National park · United States
Green Mountains
Enter the Green Mountains for free; hike the Long Trail or camp at developed sites (fee check), and aim for September–October for the best weather and fewer crowds.
- Source checked
- A source and a date are on record: we read it from an official or published page. Not yet confirmed on the ground.
- Field checked
- Someone checked it on the ground, with the date shown.
- Plan calculated
- Worked out by Voykit from its own data (times, distances, budgets). A calculation, not a measurement.
Unknown times stay unknown. How we verify
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Map to the park
Add your hotel to get directions from it. · stays in this browser; shared with the pocket card.
Area
4,000 km² (1,544 sq mi)1,544 sq mi (4,000 km²)
approximate
Established
1935
Best months
May–Jun, Sep–Oct
UNESCO
None
Rules in force · 11Crossing between the US, Canada and Mexico by land needs …Cannabis is legal in Canada and in many US states, but ta…
- North America ↗Crossing between the US, Canada and Mexico by land needs your passport even on a day trip; rental cars need the company's written permission to cross, and most US and Canadian rental insurance stops at the Mexican border.
- North America ↗Cannabis is legal in Canada and in many US states, but taking any amount across the US, Canadian or Mexican border is a federal crime — including edibles and vapes.
- North America ↗The busiest US and Canadian national parks need timed-entry, campsite or lodge reservations in summer; release dates are months ahead.
- United States ↗Check whether you need an ESTA (Visa Waiver Program) or a visa on the official CBP and State Department sites; apply only through esta.cbp.dhs.gov, not third-party sites, and allow time before you book.
- United States ↗Several popular national parks use timed-entry or vehicle reservations in peak season; check each park's page on nps.gov and book on recreation.gov before fixing your dates.
- United States ↗Medical care is very expensive for visitors; buy travel insurance with high medical cover before you fly.
- United States ↗Tipping is expected: about 15–20% at sit-down restaurants and bars, and a tip for taxis, hotel staff and guides.
- New England ↗Major interstates (I-90, I-95, I-93) use cashless tolling; rental cars often charge via plate billing or transponder. Some state routes may still accept cash.
- New England ↗Many coastal inns, ferries and restaurants run Memorial Day–Labor Day only; confirm before booking off-season.
- Vermont ↗A car is effectively required outside Burlington; regional buses exist but run infrequently and slowly.
- Vermont ↗Mud Season (March–April) makes unpaved roads and trails soft; many rural inns and attractions close.
At a glance
- Country
- United States
- Area
- 4,000 km² (1,544 sq mi)1,544 sq mi (4,000 km²)
- Approx. 4,000 km² covering forest land and water; figures vary by source (check).
- Established
- 1935
- Best months
- May–Jun, Sep–Oct
- Permits
- Not needed
The Green Mountains span Vermont as a sub‑range of the Appalachians, featuring the Long Trail, diverse wildlife, and free forest access; most developed campgrounds charge $10 per night.
Decide
Why go, which months, and what lives here when
At a glance
Status
- No UNESCO listing; national park since 1935.
Size and age
4,000 km² (1,544 sq mi)1,544 sq mi (4,000 km²) · national park since 1935
Approx. 4,000 km² covering forest land and water; figures vary by source (check).
Why go
- Extensive trail network including the Long Trail for multi‑day hikes.
- Diverse forest habitats with wildlife such as black bears and moose.
- Easy access from multiple ranger stations and roadheads.
When to go
- JanCaution
- FebCaution
- MarGo
- AprGo
- MayBest
- JunBest
- JulGo
- AugGo
- SepBest
- OctBest
- NovCaution
- DecCaution
- JanCold, possible snow at high elevations.
- FebCold, limited trail access.
- MarSpring melt, trails opening.
- AprMild temps, wildflowers.
- MayComfortable hiking weather.
- JunWarm, long days.
- JulWarm but can be humid; bugs.
- AugWarm, occasional thunderstorms.
- SepCooler, fewer bugs, foliage.
- OctCrisp air, colorful leaves.
- NovEarly snow, shorter days.
- DecCold, limited services.
