Mount Philo State Park
Rate this placeLast Updated: December 5, 2025
Mount Philo State Park is a popular attraction located in the state of Vermont, offering visitors stunning views of the Champlain Valley, the Adirondack Mountains, and Lake Champlain.
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Summary
The park is known for its variety of recreational activities, including hiking, picnicking, camping, and wildlife watching.
One of the main reasons to visit Mount Philo State Park is to enjoy the scenic beauty of the area. The park features a 968-foot summit that provides panoramic views of the surrounding landscape, making it a favorite spot for photographers and nature lovers. Visitors can also explore the park's many hiking trails, including the 0.7-mile Mount Philo Trail, which leads to the summit and offers breathtaking views of Lake Champlain.
Mount Philo State Park also has a rich history. The park was established in 1924 and is the oldest state park in Vermont. The park features a historic stone lodge, which was built by the Civilian Conservation Corps in the 1930s and is now available for public use.
The best time to visit Mount Philo State Park is during the summer months, when the weather is mild and the park's facilities are open for visitors. The park is open year-round, but some facilities may be closed during the winter months.
In summary, Mount Philo State Park is a must-visit destination in Vermont, offering stunning views, outdoor recreation, and a rich history. Whether you're a nature lover, hiker, or history buff, there's something for everyone at this beautiful state park.
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Park & Land Designation Reference
Large protected natural areas managed by the federal government to preserve significant landscapes, ecosystems, and cultural resources; recreation is allowed but conservation is the priority.
State Park
Public natural or recreational areas managed by a state government, typically smaller than national parks and focused on regional natural features, recreation, and education.
Local Park
Community-level parks managed by cities or counties, emphasizing recreation, playgrounds, sports, and green space close to populated areas.
Wilderness Area
The highest level of land protection in the U.S.; designated areas where nature is left essentially untouched, with no roads, structures, or motorized access permitted.
National Recreation Area
Areas set aside primarily for outdoor recreation (boating, hiking, fishing), often around reservoirs, rivers, or scenic landscapes; may allow more development.
National Conservation Area (BLM)
BLM-managed areas with special ecological, cultural, or scientific value; more protection than typical BLM land but less strict than Wilderness Areas.
State Forest
State-managed forests focused on habitat, watershed, recreation, and sustainable timber harvest.
National Forest
Federally managed lands focused on multiple use—recreation, wildlife habitat, watershed protection, and resource extraction (like timber)—unlike the stricter protections of national parks.
Wilderness
A protected area set aside to conserve specific resources—such as wildlife, habitats, or scientific features—with regulations varying widely depending on the managing agency and purpose.
Bureau of Land Management (BLM) Land
Vast federal lands managed for mixed use—recreation, grazing, mining, conservation—with fewer restrictions than national parks or forests.
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