Vermont is renowned for its forest-based recreation: hiking, wildlife viewing, mountain biking, hunting, skiing and more. The Vermont active outdoor recreation economy (according to the Outdoor Industry Foundation):
• Supports 35,000 jobs across Vermont
• Generates $187 million in annual state tax revenue
• Produces $2.5 billion annually in retail sales and services across Vermont– accounting for 12% of gross state product
There are many ways to enjoy Vermont's forest. Whether you are a landowner interested in developing hiking trails or a recreational business, or a community interested in managing recreation in town forests, or on public lands, Vermont's forests offer an incredible opportunity to connect to the land, your family and your community.
Learn more about ways to enjoy the woods while being a responsible steward:
- Before you head off into the woods to play, checkout some Safety Tips from VT Department of Forests, Parks and Recreation.
- Are you interested in developing trails in your woods? Checkout
- Looking to start a forest based recreational business? Checkout
- Is your community interested in acquiring more public land for recreation or developing more trails for public use? Checkout the Land and Water Conservation Fund and the Recreational Trails Program from VT Department of Forests, Parks and Recreation
- Looking for a trail to get out into the woods? Checkout VT’s Trail Finder an interactive map designed to help Vermont and New Hampshire residents and visitors find hiking, snowshoeing, mountain biking, cross-country skiing, and paddling trails across our twin state region