We can brave the cold, handle the heat and, yes, we can even manage some 4-wheeling fun in mud season.  Lucky for us, there are many adventurous places in Vermont, and the state is packed with venturesome things to do to year-round for every type of thrill seeker. Vermonters don’t like to sit still and many of us are explorers at heart, so if you like excitement, you’re in the right state. Many of these activities can be found all over Vermont and with a Google search or two, you’ll likely find many places in your own neck of the woods.  So grab your gear – and your inner thrill seeking spirit – and go out to enjoy all the excitement and outdoor adventures in Vermont!

1. Walk along the rocks at the bottom of Quechee Gorge.
Flickr/Selbe Lynn
Flickr/Neal Wellons
It's a long way down, but when you make it to the bottom there are sections of gushing water as well as peaceful spots to gaze up to see how far you've come.
2. Rock climbing.
Flickr/Innisfree Hotels
Try your hands (and feet) at a professional climbing course or find an adventure of your own. Reach high!
3. Surf's up!
Tripadvisor/Joanna J
Test your balance on a surfboard at the Jay Peak Indoor Waterpark. If you're really adventurous, try La Chute, a 65 foot high, 45-miles per hour, full 360-degree rotation in a six-second ride down to the bottom. This slide isn't one for the faint of heart!
4. Hike on over.
Flickr/Scott McCracken
Challenge your fear of heights by climbing over a suspension bridge on the Long Trail. This particular bridge is at Ithiel Falls in Johnson, a hidden gem for the lovers of water sports and beach goers alike. Each season brings a different personality of the river; for example, swift in spring, gentle in the summer.
5. Have a treetop adventure.
Flickr/Innisfree Hotels
Find a treetop mountain adventure course like this one at Killington and have a birds eye view of the world below.
6. Coast down the hill.
Flickr/Innisfree Hotels
If your adventurous spirit isn't through after Killington's treetop course, head over to the Beast Mountain Coaster, a 4,800-foot-long alpine coaster that twists and turns through the woods with 360-degree corkscrews to keep your blood pumping.
7. Hamilton Falls, Jamaica State Park
Flickr/Victoria
Flickr/redisant
These falls can be a dangerous spot in any season. Over 10 people have died here so use caution, but boy is it stunning.

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8. Zip line adventure.
Facebook/ArborTrek Canopy Adventures
Zip through the air and see Vermont like you've never seen it before. This can be done by people of all ages... if they're brave enough!
9. Cliff jumping.
Flickr/Ross Andrews
Vermont has many natural swimming holes and quarries that have some pretty epic jumps. Please use caution and know what you're getting into! Some of the most adventurous places in Vermont to go cliff jumping are Red Rocks in Burlington and Niquette Bay in Colchester.
10. Ice climb.
Flickr/Mike
Whether you have your own equipment and want to hike the Bolton Quarry like this guy, or you want a more guided experience with a professional company, hurry up -- the snow and ice are melting fast!
11. Go skydiving.
Facebook/Vermont Skydiving Adventures
Fall with style in Addison with Vermont Skydiving Adventures. Whether this is a once in a lifetime jump or a regular rush, you'll remember this experience for sure.
12. Fat bike.
Flickr/WickedVT
Make way for the new popular sport of Fat Biking! The Kingdom Trails are exceptionally great for this sport, which can be compared to mountain biking but on winter terrain with - you guessed it - big, fat tires.
13. Run away and join the circus.
Flickr/Matthew Ragan
If you're daring, and a bit flexible, run away and join the circus at the New England Center for the Circus Arts - even if it's just for a day. Get ready for some big top fun as you sail through the air!
14. Take a hike to catch the morning sunrise.
Flickr/Paul Moody
Vermont is full of hills and mountains, so set your alarm clock and find some mountain hiking trails in Vermont nearby to catch a stunning morning sunrise. Don't forget your camera!
15. Go tubing on Lake Champlain.
Flickr/Ross Andrews
Or down a hill... If you can find any snow. Either way, tubing is a blast!
16. Arbortrek Treetop obstacle course.
Facebook/ArborTrek Canopy Adventures
If you find yourself in the valley below Smuggler's Notch, check out the treetop obstacle course - guaranteed to keep you holding on so tight your knuckles turn white.
17. Pick a hill and start climbing.
Flickr/Innisfree Hotels
Vermont may be small, but we have no shortage of hills and mountains. Pick one and hike it to the top. Any time of day, any season, these views are always worth the tired legs.

Let us know your favorite adventurous places in Vermont. What other adventure things to do in Vermont would you add to this list? Be sure to share this with other thrill seekers!

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More to Explore

adventurous places in Vermont

Luke | June 01, 2020

What are the most beautiful hikes in Vermont?

Those who live in Vermont are fortunate that we get to call this place home. Nature and hiking opportunities abound in the Green Mountain State. In fact, Vermont has some of the greatest hiking trails in all of New England (our opinion). Our choice for the most beautiful hike in Vermont is the hike up to the summit of Mt. Mansfield, which offers some of the most spectacular views of the VT landscape. If you are interested in hiking Mt. Mansfield, we suggest taking the Sunset Ridge Trail; the trail is well marked and it’s easily accessible from Underhill State Park. Some more spectacularly beautiful hikes that are worth considering are 1. Mount Pisgah Trail, 2. Camel’s Hump Trail, 3. Lye Brook Falls Trail. Happy exploring!

Which state parks should I visit in Vermont?

It really depends on what you are looking for in a state park in Vermont. Some are better for longer stays and camping, while others are better for shorter trips, and others still are best during one season and not for another. But, for the best overall state parks to visit, here are our picks to check out this summer: 1. Smugglers Notch State Park; 2. Mt. Philo State Park; 3. Emerald Lake State Park; 4. Quechee Gorge State Park; 5. Jamaica State Park. You really cannot go wrong with any of these places. Whether you’re looking to go swimming, hiking, mountain biking, or exploring, all these state parks have something for everyone.

Can I visit any abandoned places in Vermont?

You sure can. However, it’s contingent upon the abandoned attraction you visit as to whether you’ll be able to explore the inside of an abandoned place. But with that being said, at other places, you’ll be allowed to enter and explore. We highly recommend that you take a look at this article here which details a road trip that will lead you to some cool abandoned places in Vermont that you can explore. And remember before visiting abandoned places to make sure you are being safe and responsible. Time to start exploring!

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Featured Addresses
Quechee Gorge, Hartford, VT 05001, USA
Vermont, USA
Jay Peak Resort, 830 Jay Peak Rd, Jay, VT 05859, USA
Ithiel Falls, VT 05656, USA
73 Alpine Dr, Mendon, VT 05701, USA
Killington Resort, 3861 Killington Rd, Killington, VT 05751, USA
Hamilton Falls, Hamilton Falls Rd, Jamaica, VT 05343, USA
1239 Edwards Rd, Jeffersonville, VT 05464, USA
Bolton, VT, USA
2059 Darling Hill Rd, Lyndonville, VT 05851, USA
Lake Champlain, Lake Champlain