Forget maple syrup and Ben & Jerry’s for a moment.
Vermont’s hiding a secret stash of natural wonders that’ll make you wonder why you’ve been spending your weekends binge-watching instead of trail-blazing.
Let’s dive into the Green Mountain State’s lesser-known gems!
1. Branbury State Park (Salisbury)
Nestled at the foot of the Green Mountains, Branbury State Park is like that quiet kid in class who turns out to be a secret superhero.
The park’s crown jewel is Lake Dunmore, a crystal-clear body of water that’s practically begging you to jump in.
And let me tell you, on a hot summer day, that lake is more refreshing than finding an extra fry at the bottom of your takeout bag.
The beach here is so pristine, you’ll think you’ve stumbled onto a Caribbean island – minus the palm trees and plus a few more maple leaves.
It’s the perfect spot for building sandcastles, though I’d advise against trying to create a life-size replica of the Taj Mahal.
Trust me, I’ve tried, and the park rangers aren’t impressed by your architectural ambitions.
For the more adventurous souls, there are hiking trails that wind through the surrounding forest.
Just remember, if you hear banjo music, you’ve probably wandered too far off the path.
Or into a very niche Vermont bluegrass festival.
2. Alburg Dunes State Park (Alburg)
Alburg Dunes is the state park equivalent of finding out your nerdy neighbor is actually a world-class surfer.
Who knew Vermont had sand dunes?
It’s like Mother Nature decided to sprinkle a little Sahara into her New England cocktail.
The park boasts a mile-long natural sand beach on Lake Champlain, perfect for those who want to pretend they’re at the ocean without the risk of shark attacks.
The water is warm and shallow, ideal for wading or practicing your best “Baywatch” slow-motion run.
Just don’t expect any lifeguards to be impressed.
Bird watching is a popular activity here, with over 300 species recorded.
It’s like a real-life Pokémon Go, except these creatures don’t fit in your pocket, and throwing balls at them is generally frowned upon.
3. Brighton State Park (Island Pond)
If you’re looking to get away from it all, Brighton State Park is your ticket to solitude.
It’s so peaceful here, you can actually hear yourself think – which, depending on your thoughts, could be either delightful or terrifying.
The park surrounds Spectacle Pond, a name that always makes me wonder if I should be wearing glasses to fully appreciate its beauty.
The pond is perfect for canoeing, kayaking, or just floating around on an inflatable pizza slice (other shapes are available, but why would you choose anything else?).
For land lovers, there are hiking trails that offer views so stunning, you’ll want to frame them and hang them on your wall.
Or, you know, just take a picture with your phone like a normal person.
4. Coolidge State Park (Plymouth)
Named after President Calvin Coolidge, this park is anything but silent.
It’s a symphony of nature, with the rustling leaves, chirping birds, and the occasional “thud” of a hiker realizing they’re not as in shape as they thought they were.
The park offers panoramic views of the Green Mountains that are so breathtaking, you’ll think you’ve stumbled onto a Bob Ross painting.
Just resist the urge to add “happy little trees” – the real ones are perfect as they are.
Camping here is a must-do experience.
There’s something magical about falling asleep under the stars, surrounded by the sounds of nature.
And by “sounds of nature,” I mean your tentmate’s snoring that somehow manages to echo through the entire forest.
5. Emerald Lake State Park (East Dorset)
Emerald Lake is the jewel in Vermont’s crown – quite literally, given its name.
The water is so clear and green, you’d think someone dumped a vat of food coloring in it.
The beach here is perfect for sunbathing, swimming, or practicing your best “I’m on a tropical vacation” poses for social media.
Just be prepared for your friends back home to be very confused about your sudden trip to the Caribbean.
For the more active visitors, there are hiking trails that offer stunning views of the surrounding mountains.
It’s like nature’s StairMaster, but with better scenery and less judgmental gym-goers.
6. Green River Reservoir State Park (Hyde Park)
Green River Reservoir is the introvert of state parks.
It’s remote, quiet, and perfect for those who think “social distancing” should be a permanent lifestyle choice.
The park is a paddler’s paradise, with 19 miles of undeveloped shoreline.
It’s so peaceful, you can hear a fish jump from across the lake.
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Or maybe that’s just your stomach grumbling because you forgot to pack snacks.
