Saving the Best for Last - These Five Parks Offer Some of the Best Fall Activites

As the landscape of Vermont is exploding with fall colors, five Vermont State Parks are also gearing up to go out with a bang. Most of the parks close after Columbus Day weekend, but these parks stay open a little longer. See why they are great parks to visit this time of year.

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Looking out over Lake Champlain

Gifford Woods: Set in the southern Green Mountains, this park is the perfect base camp for some great hikes. Easily connect to the famous Appalachian Trail, the Long Trail, or take a trail to Deer Leap Overlook (a popular favorite). The foliage here is peaking, so make sure to bring your camera when exploring. You won't want to miss these photo opportunities. Also, for those wanting to camp, you can reserve a lean-to site or cabin in addition to regular tent/RV sites. Call the park to reserve your spot, 802-775-5354.

Smugglers' Notch: This park is another perfect base camp for hiking. Take some challenging trails to the summit of Mt. Mansfield, the highest peak in Vermont. As the leaves are beginning to fall in the north, the views are opening up, allowing for some incredible panoramas. The fall colors in the north are lingering with many mountain sides resembling deep red and orange fire embers.

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A perfect night to camp at Smugglers' Notch State Park

Underhill: A cozy park surrounded by thick woods. This is an ideal park for spotting wildlife while hiking on quieter trails. Similar to Smugglers' Notch, Underhill has many trails to choose from. The most popular is the Sunset Ridge Trail that will take you to the summit of Mt. Mansfield. Bring water and your hiking poles to spend the whole day surrounded by the great outdoors.

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The Hazen Family out hiking in Mt. Ascutney State Park

Mt. Ascutney: This park is a top recommendation for capturing the peaking southern Vermont foliage. If you don't feel like hiking to get a view, Mt. Ascutney offers a scenic (and steep) winding mountain road for driving to the top. For those that do want to hike, you'll have your pick of five different trails. A picnic shelter allows visitors to have the most breath-taking views while enjoying a meal together. There is also availability for camping here too, so no rush to leave! Call the park to make your reservations, 802-674-2060.

Seyon Lodge: Fishing, fishing, fishing. Jump in a boat or canoe and catch some trout at Seyon's Noyes Pond (boat rentals available at the park). This picturesque body of water has some of the best trout fishing in the state. Ask the innkeepers for their favorite recipes while you are there. They know how to cook a freshly caught fish as well as many other great dishes. The inn still has availability through the end of October. Call the park for more information - 802-584-3829.
Enjoy the fall by getting out there and taking in the colors and crisp air. It's the perfect season for a warm campfire at the end of a day. Save some s'mores for us!