Green Mountain National Forest
A wild Vermont gem for all-season adventures
Green Mountain National Forest isn’t just a pretty name—it’s a rugged, real-deal escape for anyone who wants to get outside in Vermont without dealing with the crowds that swarm more famous spots. Spanning over 400,000 acres in the southern and central part of the state, this forest is all about variety: hiking in the summer, leaf-peeping in the fall, snowshoeing and skiing in winter, and waterfall-hunting in spring. You can dip in for a day trip or go all in with multi-day hikes or rustic camping—there’s something here for every level of outdoor enthusiast.
The Long Trail, America’s oldest long-distance hiking trail, slices through the forest and gives you killer views without technical effort. If that’s too ambitious, there are dozens of shorter trails like Thundering Falls near Killington, which offers a big scenic payoff for minimal effort.
Speaking of Killington, if you’re into skiing, this area turns into a snow-sports playground come winter. And don’t sleep on the backcountry options—places like Breadloaf Wilderness or Glastenbury Mountain offer the kind of quiet, off-grid experience you won’t get at a ski resort.
For a base, towns like Manchester, Middlebury, and Bennington have charm, good eats, and solid accommodation. Pack layers—Vermont weather loves surprises—and bring insect repellent from May through early fall. Cell service can be spotty deep in the forest, so download maps ahead of time or carry a paper one if you're old-school. There's no entry fee to the forest itself, but some trailheads and campgrounds do charge, so carry cash or check local signage.
Green Mountain National Forest is for people who want the outdoors without the Instagram circus. It's wild, it's real, and it's waiting.
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