Each Vermont state park is unique, and each one is a wonderful place to spend the day (or night) with friends and family. While some parks are more popular than others, we thought we’d visit some of our favorites that don’t seem as well known to most people. Let’s share our love for them and check out these lesser-known state parks in Vermont. Which is your favorite?

1. Niquette Bay State Park, Colchester
Niquette Bay State Park, 274 Raymond Rd, Colchester, VT 05446, USA
Tripadvisor/Stuart M
This State Park was once used for farmland and is now heavily forested. You'll love checking out all the interesting tree roots and coming across the occasional cairns while hiking around the park. You'll also love the 60-foot limestone cliffs making up strikingly dramatic vistas.
2. Branbury State Park, Salisbury
Branbury State Park, 3570 Lake Dunmore Rd, Salisbury, VT 05769, USA
Tripadvisor/Amiee H
Enjoy seeing Lake Dunmore from one of their pedal boats, canoes, or kayaks, which are available for rent. Kids love the playground, and everyone can enjoy the clean and sandy beach. Bring some food for grilling and make whole weekend of your time spent at Branbury State Park.
3. Lowell Lake State Park, Londonderry
Lowell Lake State Park, 260 Ice House Rd, Londonderry, VT 05148, USA
Tripadvisor/JOHN B
While this can be a popular spot among locals, we recommend taking the trip to check it out. There is great birdwatching in the area, water activities, and an easy hike around the lake. History buffs will love checking out the Revolutionary War-era cemetery, too.
4. Green River Reservoir State Park, Hyde Park
Green River Reservoir State Park, 1394 Green River Dam Rd, Hyde Park, VT 05655, USA
Flickr/Paul Moody
If it's paddling and solitude you seek, look no further than the Green River Reservoir State Park. This park is nature at its best and offers remote camping sites that are only reachable by boat. It seems to give a whole new meaning to the word "secluded".

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5. Kill Kare State Park, Saint Albans
Kill Kare State Park, 2714 Hathaway Point Rd, St Albans City, VT 05478, USA
Tripadvisor/BruceDMullen
This lovely park was formerly a summer camp for boys and it's in a stunning spot! You can take the Island Runner Ferry over to Burton Island State Park for even more to see and do when you're done here. With Lake Champlain surrounding it on three sides, it's the perfect place to cool down in the water or rent a boat to explore with.
6. Taconic Ramble State Park, Hubbardton
Taconic Ramble State Park, 321 St John Rd, Castleton, VT 05735, USA
Flickr/Jay Parker
The Taconic Ramble State Park is one of Vermont's newest state parks, and you're going to love it! After all, it's not every day you see a Japanese garden in the Green Mountain State!
7. Kingsland Bay State Park, Ferrisburgh
Kingsland Bay State Park Road, Kingsland Bay State Park Rd, Ferrisburgh, VT 05456, USA
Tripadvisor/Stephan D
You'll love the 1790 house said to be built with stones from Fort Ticonderoga nestled in this beautiful park. With a stunning Lake Champlain backdrop, it's no wonder why it's a such popular spot for weddings. There are picnic areas, hikes, and historic buildings here for all to enjoy.
8. Seyon Lodge State Park, Groton
Seyon Lodge State Park, 2967 Seyon Pond Rd, Groton, VT 05046, USA
Tripadvisor/Susan B
This area, located within the Groton State Forest, is one of Vermont's best-kept secrets. You can spend the night in a charming and rustic lodge within the park to truly get away from it all at this spot on Noyes Pond.
9. Woodford State Park, Bennington
Woodford State Park Road, Woodford State Park Rd, Woodford, VT 05201, USA
Tripadvisor/macungiemom
If it's bragging rights you're looking for, try camping at Woodford State Park. Its campground has the highest elevation of any park in Vermont. There are also plenty of fun, hands-on activities through the Park Interpreter program.

These lesser-known state parks in Vermont are truly incredible and definitely worth a visit or two. For another of our favorite spots, don’t miss this Vermont park with a gorgeous emerald lake.

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State Parks to Visit in Vermont

Tori Jane | February 17, 2022

What are some of the best state parks in Vermont?  

Vermont might be a pretty small state, but it’s big on state parks. In fact, this beautiful place is home to 55 state parks and recreation areas, and each seems to be more amazing than the last. Each one is worth a visit, but there are some that tend to stick out above the rest in terms of sheer awesomeness. Some of the most popular state parks in Vermont, which one could logically argue are the “best” ones as chosen by visitors themselves, inlcide Half Moon Pond State Park, which is located in Fair Haven. In this amazing little park you’ll find some of the best hiking trails in the state, amazing fishing opportunities, and excellent lakeside views of Half Moon Pond. Then, there’s Mount Philo State Park, which is also home to amazing views and is incredibly lush and green. You’ll love the views of Lake Champlain! Folks also love Elmore State Park, home to Lake Elmore (we’re beginning to sense a pattern here), and Grand Isle State Park, which is also located nearby Lake Champlain and is filled with awesome views. One of Vermont’s state forests, Groton State Forest, has seven start parks alone!  

What are the best hiking trails in Vermont?  

Vermont is home to more than 780 amazing trails, all of which vary in length, difficulty, and features. It’s tough to decide which ones are the best, considering there are so many and the vast majority of them are wonderful. Take, for example, Camel’s Hump trail, which is found within Camel’s Hump State Park and is six challenging miles of hiking up the third-highest peak in the whole state. The views from the top are amazing! We also love Lye Brook Falls Trail, in Green Mountain National Forest, which is a moderate 4.4-mile hike through lush, green, scenic forestland. Mt. Mansfield Loop Trail, located inside Underhill State Park, is a hike up the highest mountain in all of Vermont. It’s 7.3 miles in length and takes you up above the treeline! Finally, we love Sterling Pond Trail, located in Smugglers’ Notch State Park. That one is shorter than the others mentioned here, at just 2.3 miles long. It’s idyllic, quiet, and perfect for your inner landscape lover.  

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