Underhill State Park

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Parks

Vermont

Nearby: Smugglers Notch State Park Little River State Park

Last Updated: December 5, 2025

Underhill State Park, located in the state of Vermont, is a picturesque natural haven that offers numerous attractions and activities for visitors.

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Summary

With its stunning landscapes, diverse ecosystems, and rich cultural heritage, the park draws nature enthusiasts, hikers, and outdoor lovers throughout the year.

One of the primary reasons to visit Underhill State Park is its extensive network of hiking trails. The park is home to Vermont's highest peak, Mount Mansfield, which stands at an impressive 4,393 feet. The Long Trail, a popular hiking trail that extends along the Green Mountains, can also be accessed from the park. Hikers can enjoy challenging treks to the summit of Mount Mansfield, witnessing breathtaking views of the surrounding valleys and Lake Champlain from the top.

In addition to hiking opportunities, Underhill State Park boasts several other notable points of interest. The park encompasses a diverse range of ecosystems, including dense forests, alpine tundra, and unique flora and fauna. It is particularly renowned for its wildflowers, with vibrant displays of trillium, lady slippers, and other native species during the spring and summer months. The park's rugged cliffs and rocky outcrops provide ideal habitats for peregrine falcons, offering a chance for birdwatchers to spot these majestic birds.

For those interested in local history, Underhill State Park is located in close proximity to the historic Underhill Village, known for its well-preserved 19th-century architecture and charming ambiance. Visitors can explore the village's quaint shops, visit the historic Underhill Town Hall, or attend community events that celebrate the area's heritage.

The best time to visit Underhill State Park largely depends on individual preferences and desired activities. The park offers a spectrum of experiences throughout the year. Spring brings blooming wildflowers and pleasant temperatures, making it an excellent time to hike and witness the rejuvenation of nature. Summer offers warmer weather and longer daylight hours, providing ample opportunities for outdoor activities such as camping, picnicking, and wildlife observation. Autumn paints the park in vibrant colors as the foliage reaches its peak, creating a breathtaking backdrop for hiking and photography. Winter transforms Underhill State Park into a winter wonderland, attracting snowshoers and cross-country skiers to explore the snowy trails.

To ensure accuracy, it is always recommended to cross-reference information about Underhill State Park from multiple independent sources, such as official park websites, visitor guides, and reputable travel websites.

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UNDERHILL STATE PARK

Parks • Parks • Recreation

December 5, 2025

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Park & Land Designation Reference

National Park
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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