Always pack snacks, folks.
Camping here is primitive, which is a fancy way of saying “no showers, no electricity, and definitely no Wi-Fi.”
It’s the perfect opportunity to reconnect with nature and disconnect from your Instagram feed.
Don’t worry, those cat videos will still be there when you get back.
7. Kettle Pond State Park (Groton)
Kettle Pond is like that hidden gem of a restaurant that you’re hesitant to tell people about because you don’t want it to get too popular.
Oops, cat’s out of the bag now!
The pond itself is a glacial remnant, which is a fancy way of saying “really old puddle.”
But what a puddle it is!
The water is so clear, you can see fish swimming below you.
It’s like having your own personal aquarium, minus the overpriced gift shop.
Hiking trails wind through the surrounding forest, offering glimpses of wildlife and stunning vistas.
Just remember, if you see a moose, it has the right of way.
Always.
No exceptions.
They don’t care about your hiking schedule.
8. Molly Stark State Park (Wilmington)
Named after the wife of General John Stark (aka the guy who coined “Live Free or Die”), Molly Stark State Park is as feisty and beautiful as its namesake.
The park offers a mix of history and nature that’s more satisfying than finding out your favorite book is being turned into a movie (and they’re not changing everything).
The highlight here is the fire tower atop Mt. Olga.
Climb to the top, and you’re rewarded with a 360-degree view that’ll make your jaw drop faster than finding out your crush likes you back.
On a clear day, you can see three states and Canada.
It’s like being on top of the world, minus the frostbite and oxygen deprivation.
The park also features a nature museum that’s perfect for curious kids or adults who never grew out of their dinosaur phase.
9. Mt. Ascutney State Park (Windsor)
Mt. Ascutney is the overachiever of Vermont’s mountains.
It stands alone, rising dramatically from the Connecticut River Valley like it’s auditioning for a lead role in “Mountains: The Musical.”
The park offers four trails to the summit, each varying in difficulty from “pleasant stroll” to “why did I think this was a good idea?”
But trust me, the views from the top are worth every bead of sweat and muttered curse word.
For those who prefer their adventures with wheels, there’s a 3.7-mile auto road to the summit.
It’s like cheating, but with better gas mileage and less judgmental looks from hardcore hikers.
10. Ricker Pond State Park (Groton)
Ricker Pond is the kind of place that makes you want to write poetry, even if you think rhyming is for kids and greeting cards.
It’s just that beautiful.
The pond is perfect for fishing, boating, or just sitting by the shore contemplating life’s big questions, like “Why didn’t I bring more bug spray?” or “Is that a loon call or my stomach growling again?”
The park is part of Groton State Forest, which means you’re surrounded by miles of hiking trails.
It’s like a choose-your-own-adventure book, but with more trees and less chance of accidentally choosing an ending where you’re eaten by a grue.
11. Wilgus State Park (Weathersfield)
Wilgus State Park is that friend who’s always up for anything.
Camping?
Check.
Hiking?
You got it.
Canoeing?
Absolutely.
Competitive squirrel watching?
Well, maybe that’s just me.
The park sits on the Connecticut River, offering beautiful views and plenty of opportunities for water-based fun.
It’s the perfect spot to practice your kayaking skills or your best impression of Huck Finn floating down the Mississippi (just don’t expect any steamboats).
For land lovers, there are hiking trails that offer scenic views of the river valley.
Just remember, what goes down must come up.
Unless you’ve arranged for someone to pick you up at the bottom.
In which case, well played.
12. Woodford State Park (Woodford)
Last but not least, we have Woodford State Park, sitting pretty at Vermont’s highest elevation state park.
The air up here is so fresh, you’ll wonder if you’ve been breathing wrong your whole life.
The park surrounds Adams Reservoir, a body of water so serene it could calm even the most caffeinated squirrel.
It’s perfect for swimming, boating, or just floating around pretending you’re in a shampoo commercial.
For the adventurous, there are miles of hiking trails through the surrounding forest.
Just remember to bring a map, compass, or at least a really good sense of direction.
Getting lost in the woods is only fun in fairy tales, and even then, it usually ends with someone trying to eat you.
So there you have it, folks – twelve of Vermont’s best-kept secrets.
Now get out there and explore!
Your couch will understand, I promise.