Celebrate the New Year with a First Day Hike

On January 1, 2021, everyone is once again invited to celebrate the New Year by heading out on the trails at a Vermont State Park. In response to the COVID-19 pandemic, First Day Hikes will be a little different from previous years.

Mt. Philo Trail Project Completed For Season, Set to Restart in Spring

As a significant trail project at Mt. Philo State Park ends for the season, project managers and visitors alike are commending the improvements and the broader benefits to Vermont’s outdoor recreation economy.

Now Available - Gift Cards and Certificates

We are excited to announce two new ways to stuff stockings or to build your own gift set: gift certificates and gift cards!

Novel Coronavirus – COVID 19 Updates

Read how to have fun and stay safe in the parks.

Director of State Parks: Job Announcement

The Department of Forests, Parks and Recreation (FPR) seeks a Director of State Parks. This is a key management position within the Department and is responsible for management of the Vermont state park system, including park planning and operations, capital construction and maintenance activities, and marketing and promotional efforts.

Director of State Parks Retiring

Vermont State Parks Director Craig Whipple will be retiring at the end of August 2020, after 14 years in his position. Under Director Whipple's leadership, our world-class state park system has expanded, modernized, and become more accessible.

Seeking Public Input on Mt. Philo State Park Improvements

The Vermont Department of Forests, Parks and Recreation is seeking public feedback on the potential designs to enhance Mt. Philo State Park. The intent of the planning process is to update the park to meet current visitor needs, while protecting the environment, enhancing historic and cultural resources and making needed safety improvements.

Outdoor Recreation in Vermont: Healthy Options During COVID-19

During the current COVID-19 public health crisis, getting outdoors close to home and connecting with nature is an excellent way to help maintain our mental and physical health.No matter how you enjoy the outdoors, we urge you to practice effective “social distancing” and other measures to help stop the spread of COVID-19 and keep you, your family and your community safe.

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2020 Venture Vermont Outdoor Challenge

We're excited to announce that the 2020 Venture Vermont Outdoor Challenge is a go! Complete fun challenges, try new things, and earn your VIP coin giving you free state park entry for the rest of the year and the next! Are you ready?

2020 First Day Hikes

Start the new year on the right foot with a hike in a Vermont state park. On January 1, 2020, everyone is invited to join a free, guided, family-friendly hike taking place at many state parks and forests across Vermont. Hikes will be led by professional guides and outdoor educators eager to share their knowledge and love of Vermont’s outdoors.

New cabins now available at Mt. Ascutney State Park

Mt. Ascutney is one of Vermont’s oldest state parks and popular hiking destination. The park is expanding its offerings to include five cabins. The cabins are newly finished in 2019 and are now available.

Completion of Improvements to Alburgh Dunes State Park

Vermont State Parks is excited to announce the completion of a significant infrastructure project at Alburgh Dunes State Park, featuring new parking areas, accessibility improvements, a visitor contact center with portable toilets and changing stalls, and a new accessible natural playground, among other elements.

Vermont Parks Forever: The Foundation for Vermont State Parks

Thanks to a dedicated group of dynamic park lovers, Vermont State Parks has some new champions. Vermont Parks Forever leverages private resources to expand access, increase educational opportunities and welcome the next generation to Vermont State Parks. We greatly appreciate your support!