Vermont State Parks' Top Five: Views
Mt. Philo State Park, Charlotte

Vermont’s very first state park, Mt. Philo State Park overlooks the Lake Champlain Valley of Vermont and Adirondack mountains of New York. 

There are two ways up the mountain – by a steep auto road or hiking up the mountain trail.  Either way, you will be rewarded by spectacular views of the lake, valley and mountains to the west. 

This is also a favorite spot for viewing the spring and fall raptor migrations as these birds use the updrafts created by the mountain as they pass through the Champlain Valley. 

On top of the mountain is an open grassy picnic area and log enclosed picnic shelter.  The mountaintop shelter is a popular spot for weddings.  Mt. Philo State Park has only ten campsites, including three lean-to’s, which makes for some very serene mountaintop camping.  Many groups rent out the whole park to host family reunions or wedding ceremonies.  Reservations for the shelter and camping can be made through the central reservations call center at 1-888-409-7579 Monday – Friday 9:00 AM – 4:00 PM.