From some of the country’s best fall foliage, to lush green swimming holes and rugged, wind-scoured mountaintops, Vermont’s Green National Forest is filled with the iconic scenery that makes Vermont a nationally acclaimed outdoor recreation destination. In this multi-use forest, you’ll find the trails and terrain for just about any kind of adventure.
Technically, GMNF is the largest continuous patch of public land in the state. In reality, it’s comprised of two different patches of public land connected by a slender corridor that traces Vermont’s famed Long Trail, which runs the length of the Forest. The northern patch of forest encompasses the Bristol Ciffs and Broadleaf Wilderness areas, while the southern bit includes four more wilderness areas in addition to White Rocks Recreation Area.
Because the Appalachian Trail follows the Long Trail, you’ll see a lot of thru-hikers passing through the national forest. Join them for a section, or split off and do your own thing on any part of Green Mountain’s 900-mile trail network.
To access the northern half of Green Mountain National Forest, drive southeast from Burlington or southwest from Montpelier; it’s about an hour-long drive from each. The southern half of the forest occupies the southwest corner of the state, about two hours from either city.
While there are infinite hikes and backpacking loops possible, here are a few popular ones to get you started:
If you only have a little time, get a taste of the 272-mile Long Trail with the short, quad-busting hike to Lincoln Gap, or head to White Rocks Recreation Area for an easier out-and-back along the Ice Bed Trail, where deep crevices in the rock contain hidden patches of ice even into the summer.
For a longer hike, try the 14.4-mile North Bourne Pond Loop through the Lye Brook Wilderness Area. Or, extend your trip into a multipday adventure with a backpacking trip through the Broadleaf Wilderness.
The national forest is open year-round. The most popular time, however, is in the fall, when leaf-peepers come out in droves to view the crimson maple leaves and golden birches and aspens. Fall also offers respite from the summer humidity.
Colors usually peak between September and October. You can check foliage reports online to be sure.
Currently, day use fees are only required in the Hapgood Pond Recreation Area. On all other trails, day use is free.
However, if you want to camp, you will have to pay a fee for select campsites. You can read more about that on the forest’s permits web page.
Dogs are allowed in the forest as long as they are kept on a leash and picked up after. Dogs are not allowed in swimming areas.
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