Best Outdoor Attractions in Vermont

The Green Mountain State has plenty to offer in the Great Outdoors. Read our picks for the best outdoor attractions in Vermont for 2013.

BEST OUTDOOR CENTER CRAFTSBURY OUTDOOR CENTER, Craftsbury Common Rated among the country’s best running and sculling programs (for beginners and pros), this is also a place to walk and mountain-bike, swim and sail. The rustic complex is set above Hosmer Pond on 400 acres, with more than two dozen trails and miles of farm roads to explore. Offers lodging (room, apartment-style accommodations, or private lakeside cottage) with three generous, healthy meals featuring fresh local produce, served buffet-style. Rates: from $108, including breakfast, lunch, and dinner. 535 Lost Nation Road. 802-586-7767; craftsbury.comBEST TRAIL RIDE OPEN ACRE RANCH, Fairlee Rebecca Guillette offers an increasingly rare experience: the chance to ride out on genuine bridle trails through woods and rolling farmland. Her own 400 acres border town forest. All abilities are welcome, and more experienced riders won’t be disappointed. Lessons also offered. 1478 Blood Brook Road. 802-333-9196; openacreranch.comBEST MOUNTAIN BIKING TRAPP FAMILY LODGE, Stowe Pedal, climb, and jump through forests and over meadows at this 2,500-acre retreat, which boasts some of Vermont’s most sought-after countryside. Discover 26 miles of single- and double-track terrain for beginners to daredevils. 700 Trapp Hill Road. 802-253-5755; trappfamily.comBEST ROCK-CLIMBING INSTRUCTION VERMONT ADVENTURE TOURS, Rutland Guided rock-climbing tours include the popular cliffs at Rattlesnake Point (above the Falls of Lana) and the more-intense Deer Leap Mountain across from Pico Peak. Courses span the beginner basics of “Rock 101” to more intense “Self-Rescue Technique” and are tailored to group size and ability. 223 Woodstock Ave. 802-773-3343; vermontadventuretours.comBEST FARM-TO-FOREST HIKING MERCK FOREST & FARMLAND CENTER, Rupert More than 3,000 acres of Vermont’s working landscape were preserved in the 1950s in the Taconic Mountains. Farm and forest discovery hikes stretch between Mount Antone and Spruce Peak, with more-strenuous treks reaching each summit. Cabins, shelters, and campsites are dispersed throughout. 3270 Route 315. 802-394-7836; merckforest.org