Vermont

Vermont is a small but scenically rich state tucked into the northeastern corner of the United States, part of the New England region. It is the only New England state without an Atlantic coastline, yet it is defined by an extraordinary natural identity rooted in its forested mountains, glacier-carved valleys, and pristine lakes. The Green Mountains form the state’s rugged spine, running north to south and providing the backbone for both summer hiking and world-class winter skiing.

Vermont borders New York to the west, Massachusetts to the south, New Hampshire to the east, and Quebec, Canada to the north, with the Connecticut River forming much of the border with New Hampshire. To the northwest, Lake Champlain creates a broad natural boundary with New York and extends into Canada, offering boating, fishing, and lakeside recreation for residents and visitors alike. The Champlain Valley, stretching between the Green Mountains and the lake, is the state’s most densely populated corridor and home to Burlington, its largest city.

The state divides naturally into several distinct travel regions. Southern Vermont, anchored by Brattleboro and Manchester, is known for its charming towns, covered bridges, and ski destinations such as Mount Snow and Stratton Mountain. The Mad River Valley offers classic Vermont village life alongside Sugarbush and Mad River Glen ski areas. The northeast corner of the state, known as the Northeast Kingdom, is one of the most remote and wild areas in New England, celebrated for boreal forests, pristine lakes, and a rugged frontier character that draws anglers, hikers, and cyclists.

Vermont’s most famous draws include its legendary fall foliage, which typically peaks from late September through mid-October and draws visitors from across the world. The Long Trail, the oldest long-distance hiking trail in the United States, runs 272 miles along the main ridge of the Green Mountains from Massachusetts to Canada. The state is also renowned for its maple syrup production, artisan food culture, and the iconic Ben and Jerry’s Factory in Waterbury. Marsh-Billings-Rockefeller National Historical Park in Woodstock preserves a storied conservation landscape and is one of only a handful of NPS units in the state.

With 55 developed state parks, 10 scenic byways, and terrain that ranges from lakeside beaches to 4,393-foot Mount Mansfield, Vermont rewards outdoor travelers in every season. Summer brings hiking, paddling, and farm-to-table dining; winter fills the mountain resorts with skiers and snowboarders. Maple sugaring generally begins in late winter or early spring during freeze-thaw cycles, while mud season typically runs from late March through Memorial Day weekend and can limit trail access. Patrick Leahy Burlington International Airport serves as the state’s primary air gateway, making the Green Mountain State accessible from most major U.S. cities.

Featured State Parks in Vermont

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