Mt. Philo
Ages: 0 and up
Cost: $3 - 14 and older: $2 - 13 and younger: Free for 3 and younger.
Parking: Yes - Bottom of the hill and at top.
Features: Picnic Area, Dog Friendly, Restrooms
The 168-acre park is located atop Mt. Philo (968' elevation) and overlooks the Lake Champlain Valley and the Adirondack Mountains of New York. A narrow, steep road (not recommended for trailers) provides visitors access to the top of the mountain. This is Vermont's oldest state park, created in 1924.
There are two small camping areas with a total of 10 sites including 3 lean-tos, located at the top of the mountain and on the mountainside. Flush toilets and hot showers ($) are provided. The mountaintop picnic area offers spectacular views of the lake, valley, and mountains to the west (YouTube video). An enclosed picnic shelter is available for large group gatherings. Hiking trails lead from the summit to the base.
Open form Memorial Day to October 15th.
During the winter, the windy road up to the park could also double for a fun and challenging sledding course. Check out this YouTube video for a visual experience of the run down. Snowshoers and cross-country skiers are frequent visitors too.
3 Reviews
missmagpie
Reviewed on 10/02/2008
Nice, easy, short (30-45 min) hike with young kids. We were there on a class trip with 1st and 2nd graders. Having a paved path/road makes it easy to get up and down. There are trails if you want to go off-road. There are port-a-potties at the bottom and restrooms up top. Also at the summit there is even a a water fountain if to refill your water bottle or give your pooch a drink before heading back down. The picnic tables and Adirondack...more
sok
Reviewed on 06/19/2008
Mt. Philo State Park is great when you're looking for an easy day hike with the kids (4+ could walk it). We even walked up it with our newborn in a stroller (thanks to the road to the top). A great spot for picnics at the top...with fantastic views of Lake Champlain!
twincoastlove
Reviewed on 06/17/2008
Mt. Philo is such a great place to go for a short-to-long day out with the kids. It's perfect for any child on their own over age 4, and little ones can easily traverse the fire road or the trails with the help of a caregiver. Bring food to re-fuel, the steep pitch encourages the perception of exhaustion in the younger set, but the hike is worth it for all! The top boasts fantastic grassy areas to flop down and picnic or rest, read to...more
