Outdoor Recreation
Things to Do Outdoors in Vermont
Vermont stands out as a four-season outdoor recreation destination, offering unparalleled opportunities to explore at your own pace. Summer brings adventures from hiking lush trails and paddling on pristine lakes to cycling through scenic countryside. Fall showcases Vermont’s iconic foliage, creating a picturesque backdrop for hiking, mountain biking, and more. When winter blankets the state in snow, skiing, snowboarding, snowshoeing, and ice skating take center stage. When the snow melts, spring’s warmer weather brings walks on recreation paths and rail trails and gravel bike rides. Vermont’s diverse outdoor experiences recharge your batteries year-round, no electricity required.
Find Clarity in Nature
Hiking trails crisscross Vermont, offering everything from challenging mountain ascents to accessible paths through lush forests. Cyclists and mountain bikers, including those who use adaptive equipment, can explore scenic countryside routes, while camping options range from secluded spots in state parks to private campgrounds. Additionally, Vermont’s extensive rail trails, repurposed from old railroad lines, provide picturesque and accessible routes that connect downtowns and regions.
On the Water
From the leisure of paddling to the refresh of swimming, Vermont’s pristine waterways offer adventure in spades. Canoeing and kayaking allow for serene exploration of tranquil lakes and winding rivers, providing an up-close encounter with the state’s natural beauty. Swimming in Vermont’s crystal-clear lakes, ponds, and swimming holes is refreshing on a hot summer day. Boating enthusiasts can enjoy leisurely rides or exciting water sports, including sailing on Vermont’s lakes, embracing the flow of wind and water.
Winter Recreation
Vermont’s snow-covered landscapes offer a winter wonderland for activities like skiing and snowboarding, with world-class resorts providing well-groomed and heart-dropping vertical for all ages and ability levels, including those who need adaptive equipment. Elsewhere, hundreds of miles of backcountry terrain and trails beckon Nordic skiers and snowmobilers.
More Ways to Get Outside
From teeing off to clipping in, there are so many ways to get outside in Vermont. Find more recreation resources here.
Ice Climbing
When Vermont’s schist freezes over, this hidden gem appears in plain sight. Ice picks are located throughout the state from Smuggler’s Notch rugged terrain to Lake Willoughby’s steep lines above the scenic glacially-carved lake.
Read More about Ice ClimbingLearn MoreRock Climbing
Vermont’s climbing routes can be found throughout the state, whether seeking cliffs and cracks to reach new heights or bouldering near a river. There are also many indoor climbing gyms where you can hone your skills.
Read More about Rock ClimbingClimb onHunting
More bucks are harvested per square mile in Vermont than any other New England state. With over 800,000 acres of land open for hunting from late October through November, Vermont is a game destination for deer, bear, moose, and turkeys.
Read More about HuntingGame OnSledding and Tubing
Sledding is a great way to experience the adrenaline rush and fun of letting gravity take you down the hill. Vermont is home to several family-friendly public sledding hills and many ski areas offer tubing hills.
Ice Skating
Vermont’s lakes and ponds, as well as public and maintained ice rinks, make for great places to get out and glide. The state is also home to the longest maintained ice skating trail in the U.S. on Lake Morey.
Golfing
Vermont’s natural setting challenges golfers with rolling hills on course and frames scenic mountain views in the backdrop. More than 60 golf clubs and courses beckon throughout the state.
Read More about GolfingTee offDisc Golf
With 24 courses in Vermont’s picturesque outdoors, disc golf is a growing sport in the Green Mountain State.
Read More about Disc GolfFind a CourseFat biking
Shred the trails on two wheels. With their extra-large tires, wide rims and unorthodox dimensions, fat bikes are equipped to take on hundreds of miles of maintained trails in Vermont.
Read More about Fat biking Pedal PowerIce fishing
Ice fishing gives the angler a unique advantage during the hard-water season; once there is six inches or more of ice, you can easily and safely move off-shore without a boat to fish trout, salmon, bass, and more.
Outdoors for EveryBODY
Vermont Adaptive Sports
There are many ways to get outside in Vermont for those who use adaptive equipment. The state’s first fully adaptive mountain biking trail network, The Driving Range, was designed for three-wheeled bikes, aiming to present the same levels of challenge and accessibility to all. Vermont Adaptive aims to make outdoor recreation, from sailing, cycling, and mountain biking to skiing, riding, and more, accessible with guide services, adaptive equipment, and programming.