From the Green Mountains of Vermont to Lake Champlain's sparkling waters, Vermont is home to some of New England's most beautiful scenery. One of the best ways to explore that is by visiting its state parks, where protected land also preserves the most scenic of landscapes. Whether the view is from the top of a mountain or along the shores of a tranquil lake, Vermont offers it all for visitors who don't mind getting a bit adventurous. Here are some of the best state parks that offer the best views.
8 Mount Philo State Park
One of the most popular parks in Chittenden County is Mount Philo State Park. This park offers both a hiking trail and a road to the summit, which grants visitors expansive views over Lake Champlain and the Adirondacks. It's especially popular in the summer and on the weekends but is well worth it for the views. It's also the state's oldest state park and was first established in 1924.
7 Quechee State Park
Most famous for the Quechee Gorge, this state park offers one of the most dramatic views of any in the state of Vermont. Instead of looking up or across, visitors will be looking down - 165 feet straight down, to be exact. The riverbed below makes for a wild landscape, with trees growing out of the gorge's rock walls and even more flora surrounding. It's a bucket-list destination for sure, with the extra-added perk that it is one of Vermont's best state parks.
6 Button Bay State Park
Button Bay State Park offers expansive views of both Lake Champlain and the Adirondacks and features some of the best campsites in the state. Hiking and recreational water activities are popular in this park, but many people simply come to admire the views, of which, there are many. With 253 acres to explore, there's plenty of room for everyone and plenty of trails to be found.
5 Mount Ascutney State Park
While Mount Ascutney is known for its summit views, the entire park is a beauty to behold. The hardwood forests within this park are home to a plethora of mountain trails, not all of which lead to steep mountain views - but can. At the summit of Mount Ascutney, hikers will find incredible views from a height of 3,144 feet, giving a full panorama of the surrounding landscape.
4 Smugglers Notch State Park
Those visiting Stowe, which is just as popular during the summer as it is during the winter, should not miss the chance to visit Smuggler's Notch. Affectionately referred to as 'Smuggs' by the locals, this state park is home to a wide variety of hikes that range from easy to difficult. However, even driving through the park will yield scenic views and overlooks, but exploring it on foot is the best way to see it. Note: The Notch road is open seasonally and visitors should always check before planning their trip.
3 Jamaica State Park
Jamaica State Park covers an expansive distance of 772 acres, but that's not what makes it one of the best state parks in Vermont. It sits on the edge of one of two of the longest rivers in Southern Vermont, the West River, which is what makes it so scenic. Within this park alone, visitors can find several of the state's best waterfalls, making it somewhat of a hidden gem for those visiting Jamaica, Vermont, and the surrounding area.
2 Lake St. Catherine State Park
This park is home to the fifth-largest lake in Vermont, but one of the most beautiful. It's a popular location for camping, but many people visit to take advantage of the state park's day use for recreational activities. Boating and water sports are popular here, especially view lakeside views that are some of the best in the state. This is also the perfect place to pack a picnic lunch and enjoy the views over the lake, which is the way many visitors find themselves spending a warm summer's day.
1 Grand Isle State Park
Those visiting Vermont might not be familiar with the islands that sit in the middle of Lake Champlain, just in between Vermont and Upstate New York. One of these is Grand Isle, which is home to Grand Isle State Park, offering expansive views of the lake in every direction as well as both New York and Vermont. It's a popular summer destination thanks to its water access, and it's also a great place to spend the day exploring thanks to easy trails and low elevations.