Gentle country, big rewards
Addison County’s outdoors are more pastoral than alpine — cliff-top valley views, a warm swimming lake, waterfalls and easy river paddling — perfect for travelers who want scenery without a strenuous climb.
Snake Mountain
The signature hike is Snake Mountain, a moderate climb through hardwoods to a cliff-top clearing with one of the best panoramas in Vermont — the entire patchwork Champlain Valley spread out to the lake and the Adirondacks beyond. It is a favorite at sunset and in foliage season.
Lake Dunmore & Falls of Lana
Southeast of Middlebury, Lake Dunmore offers warm swimming and paddling at Branbury State Park, with the pretty Falls of Lana and the Rattlesnake Cliffs trails climbing the ridge above.
Otter Creek & the lake
Vermont’s longest river, Otter Creek, meanders through the valley in lazy flatwater ideal for canoes and kayaks, while the Lake Champlain shore at Kingsland and Button Bay adds beaches, sunsets and lakeside camping.
Good to know
What’s the best hike?+
Snake Mountain — a moderate climb to a cliff-top view over the entire Champlain Valley.
Where can I swim?+
Lake Dunmore at Branbury State Park, plus Champlain-shore parks like Button Bay and Kingsland Bay.
Can I paddle Otter Creek?+
Yes — Vermont’s longest river offers easy flatwater canoeing and kayaking through the valley.