8 Of The Most Epic Adventures In Vermont

Vermont is a state in the wild interior of New England. Without any Atlantic coastline, it looks to its rugged landscapes for beauty and adventure throughout the year. Whether enjoying adrenaline-pumping outdoor activities like skiing on its lofty mountains in the winter or spending time at its many freshwater lakes in the warmer summer months, some of the most epic adventures can easily be found here.

Vermont’s unique mix of natural beauty and adventure will leave you craving more. Ready to experience the best of what Vermont has to offer? Let's take a look at eight of the best adventure ideas in Vermont you won't want to miss.

Ski the Slopes of Stowe

Stowe Mountain Resort, nestled in the Green Mountains, is Vermont’s premier destination for skiing and snowboarding. Spread across Mount Mansfield, the state’s highest peak, and Spruce Peak, the resort offers over 116 trails that range from bunny runs to challenging black diamond slopes. Advanced skiers often tackle the legendary “Front Four,” a series of steep, technical trails on Mount Mansfield. For a more relaxed pace, Spruce Peak’s wide and nicely groomed trails and more beginner-friendly areas still provide the same stunning views and fun terrain to traverse. The resort also features extensive snowmaking capabilities, ensuring powder on the ground throughout the season.

Cross-country skiing and snowshoeing are available at nearby Stowe Nordic Center, boasting over 60 miles of scenic backcountry trails and making Stowe one of the most diverse and enjoyable ski resorts in New England. Off the slopes, the lively base village has a selection of dining and shopping options and other après-ski activities.

Hike the Long Trail

Get perhaps the most comprehensive look at the state of Vermont by walking all the way across it! The Long Trail is Vermont’s most iconic hiking experience, stretching nearly 250 miles from the Massachusetts border to Canada. As the oldest long-distance hiking trail in the United States, it primarily traverses the rugged yet lush peaks of the Green Mountains.

If you're not down for a potentially multi-week walk, a quintessential section you should definitely try out is a 12-mile stretch over Mount Mansfield, Vermont’s highest peak at 4,393 feet. This route includes the exhilarating “Chin” summit, where 360-degree views extend to New York’s Adirondacks and New Hampshire’s White Mountains. The trail also passes alpine tundra, a rare and fragile ecosystem on the east coast that is protected by conservation efforts.

While thru-hiking the entire trail generally takes around three to four weeks, day hikes and shorter backpacking trips are popular alternatives. Regardless of what you choose to do, shelters and campsites are dotted along the trail for all who travel it.

Paddle on Lake Champlain

Lake Champlain, straddling the Vermont-New York border, offers a vast and scenic setting for paddling, whether in a kayak or canoe. Spanning over 120 miles from end to end, the lake contains a number of islands, historic landmarks, and secluded coves, making it a prime destination for some solace in Vermont's prime cottage country (or "cabin country" if you're a local).

A popular route is the Lake Champlain Paddlers’ Trail, which features a network of launch points and campsites along the Vermont side's shoreline. Paddlers can also explore areas like the Missisquoi National Wildlife Refuge, home to a diversity of wildlife and wetlands, or navigate around Burton Island State Park, known for its trails on land. For a historical twist, the lake’s waters hold several sunken shipwrecks from the 18th and 19th centuries, visible on guided tours or with a snorkeling kit.

Explore Quechee Gorge

Quechee Gorge, often called “Vermont’s Little Grand Canyon,” is an amazing natural landmark carved by the Ottauquechee River over thousands of years. The gorge plunges 165 feet, making it the deepest in the state and an ever-popular spot for outdoor exploration. You can start at the Quechee Gorge Bridge on US Route 4 for sweeping views of the canyon and river below. For a closer look, the Quechee Gorge Trail descends about a mile through lush woodlands to the river’s edge, where calm waters and rocky outcrops create an ideal setting for landscape photography or simply picnicking in nature.

Nearby, the Quechee State Park contains additional trails and campsites in the dense woodlands in this part of Vermont. During autumn, the gorge transforms with the brilliant colors fall foliage turns to, making it one of the best spots in the country for leaf peeping.

Cycle the Burlington Greenway

The Burlington Greenway, also known as the Island Line Trail, is a must-ride destination for cyclists seeking a blend of natural beauty and urban charm. This 8-mile paved path runs along the shores of Lake Champlain and features some of the best viewpoints of the iconic body of water and the Adirondack Mountains beyond. Starting near downtown Burlington, the trail weaves through parks, beaches, and marinas, making it easily accessible, wherever you may be.

One of the most unique features along the way is the Colchester Causeway, a narrow gravel path extending 3 miles into the lake, surrounded by water on both sides. A seasonal bike ferry allows riders to continue beyond the causeway to explore South Hero Island. Cyclists can also stop at waterfront attractions like North Beach or the Echo Leahy Center for Lake Champlain.

Discover the Calvin Coolidge Homestead

The Calvin Coolidge Homestead in Plymouth Notch will give you a glimpse into the life and legacy of the 30th President of the United States. This meticulously preserved historic site is where Coolidge was born, raised, and famously sworn in as president by his father in 1923, making it an essential destination for American history buffs in Vermont. Guided tours and interpretive exhibits are available to provide deeper insights into Coolidge’s modest upbringing and his impact on American history.

The site includes a village with several buildings, such as the Coolidge family home, a one-room schoolhouse, and the Coolidge General Store. The Plymouth Cheese Corporation, established by Coolidge’s father, still operates on-site, producing artisanal cheeses using traditional methods. Stop for a convenient and delicious snack during your visit. Surrounded by the verdant rolling hills and fields of central Vermont, the site also features hiking trails. Because of this, it is yet another great destination in Vermont to visit during the fall as well.

Maple Sugaring at Morse Farm

Morse Farm Maple Sugarworks in Montpelier offers the public a hands-on experience of Vermont’s iconic maple sugaring tradition. This multi-generation family farm welcomes visitors year-round to explore the process of turning sap into pure maple syrup, a hallmark of the state’s agricultural economy.

Book a guided tour that will lead you through the main sugarhouse, where modern and traditional techniques are showcased by experienced maple producers. Here, you will learn about how to tap sugar maples, the collection of sap, and the boiling process in the evaporator where the sugary condiment eventually meets its final form. The farm also features a tasting room where you can sample syrups of varying grades, along with maple candies and other tasty treats. Walking trails also wind through the surrounding sugarbush, making it easy to enjoy the natural beauty of the farm.

Visit Ben & Jerry’s Factory in Waterbury

Take a culinary adventure at the Ben & Jerry’s Factory in Waterbury, which offers a fun and flavorful outing for visitors of all ages. This iconic facility is the birthplace of the world-famous ice cream brand, making it a must-visit destination for food enthusiasts and those curious about one of Vermont’s most famous brands.

Guided factory tours provide a behind-the-scenes look at the ice cream-making process, from mixing ingredients to packaging pint-sized favorites. Learn about the company’s history, quirky flavor names, and commitment to social and environmental causes. The tour concludes with a tasting of exclusive factory-only flavors. Outside, the Flavor Graveyard can be walked among, with humorous headstones commemorating retired flavors that you can officially mourn. If you're still hungry, the on-site Scoop Shop serves classics and rotating specials.

Find Your Adventure in Vermont

Vermont offers an endless amount of adventures that show off its natural beauty and unique culture. From hiking iconic trails and exploring scenic waterways to experiencing traditional maple sugaring and historic landmarks, every corner of the Green Mountain State invites discovery. Plan your journey and immerse yourself in the charm and diversity of one of New England’s most captivating travel destinations.