Hiking scenic trails, wandering bustling farmers’ markets, and strolling Church Street with an ice cream in hand are just a few of the best outdoor activities Vermont has to offer. The Green Mountain State practically begs you to go outside and explore.
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About This Vermont Blog Post
Vermont’s landscapes feel storybook-perfect: rolling green hills, quaint towns punctuated by church steeples, and wide open spaces that invite you outside. I fell in love with the state—my partner and I got engaged and married here—and I return whenever I can.
A trip to Vermont is an ideal chance to spend time outdoors. From the Green Mountains to farmers’ markets, lively downtowns, bike paths, and seasonal celebrations, Vermont offers some of New England’s best outdoor experiences. Summer and early fall are especially rewarding times to visit.
Below are some of the best outdoor activities in Vermont, including our personal favorites.
Looking for gluten-free options? See my celiac travel guide to Burlington for recommendations.
The Best of Vermont: Hikes, Food, & Fun
- About This Vermont Blog Post
- The Best of Vermont: Hikes, Food, & Fun
- About Vermont: The Green Mountain State
- Outdoor Fun In Vermont
About Vermont: The Green Mountain State
Located in the northwest corner of New England, Vermont borders Canada and the states of New York, New Hampshire, and Maine. It’s an easy weekend escape from the Boston area—only a few hours’ drive—and is characterized by small towns, rural roads, and wide-open countryside. Burlington, home to the University of Vermont, and Montpelier, the state capital, are the largest population centers. Vermont is also well known for its maple syrup, Ben & Jerry’s ice cream, and its distinct local culture.
The best times to visit are summer, fall, and winter. Each season offers its own outdoor attractions, whether it’s hiking and swimming in summer, spectacular foliage in fall, or skiing and winter sports. Spring can be muddy as snow melts, while by June you’ll usually find warmer weather, green mountains, and blooming wildflowers.
Outdoor Fun In Vermont
Hike Mount Philo
Mount Philo is a short, rewarding hike that’s perfect for solo travelers, couples, and families. The trail offers impressive views of Lake Champlain for modest effort—about 2 miles round trip and roughly 500 feet of elevation gain. If you prefer, you can drive to the summit where picnic tables and restrooms make it an ideal spot for a picnic or a relaxed stop with panoramic views.
Kayak the Lamoille River
A summer kayak trip along the Lamoille River is a peaceful way to enjoy Vermont’s waterways. You can bring your own kayak or rent one locally. The river corridor features scenic banks, wildflowers in season, and even spots with rope swings. Kayaking lets you see the countryside from a relaxed, water-level perspective.
Stroll Church Street in Burlington
Church Street Marketplace in downtown Burlington is perfect for an afternoon of walking, shopping, and people-watching. The pedestrian mall is lined with cafes, shops, and frequent street performers. Nearby farmers’ markets offer fresh produce, and local favorites like Ben & Jerry’s and City Market make it easy to enjoy local flavors while you explore.
Go For A Bike Ride
Renting a bike for a few hours is a wonderful summer activity. Popular routes include the Burlington Bike Path along Lake Champlain and the Stowe Bike Path. For more ambitious cyclists, the Long Trail and other cross-state routes provide challenging, scenic rides that showcase Vermont’s varied terrain.
Leaf Peep in the Fall
Vermont is a top destination for fall foliage. Areas like Stowe and Smuggler’s Notch are well known for brilliant displays, but you’ll see beautiful colors across the state. Leaf-peeping typically begins as early as September in northern and higher-elevation areas, so timing varies by location.
Pick Your Own: Apples & Strawberries
Vermont’s farms and farmers’ markets are highlights of a summer or fall visit. Strawberry season is typically in June and July, while apple picking peaks in the fall. Many farms offer u-pick fields, seasonal treats like cider donuts, and farm stands selling fresh produce and baked goods—perfect for a leisurely outing.
Hike Mount Mansfield: Vermont’s Highest Point
Mount Mansfield is Vermont’s highest peak and offers rewarding day hikes with steady elevation gain. Most routes are 4–5 miles round trip and include rocky, exposed sections. The mountain’s profile is famously likened to a face—featuring features such as the “chin” and “nose”—and the views from the summit are expansive. If you prefer a less strenuous option, a gondola ride from nearby Stowe can take you high on the mountain with minimal effort.
Sample Local Products: Maple Syrup
Tasting local maple syrup is a quintessential Vermont experience. Visit a sugarhouse to learn how sap becomes syrup and sample different grades and flavors. Many small producers sell bottles and gifts at markets and farm stores, and local syrup is a delicious souvenir to take home.
Swim, Ice Fish, or Boat In Lake Champlain
Lake Champlain is a stunning freshwater lake that supports many seasonal activities. On hot summer days you can swim or boat; in winter the lake offers opportunities for ice fishing. Spring and fall bring scenic boat rides and shoreline concerts in summer make evenings along the lake especially pleasant.
Hike Camel’s Hump
Camel’s Hump is another classic Vermont hike. The trail is roughly 6 miles round trip with steep sections and a rocky, exposed summit that rewards hikers with sweeping 360-degree views. Located north of Burlington, the mountain offers a different perspective of the surrounding ranges and valleys.
Get Some Ice Cream
No trip to Vermont is complete without ice cream. Ben & Jerry’s is ubiquitous across the state, and visiting a factory or local scoop shop is a favorite pastime. For a regional treat, try a maple “creemee”—a soft-serve vanilla flavored with Vermont maple syrup.
For gluten-free options in Burlington, check my gluten-free travel guide to Burlington.
Final Thoughts About Vermont
Vermont has a special place in my heart. Returning here always feels like a reset: fresh air, wildflowers, and woodland trails that invite slowing down. Our wedding day was a perfect summer example—sunshine, flowers, and nature all around.
Whether you’re driving up for a weekend or planning a longer stay, Vermont rewards visitors who want to be outside. Use this list to plan hikes, market visits, bike rides, and other outdoor adventures in the Green Mountains.
Looking for more New England travel guides?
Explore my guides to Salem, Massachusetts; Acadia National Park in Maine; and gluten-free travel resources for Boston, New Hampshire, Burlington, and southern Maine.
Have you ever been to Vermont?
What’s your favorite outdoor activity in the Green Mountain State?
Tell me in the comments below!