare plants found nowhere else in the state. Those preferring comfort can ride the gondola or drive the toll road to the summit. Whether hiking or sightseeing, Mansfield embodies Vermont’s rugged beauty and endless wonder.
6. Moss Glen Falls
Just outside the charming town of Stowe, Moss Glen Falls tumbles gracefully through a lush forest, offering one of Vermont’s most photogenic sights. The 125-foot cascade can be reached by a short, easy hike that rewards visitors with a breathtaking view of rushing water framed by mossy rocks and ferns. In spring it roars with snowmelt; by winter it freezes into crystal sculptures. Peaceful and timeless, Moss Glen Falls captures Vermont’s natural serenity perfectly.
7. Camel’s Hump State Park
With its unmistakable double-peaked silhouette, Camel’s Hump is one of Vermont’s most beloved hiking destinations. The challenging trail to the summit offers sweeping 360-degree views of the Green Mountains, Lake Champlain, and even New York’s distant peaks. Along the way, hikers pass through thick forests, rocky ridgelines, and alpine meadows rich in wildflowers. Protected from development, Camel’s Hump remains wild and untouched, a symbol of Vermont’s deep connection to its pristine wilderness.
8. Stowe Recreation Path
This 5.3-mile paved trail meanders through the heart of Stowe, connecting mountain views, rivers, meadows, and quaint bridges. Cyclists, joggers, and walkers share the path, stopping at local cafés and artisan shops along the way. In autumn, the route bursts with gold and crimson leaves; in winter, it transforms into a peaceful cross-country ski track. The Stowe Recreation Path perfectly blends scenic beauty with small-town warmth, making it a favorite year-round escape.
9. Lake Willoughby
Cradled between Mount Pisgah and Mount Hor, Lake Willoughby feels like a Nordic fjord set in the Green Mountains. Its deep blue waters stretch beneath towering cliffs that glow in sunset light, creating one of Vermont’s most breathtaking scenes. Visitors can swim at North Beach, kayak across its glassy surface, or hike to nearby overlooks for panoramic views. Surrounded by quiet forests and crisp mountain air, Lake Willoughby offers pure, untouched wilderness at its finest.
10. Killington Peak
Known as “The Beast of the East,” Killington Peak offers breathtaking scenery year-round and stands as one of Vermont’s most famous outdoor destinations. In summer, visitors can hike lush alpine trails or ride the gondola to the summit for panoramic views stretching across the Green Mountains. During winter, it transforms into a world-class ski resort with fresh powder and lively après-ski spots. Whether you’re chasing adventure or mountain serenity, Killington Peak promises unforgettable views in every season.
