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State Forest · VT

Lyndon State Forest

Lyndon State Forest is a protected woodland area in Vermont offering diverse trails and quiet natural landscapes ideal for hiking, wildlife viewing, and seasonal outdoor activities.

State Forest21504+ Trails

Designation

State Forest

Total Wilderness Area

2150

Elevation / Terrain

Diverse Wilderness

Field Editorial Guide

About Lyndon State Forest

Lyndon State Forest is a protected woodland area in Vermont offering diverse trails and quiet natural landscapes ideal for hiking, wildlife viewing, and seasonal outdoor activities.

Wilderness Landscape & Natural Heritage

Lyndon State Forest is located in Caledonia County, Vermont, covering a mix of northern hardwood and coniferous forests. The forest features gentle topography with rolling hills, providing a diverse habitat that supports deer, black bears, moose, and various bird species. Historically, the land has been managed for sustainable timber harvesting, wildlife habitat, and public recreation since it was established in the early 20th century. Visitors enjoy well-maintained trails suited for hiking, snowshoeing, and mountain biking in warmer months, with winter sports such as cross-country skiing becoming popular during snowy conditions. The forest's natural tranquility and relatively low visitor density make it a favored spot for bird watchers and photographers looking to capture Vermont’s seasonal foliage transitions. Nearby landmarks include the Passumpsic River, which adds to the area’s scenic appeal and provides fishing opportunities. As a state forest, Lyndon aims to balance conservation with low-impact recreation, supporting educational programs and stewardship initiatives focused on forest health and wildlife protection.

Field Guide · State Forest
Adventure Destinations

Notable Destinations Near Lyndon State Forest

Scenic viewpoints, outdoor landmarks, and notable points of interest within 30 miles.

Nature's Scenic Retreat at Willoughby State Forest★ 7.8⌖ 13 miHiking
Willoughby State Forest

Nature's Scenic Retreat at Willoughby State Forest

Explore Willoughby State Forest near Sutton, Vermont, featuring moderate hiking trails with scenic lake and cliff views. Enjoy swimming, kayaking, and wildlife watching in a quiet, rugged setting best visited from late spring through early fall.

Tranquil Beauty at Lake Willoughby★ 7.8⌖ 16 miKayaking
Lake Willoughby

Tranquil Beauty at Lake Willoughby

Explore Lake Willoughby in Westmore, VT, a serene haven ideal for kayaking and swimming. Enjoy hiking trails with vistas of dramatic cliffs. Best visited in summer with opportunities for photographers to capture its tranquil beauty.

Discover the Mystery of Peacham Bog★ 7.4⌖ 20 miHiking
Peacham Bog

Discover the Mystery of Peacham Bog

Explore the 4.5-mile loop trail at Peacham Bog in Peacham, VT. This moderately challenging hike offers a peaceful experience with opportunities for birding and nature photography. Ideal in summer, it’s quiet year-round and showcases diverse plant and animal life.

Camping at Elmore State Park near Stowe★ 7.5⌖ 25 miCamping
831-799 VT-12

Camping at Elmore State Park near Stowe

Explore the camping opportunities at Elmore State Park near Stowe with car-accessible sites and activities like hiking the Elmore Mountain Trail and kayaking on Lake Elmore. Enjoyable for families, with vibrant foliage in spring and fall.

Key Wilderness Highlights

✦ Expansive mixed hardwood and softwood forest with vibrant seasonal colors✦ Diverse wildlife habitat supporting moose, black bear, and migratory birds✦ Network of multi-use trails suitable for mountain biking and winter sports✦ Proximity to Passumpsic River offering fishing and scenic water views
Wilderness Recreation

Outdoor Adventures in Lyndon State Forest

Explore curated guides for top outdoor sports, trail networks, and wilderness activities.

Park Recreation

Hiking

Available in Lyndon State Forest
Park Recreation

Mountain Biking

Available in Lyndon State Forest
Park Recreation

Wildlife Viewing

Available in Lyndon State Forest
Park Recreation

Fishing

Available in Lyndon State Forest
Park Recreation

Snowshoeing

Available in Lyndon State Forest
Park Recreation

Cross-Country Skiing

Available in Lyndon State Forest
Park Recreation

Photography

Available in Lyndon State Forest
The Ranger Station

Visitor Logistics & Essential Planning

Everything you need to know about entrance passes, seasons, visitor centers, road transit, and wildlife safety in Lyndon State Forest.

Passes & Fees

Entrance Requirements & Interagency Passes

Free public access; no special permits required for day use.

Wilderness Checklist

Carry paper topographic map & compass in remote zones.
Store all food and scented items in approved bear canisters.
Check wildfire / smoke advisories before backcountry departure.
Pack out everything you pack in (Leave No Trace).
Adventure Basecamps

Gateway Towns Near Lyndon State Forest

Stay, dine, and gear up in these mountain towns and scenic basecamps surrounding the park.

Lyndonville
⌖ 0.80 miles
Gateway Basecamp

Lyndonville, Vermont

A charming Vermont town offering easy access to the Northeast Kingdom’s forests, rivers, and hills, perfect for a mix of quiet outdoor pursuits and seasonal adventures.

Late Spring to Early Fall and WinterExplore Town
Lyndon
⌖ 1.57 miles
Gateway Basecamp

Lyndon, Vermont

A scenic Vermont town offering four-season outdoor activities centered on forested trails, rivers, and nearby ski areas.

Spring through Fall for hiking and paddling; Winter for skiing and snowboardingExplore Town
Burke
⌖ 6.68 miles
Gateway Basecamp

Burke, Vermont

A classic Vermont outdoor destination offering rugged mountain terrain, pristine lakes, and all-season recreation for active travelers seeking nature-based adventure.

Spring through WinterExplore Town
Sutton
⌖ 6.69 miles
Gateway Basecamp

Sutton, Vermont

A quiet rural town offering peaceful outdoor recreation surrounded by Vermont’s lush forests and rolling hills.

Late Spring to Early Fall for hiking and biking; Winter for skiing and snowshoeingExplore Town
St. Johnsbury
⌖ 8.17 miles
Gateway Basecamp

St. Johnsbury, Vermont

A charming Vermont town offering accessible outdoor adventures with a blend of forests, rivers, and hills, ideal for year-round exploration in the Northeast Kingdom.

Late Spring through Fall for hiking and paddling; Winter for skiing and snowshoeingExplore Town
Danville
⌖ 10.53 miles
Gateway Basecamp

Danville, Vermont

A peaceful rural town offering scenic landscapes and quiet access to year-round outdoor adventures, perfect for travelers seeking nature and low-impact recreational activities.

Late Spring to Early Fall for hiking and paddling; Winter for cross-country skiing and snowshoeingExplore Town
Expert-Led Wilderness Expeditions

Guided Experiences in Lyndon State Forest

Explore scenic backcountry routes and epic wilderness adventures with certified local mountain guides, naturalists, and outfitters.

12 bookable experiences

Availability, pricing, meeting details, and fulfillment are provided by the applicable operator or booking partner.