There’s never been a better time to escape the city and head north.
With fall foliage peaking and ski season just around the corner, Vermont—just about a four-hour drive from NYC—was officially named the most outdoorsy state in America for 2025, according to a new study by the outdoor brand Kühl.
The ranking analyzed Google search data for 14 outdoor activities—including hiking, skiing, camping, kayaking, and birdwatching—adjusted by population.
Vermont came out on top with more than 8,500 searches per 100,000 residents, outpacing every other state in the U.S. and proving what locals already know: Vermont lives and breathes the great outdoors.
From its historic Long Trail (the oldest long-distance hiking route in the country) to its snow-capped Green Mountains and glass-clear lakes, the state offers a four-season paradise for outdoor lovers—and it’s closer than most New Yorkers realize.
Where to experience Vermont’s fall magic
🍁 Smugglers’ Notch Pass (Stowe)
One of Vermont’s most scenic drives, this winding mountain pass delivers jaw-dropping foliage framed by towering cliffs.
Stop for the Sterling Pond Trail, a must-hike that rewards with mirror-still lake views surrounded by fiery maples.
🍂 Route 100
Dubbed “Vermont’s Main Street,” this iconic route connects postcard-perfect towns like Waterbury, Stowe, and Waitsfield, making it the ultimate fall road trip for leaf-peepers. Expect covered bridges, cider mills, and farm stands at every turn.
🏞️ Quechee Gorge
Nicknamed “Vermont’s Grand Canyon,” this easy-access trail offers dramatic views of the Ottauquechee River cutting through a 165-foot-deep gorge—perfect for both families and photographers.
Hikes that shine in fall (and beyond)
🥾 Camel’s Hump
Vermont’s most recognizable peak offers sweeping summit views, whether it’s blanketed in golden leaves or the first dusting of snow.
🌄 Stowe Pinnacle
A moderate climb with major payoff—the panoramic view of the Green Mountains is one of the most photographed spots in the state.
🌲 Mount Mansfield
At 4,395 feet, Vermont’s highest point is a true icon.
Take the Chin Trail if you’re feeling ambitious, or opt for the Stowe Gondola SkyRide to soar above the treetops without breaking a sweat.
Winter is coming… and ski season is even more epic
As soon as the leaves drop, Vermont seamlessly transforms into the East Coast’s ski capital.
Resorts like Stowe, Killington, Sugarbush, and Stratton draw everyone from weekend warriors to powder purists.
New Yorkers can even plan a dual-season getaway—catch peak foliage in October, then return in December to carve down the same mountains under a blanket of snow.
Hidden outdoor Vermont gems worth the detour
🏔️ Lake Willoughby (Northeast Kingdom)
A glacial lake flanked by dramatic peaks, it feels straight out of Scandinavia. Bring a kayak or camera—either way, you’ll want to linger.
🔥 Bald Mountain Fire Tower
A four-mile round-trip hike with sweeping 360° views of the remote Northeast Kingdom—one of Vermont’s best-kept secrets.
🎭 Bread & Puppet Museum (Glover)
Equal parts art, activism, and outdoor spectacle, this quirky cultural stop embodies Vermont’s off-beat charm.
🍺 Hill Farmstead Brewery (Greensboro Bend)
A destination in itself, this award-winning brewery pairs world-class beer with sweeping mountain views and a true local vibe.
🏞️ See the full study about all the most outdoorsy states here!