Wildlife and nature calendar
| What | Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Black bearApr–Nov · Store food in bear boxes. | no | no | no | yes | yes | yes | yes | yes | yes | yes | yes | no |
| MooseMay–Sep | no | no | no | no | yes | yes | yes | yes | yes | no | no | no |
| Indiana bat (endangered)Jun–Sep · Disturbance prohibited. | no | no | no | no | no | yes | yes | yes | yes | no | no | no |
Arrive & move
Getting in, how the park is divided, and where things are
Show 3 sectionsHideHow to get there, Zones and sectors, Sketch map
How to get there
From Burlington, VT
Take I‑89 south to exit 10 (Waterbury), then VT‑100 south to trailheads near Rochester or Middlebury; check specific trailhead directions.
1–1.5 h
From Montpelier, VT
Drive south on I‑89 to exit 5 (Middlesex), then VT‑100 south to northern forest access near Rochester; check specific trailhead directions.
45–60 min
Open the page →
From Boston, MA
Drive west on I‑90 to I‑91 north, then VT‑100 north to the forest; approx. 3.5 h.
3.5–4 h
Open the page →
Zones and sectors
| Zone | What is there | Access |
|---|---|---|
| Northern section | Trailheads near Middlebury, Rochester, and Chittenden Brook Campground. | Open year‑round; some campgrounds seasonal. |
| Southern section | Trailheads near Manchester, Greendale Campground, and Hapgood Pond. | Open year‑round; many sites seasonal. |
Sketch map
Take the points offline
3 points as a GPX waypoint file, plus a plain-text list of coordinates. Save it while you have signal: maps apps show the points without a connection.
Coordinates are central to the forest; specific sites vary.
See & do
Caves, trails and wildlife, with how hard each is and whether it needs booking
Show Top experiencesHide
Top experiences
Practical
Fees, permits, rules, where to sleep and what can go wrong
Show 8 sectionsHideEntry fees and permits, Park rules, Where to stay, Safety, Accessibility, Visiting lightly, Questions people ask, Related
Entry fees and permits
| Item | Range | Per | Note |
|---|---|---|---|
| Campground fee (developed sites) | US$10 | night | Check — most developed sites charged $10/night in past years; 2026 estimate unconfirmed. |
Ranges, not quotes: fees change without notice. Check with the park or your operator · checked Sep 2026.
Forest entry no permit
Park rules
- Pets
- Leashed dogs allowed on most trails; check for seasonal restrictions.check
- Camping
- Developed sites require a fee (check); backcountry camping free but no facilities.check
- Fire
- Open fires prohibited except in designated fire rings where allowed.check
- Drones
- Not allowed in wilderness areas without permit.check
- Vehicle access
- Only designated forest roads; stay on marked routes.check
Where to stay
Near the park
Stowe hotels and B&Bs
Convenient base for Mount Mansfield and southern trails.
Near the park
Rutland motels
Access to northern trailheads and campgrounds.
Safety
Bear encounters medium
Sudden weather change medium
Getting lost on long sections high
How much daylight do you have?
Time out
Finding the local time zone…
Times are local to the spot (zone loading). The half-hour margin is our rule of thumb, not an official figure; light fades earlier in forest or under cloud. Carry a headlamp on any route that could run late.
Accessibility
- Trailheads have parking and short walks; some loops are wheelchair‑compatible (e.g., Gifford Woods).
- Long Trail sections are steep and rugged; not suitable for limited mobility.
Visiting lightly
- Practice Leave No Trace; pack out all waste.
- Use bear‑proof containers and stay on designated trails.
Questions people ask
How much does it cost to enter Green Mountains?
There is no entry fee; only campground fees of $10 per night at developed sites.
What are the best hikes in Green Mountains?
The Long Trail (full length), Mount Mansfield summit loop, and Gifford Woods State Park loops are top choices.
When is the best time to visit Green Mountains?
September–October offers cool weather, colorful foliage, and fewer crowds.
Do I need a permit to camp?
Developed campgrounds require a $10 fee; backcountry camping is free but must follow forest regulations.
Are pets allowed on the trails?
Leashed dogs are permitted on most trails; check for seasonal restrictions.
Deep dive
Every source; fees and rules change, so check before you go
Show the detailsHide
Ask about Green Mountains
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