Vermont's subtle charm, rustic towns and natural beauty paint the perfect New England picture. Deemed the healthiest state in the country for six years in a row, the small population of 620,000 is a proud and active bunch. And when you come to visit, you'll see why. Mountains, lakes, biking paths and year-round outdoors opportunities provide plenty of things to do in Vermont. Here's a season by season guide for what to do in this classic New England state.
Reserve a Campsite: Hapgood Pond Campground, Vermont
Spring
Few other places look like downtown Burlington after a spring shower. As people tiptoe out of their homes, and pour into the sidewalks, you realize not a moment of sunshine goes unnoticed here. In spring, as new life blooms in Vermont, people enjoy the first few days of warm sunshine in every way possible.
A maple sugaring tree at the Green Mountain Audubon Center in Huntington, Vermont. This production process happens from February through April, at which time you can visit local sugar houses to try fresh syrup and see how it gets from the tree to the bottle.
Your Spring Vacation
Despite the mud and the rain, there are plenty of opportunities to make the most of your spring Vermont vacation. Put on a jacket, step into your rain boots, and head outside.
- On the Trail: The West River Trail, in Southern Vermont, is an easy-going nature walk that's perfect for all ages. With 36 miles of scenery, you can make the most of a muddy spring day.
- On the Water: After the final snow melts, head to the waterfront. The Burlington Bike Path, which runs along the shores of Lake Champlain, is the perfect way to experience a warm spring afternoon. With scenic stopping points, this 7.6-mile paved trail will take you from the southern end of Burlington to the Winooski River and into Colchester. You can bike, walk or run.
- About Town: Early spring is a sweet time in Vermont. With the first few batches of maple syrup ready for tasting, the sugarhouses are where you want to be. Come during the Vermont Maple Open House Weekend where you can enjoy tours and horse-drawn rides. Don't forget to try sugar on snow: snow drizzled with warm, fresh maple syrup, and a dill pickle on the side. This is truly a classic Vermont treat.
