I find Vermont’s state parks full of wonder. I love how this small state offers so many beautiful features. Green mountains. Glassy lakes. I look forward to days that start with morning hikes and end under a blanket of stars.

To me, Vermont parks mean kayaking in the quiet coves of Elmore State Park. Hiking to waterfalls at Smugglers' Notch State Park. We always bring binoculars to Button Bay State Park, where the trails hug Lake Champlain. Here are my favorite parks in Vermont.

Unique Vermont State Parks:

Swim in Lake Dunmore and hike nearby trails on an easy summer trip.

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Branbury State Park - Just a 20-minute drive from Middlebury

- Swim in Lake Dunmore and hike nearby trails on an easy summer trip.

Paddle Spectacle Pond and enjoy quiet camping during a peaceful weekend retreat.

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Brighton State Park

- Paddle Spectacle Pond and enjoy quiet camping during a peaceful weekend retreat.

Take the ferry and explore wooded trails on an unusual island adventure

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Burton Island State Park

- Take the ferry and explore wooded trails on an unusual island adventure

Picnic by the lake and enjoy family games on an affordable day outing.

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Camp Plymouth State Park

- Picnic by the lake and enjoy family games on an affordable day outing.

Camp in the forest and explore history on a relaxing retirement visit.

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Coolidge State Park, Vermont

- Camp in the forest and explore history on a relaxing retirement visit.

Fish off the shore and admire mountain views on a quiet spring trip.

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D.A.R. State Park

- Fish off the shore and admire mountain views on a quiet spring trip.

Climb the fire tower and swim in the lake on a fun kids outing.

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Elmore State Park

- Climb the fire tower and swim in the lake on a fun kids outing.

Go boating and relax on the beach during a romantic summer escape.

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Emerald Lake State Park

- Go boating and relax on the beach during a romantic summer escape.

See vibrant foliage and walk wooded trails on a scenic fall trip.

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Gifford Woods State Park

- See vibrant foliage and walk wooded trails on a scenic fall trip.

Camp along Lake Champlain and enjoy sunsets on a relaxing weekend getaway.

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Grand Isle State Park

- Camp along Lake Champlain and enjoy sunsets on a relaxing weekend getaway.

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