Recreation


An expansive vista has green pines in the foreground looking over a valley framing a small lake.

Discover an Area by Activity

Select an activity to find an area to visit.

The Green Mountain & Finger Lakes National Forests’ scenic beauty along the backbone of Vermont’s Green Mountains and New York’s Finger Lakes region provide unlimited recreational opportunities in all seasons.

Some opportunities we offer include:

  • Over 900 miles of trails managed for both summer and winter uses
  • Sections of long trails like the Appalachian National Scenic Trail, the Long Trail, and the North Country Scenic Trail. 
  • Outstanding campgrounds, including two designated National Recreation Areas
  • Eight designated wilderness areas on the Green Mountain National Forest 
  • 3 Alpine and 4 cross-country ski areas offering some of the most spectacular skiing in the Northeast
  • Countless lakes and streams for unlimited fishing and other water activities

Enjoy your Green Mountain and Finger Lakes National Forests. Know local closure orders to ensure a safe, enjoyable experience for everyone!

Recreation Map

Map showing recreational areas. Map Information

Current Recreation Conditions

Area Name Status Area Conditions
Backbone Horse Campground None None Designated campgrounds are no longer maintained after the summer recreation season. Users may continue to recreate in the area however, some sites may not be accessible and amenities, such as restrooms and water, may not be available. Please contact the local Ranger Station for current conditions.
Bingo None None No plowed vehicle access in winter; always open, always free, no toilets to lock/unlock.
Blueberry Patch Campground None None Designated campgrounds are no longer maintained after the summer recreation season. Users may continue to recreate in the area however, some sites may not be accessible and amenities, such as restrooms and water, may not be available. Please contact the local Ranger Station for current conditions.
Chittenden Brook Area Trails None None
Chittenden Brook Campground Open Open
Greendale Campground None None No plowed vehicle access in winter (~ 1 mile walk required); fee required in summer; fee-free in winter; toilet remains open.
Grout Pond Area Trails None None
Grout Pond Recreation Area None None Grout Pond Recreation Area is first-come, first-served until May 24th, and again from July 15th to the end of the season due to construction and may result in a full closure for the season if necessary. Please contact the Manchester Ranger Station if you have any questions: 1-802-362-2307.
Hapgood Pond Recreation Area Open Open Hapgood Pond Recreation Area will be closed from Labor day, Monday, September 2, 2024 until the end of the season due to construction. Please contact the Manchester Ranger Station if you have any questions: 1-802-362-2307.
Moosalamoo Area Trails None None
Moosalamoo Campground Open Open
Potomac Group Campground None None No plowed vehicle access in winter.
Silver Lake Area Trails None None
Silver Lake Campground None None Designated campgrounds are no longer maintained after the summer recreation season. Users may continue to recreate in the area however, some sites may not be accessible and amenities, such as restrooms and water, may not be available. Please contact the local Ranger Station for current conditions.
Somerset Road None None