Mount Philo State Park, Charlotte
5. MOUNT PHILO
Charlotte
Round trip: 2.0 miles
Highest Elevation: 968 feet
Elevation gain: 650 feet
Directions: From the junction of Route 7 and Ferry Road in Charlotte, go south on Route 7 for three miles to State Park Road, which ends at the parking area and ranger booth at the entrance to Mount Philo State Park. Click to map.
Mount Philo is the centerpiece of Mount Philo State Park, Vermont’s oldest state park. It is a midget of a mountain, but it towers over the middle of the Champlain Valley, offering exceptional views of the lake and the Adirondacks beyond. It’s also known for its wildflowers.
The Mount Philo Trail (blue blazes) enters the woods on the left of the park road to the summit. There are many maples in the hardwood mix, and they make this hike a local favorite during fall foliage season.
The trail climbs steadily to House Rock, a large boulder that is hollowed out underneath. After a short traverse to the northeast, the trail squeezes between a tree and a large rock, then continues its ascent. At 0.5 mile, the trail reaches an intersection where a narrow, rocky spur exits right to Devil’s Chair, an enormous boulder that hangs on the hillside. The intersection is notable for the cleft in the rock that is fun to squeeze inside.
At about 0.8 mile, the pitch eases and the trail passes a perch and the first clear view. From here, the summit ledges and picnic area are a short, steep climb.
Charlotte
Round trip: 2.0 miles
Highest Elevation: 968 feet
Elevation gain: 650 feet
Directions: From the junction of Route 7 and Ferry Road in Charlotte, go south on Route 7 for three miles to State Park Road, which ends at the parking area and ranger booth at the entrance to Mount Philo State Park. Click to map.
Mount Philo is the centerpiece of Mount Philo State Park, Vermont’s oldest state park. It is a midget of a mountain, but it towers over the middle of the Champlain Valley, offering exceptional views of the lake and the Adirondacks beyond. It’s also known for its wildflowers.
The Mount Philo Trail (blue blazes) enters the woods on the left of the park road to the summit. There are many maples in the hardwood mix, and they make this hike a local favorite during fall foliage season.
The trail climbs steadily to House Rock, a large boulder that is hollowed out underneath. After a short traverse to the northeast, the trail squeezes between a tree and a large rock, then continues its ascent. At 0.5 mile, the trail reaches an intersection where a narrow, rocky spur exits right to Devil’s Chair, an enormous boulder that hangs on the hillside. The intersection is notable for the cleft in the rock that is fun to squeeze inside.
At about 0.8 mile, the pitch eases and the trail passes a perch and the first clear view. From here, the summit ledges and picnic area are a short, steep climb.
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