You don't need a 4,000-footer to get the best view in Vermont. Honestly, most hikers spend hours sweating up Camel’s Hump just to see what you can see at Mount Philo State Park after a twenty-minute stroll. It’s kinda the "cheat code" of the Green Mountain State.
Established in 1924, this was actually Vermont’s very first state park. It’s small. It’s only 237 acres. But it sits there like a sentinel over the Champlain Valley, offering a perspective that feels much higher than its actual 968-foot summit. You’re looking at the Adirondacks across the lake, the high peaks of the Greens to your back, and the patchwork quilt of Addison County farmland right at your feet. It's spectacular.
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People think "state park" and imagine massive wilderness where you might get lost and eaten by a bear. Mount Philo isn't that. It’s the place where locals go for a sunset beer, where parents bring toddlers for their first "climb," and where birdwatchers congregate every fall to watch thousands of hawks migrate south.
What makes Mount Philo State Park different?
Geography is weird here. Most of Vermont is defined by the rolling Green Mountains, which are old and rounded. Philo is different because it’s a "klippe." That’s a geological term for a piece of a thrust sheet that’s been isolated from the main body by erosion. Basically, a massive chunk of rock pushed over younger rock and then everything around it wore away, leaving this lonely hill standing in the middle of a flat valley.
Because it stands alone, the views are unobstructed. You aren't looking at another ridge ten feet away. You’re looking at 180 degrees of open space. On a clear day, you can see the Olympic jumps in Lake Placid, New York.
The park saw a massive renovation recently. They spent a lot of money fixing the summit house and the trails because, frankly, the place was being loved to death. Over 50,000 people visit every year. That’s a lot of boots on a very small piece of land. The Vermont Department of Forests, Parks and Recreation had to balance keeping it "natural" while making it accessible. They did a pretty good job. The summit is now incredibly accessible, featuring smooth paths and stone overlooks that feel sturdy rather than intrusive.
Getting to the top without the struggle
There are two main ways up. You can hike, or you can drive.
The road is narrow. It’s paved, but it’s steep. If you’re driving a massive RV, just don't. You’ll regret it at the first switchback. For everyone else, the drive takes maybe three minutes. It’s perfect for people with mobility issues or anyone who just wants the reward without the cardio.
Then there’s the Western Slopes Trail and the Mount Philo Trail.
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The main hiking trail is about three-quarters of a mile. It’s steep in sections but nothing a reasonably healthy person can’t handle. You’ll see people trail running it in under ten minutes. You’ll also see grandmothers taking an hour. Both are fine. The trail winds through hardwoods—mostly maple and oak—and over some cool rock outcroppings. In the spring, the "spring ephemerals" (wildflowers like trillium and Dutchman's breeches) are all over the forest floor.
The Hawk Watch: A seasonal spectacle
If you show up in September, you’ll see a bunch of people with binoculars looking intensely at the sky. They aren't crazy. Mount Philo is one of the premier hawk-watching spots in the Northeast.
During the fall migration, the thermals (rising columns of warm air) created by the valley and the hill’s steep face act like an elevator for raptors. Broad-winged hawks, Red-tailed hawks, Ospreys, and even the occasional Bald Eagle or Peregrine Falcon use these currents to save energy on their way south.
- Broad-winged hawks often travel in "kettles"—huge groups circling together.
- Official counters from groups like Audubon Vermont often sit at the summit house recording the numbers.
- On a "big day," you might see over 1,000 birds pass by.
It’s one of those things where you realize how small we are. These birds are traveling thousands of miles, and they just happen to use this little hill in Charlotte, Vermont, as a waypoint. It’s cool. It’s also a great way to meet some very knowledgeable (and usually very chatty) bird nerds.
Camping and the "hidden" amenities
Most people just come for the afternoon, but there is a small campground. It’s tiny. There are only 7 tent/RV sites and 3 lean-tos.
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If you want a spot, you have to book months in advance. The lean-tos are the way to go. They offer a bit of shelter and that classic Vermont camping vibe. There’s a small restroom facility with hot showers (coin-operated, usually), which is a luxury for a park this size.
The Summit House is the centerpiece. It’s a stone and wood structure that can be rented for weddings or events. Honestly, it’s one of the most popular wedding spots in the state because the backdrop is unbeatable. If you’re visiting on a Saturday in June, expect to see a bride. Just be respectful; they paid for the space, but the rest of the summit is still public.
Things nobody tells you about the park
First, the parking lot at the bottom fills up fast. Like, really fast. By 10:00 AM on a beautiful autumn Saturday, you’ll be parking half a mile down the road.
Second, the "State Park" fee is real. Don't try to dodge it. It’s a few bucks per person, and that money goes directly into maintaining the trails you’re walking on. In 2026, those fees are more important than ever because of the increased foot traffic and the need for constant erosion control.
Third, the summit gets windy. You might be sweating at the trailhead, but once you hit that exposed ledge at the top, the wind coming off Lake Champlain will bite. Bring a layer. Even in July, a light windbreaker makes a difference.
Fourth, dogs are allowed, but they must be on a leash. This isn't just a suggestion. There are steep cliffs at the summit. Every year, someone's off-leash dog gets too close to the edge or bothers a nesting bird. Just use a leash.
Why Charlotte is the perfect backdrop
The town of Charlotte (pronounced shar-LOT, not SHAR-let like the one in North Carolina) is one of the wealthiest and most beautiful agricultural towns in the state. After you’re done at Mount Philo, you’re five minutes away from some of the best food in the region.
You’ve got Philo Ridge Farm just down the road. It’s a functional farm with a high-end market and kitchen. Their pastries are legitimate. Then there’s the Old Ferry Road that leads down to the Charlotte-Essex ferry. Taking the ferry across to New York is a great way to extend the trip, giving you a water-level view of the mountain you just climbed.
Practical tips for your visit
If you’re planning a trip, here is the reality of how to do it right:
- Timing is everything. If you want the summit to yourself, go on a Tuesday morning at 7:00 AM. If you go on a holiday weekend, prepare for crowds.
- Check the gate. The road to the summit usually opens in late May and closes in October. The trails are open year-round, but in the winter, the road is for hikers and snowshoers only.
- Footwear. You don't need heavy mountaineering boots. A pair of decent sneakers is fine for the main trail. If you take some of the smaller side loops, you might want something with better grip.
- Photography. The best light is about an hour before sunset. The sun sets directly over the Adirondacks across the lake, turning the water orange and purple. It’s a photographer’s dream.
- Trash. It’s a "carry in, carry out" park. There aren't trash cans every ten feet. If you bring a picnic, bring a bag for your wrappers.
Actionable Next Steps
If you are ready to visit Mount Philo State Park, start by checking the Vermont State Parks official website for the current "Park Status." During the shoulder seasons (spring and late fall), trails may be closed due to "mud season" to prevent damage to the soil.
Download a map from the Avenza Maps app or take a photo of the trailhead kiosk. While the park is small, there are a few intersecting paths on the back side that can be confusing if you aren't paying attention. Finally, if you're traveling with a group, consider carpooling from the nearby Charlotte Park and Ride to ensure you get a parking spot at the mountain base.
The park is located at 5425 Ferrisburgh-Charlotte Rd, Charlotte, VT 05445. It’s an easy 25-minute drive south from Burlington. Pack a lunch, bring your camera, and don't rush the descent. The best way to experience Philo is to sit on the grass at the summit for at least half an hour and just watch the clouds move over the lake.