Fall Hikes At Vermont State Parks: Part 1, Northern VT

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View of Elmore in fall
Mt. Philo State Park in Charlotte
Summit Trail
Campground Trail

This park is one of the most popular hikes in the Champlain Valley, with easy access to Burlington, and stellar views of Lake Champlain from the top in any season. A good spot to take your friends from out of town!

Camel’s Hump State Park, Duxbury VT
Burrows Trail

Probably the most iconic mountain in Vermont. Several trails lead to the top from moderate to strenuous. If you want a less difficult hike, the Camel’s Hump View Trail is .08 miles along a wide, flat path, universally accessible, and with pretty views of the summit. 
Camel's Hump trail map: 

Brighton State Park, Island Pond VT
Northeast Kingdom Nature Trail

For those looking for a short hike that is a good choice for families, try the nature trail at Brighton State Park. This is an easy hike and also a good way to learn about the surrounding environment of the Northeast Kingdom, which is known for putting on an impressive foliage display each fall.
Enjoying the scenery at Underhill State Park 

Trail map here:

New Discovery State Park, Marshfield VT
Owl’s Head Trail

The Owl’s Head Trail, with its’ iconic view west towards Kettle Pond and the mountains beyond is the most well-known, and another good spot to take out-of-town visitors. Groton State Forest also has a network of over 40 more miles of trails, so after you hike Owl’s Head, make some time to explore more of the forest. 


Elmore State Park, Lake Elmore VT
Fire Tower & Ridge Trails
Mountain Brook Nature Trail

From the trailhead parking lot, two summit trails take you up Elmore Mountain, which has views overlooking Lake Elmore, the Worcester Range and Mount Mansfield to the west from the fire tower. A half-mile nature trail starts from the same place and loops around through the forest, past several species of maples. 

Underhill State Park, Underhill VT
Smugglers’ Notch State Park, Stowe VT

Mount Mansfield is the tallest peak in Vermont, and Smugglers’ Notch and Underhill offer access from both sites of the mountain.

Map of Mount Mansfield Trails:

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