Mount Philo State Park

Reviews

• March 1, 2017
  "We love Mount Philo! The views are amazing and it is a great hike with kids!"
  - colchestermama
• February 26, 2017
  "Dogs and feces abound! This is a beautiful spot for a short, rewarding climb with great views. Unfortunately, the messes and smells of irresponsible dog use spoil it. It seems many people have decided to relax their responsibilities of dog ownership while giving their pets an opportunity to enjoy this great park. They do not clean up after their dogs and they do not keep them leashed. There is dog poo everywhere on Mount Philo. It is especially abundant near the base of the mountain, but truly throughout the park. It was difficult to look up from the ground for fear of stepping in dog mess. Dogs are to be leashed at all times according to the park rules, but this is another responsibility many owners have decided to shirk. You will encounter unleashed dogs along this hike. Some owners will quickly attempt to curb their dogs and apologize for the uninvited greetings while others clearly do not care they are neglecting this responsibility. All of dogs we encountered were friendly, but we certainly did not know this to be the case before they approached us quickly. Unleashed dogs even friendly ones along the steep trails may be dangerous, especially to smaller children. Mount Philo can be a fantastic park for all if irresponsible dog owners would follow the example of the plentiful responsible people who do enjoy the park respectfully with their dogs. "
  - Dogsnopoo
• February 10, 2015
  "If you are looking for a fun, short hike for the family this is great. It typically is less than an hour up and down, note hard for average person and dogs are allowed to come along. The view at the top is beautiful, plus there are places to lay out, sit, and eat at once youre to the top. "
  - horsesgoneigh
• April 18, 2014
  "There is only one campground halfway down the mountain. The sunsets are world class. Trails are awesome. Spring flowers, especially the Trillium, will take your breath away. There is a day use fee that supports all 52 of Vermont State Parks. We are open Memorial day through Columbus day ten a.m. to sunset. I live at the top. John Park Ranger Mt. Philo State Park"
  - parkranger
• August 19, 2013
  "My family went just for the hike, and it was over very quickly. Not what I expected. I was also shocked that I had to pay to walk up it. Glad i did it once because the view was nice but will not do it again. "
  - katiebug_1530
• August 19, 2013
  "This was a great little hike for my 3 12 year old. Carried my 2 year old in a backpack which was great except he wanted to walk and it was too much for him. My 3 year old did get tired on the way down. We walked the road because he kept falling over stuff on the path. I think this will be great for them in the next year or two. But one at a time is all I would do this year."
  - Mommy2boys
• August 19, 2013
  "Easy quick satisfying hike. It is pretty busy, especially on the weekend middays. Start early and you'll have more clear paths. For my kids 5 and 8, it's just about the right length hike and feels quite satisfying with a nice view. We do it 45x per year and it's always a pleasant couple hours."
  - Mischka1628
• November 9, 2011
  "TOTALLY AWESOME place to go sledding! It might be a bit scary for the younger ones, but it's totally worth it for adults and older kids. Walk all the way up to the top of the mountain and ride down the whole road when there's lots of snow pack and get ready for the time of your life! There's just a few spots where you have to get up and walk on the way down. "
  - mpc
• October 21, 2011
  "We love this hike every time we go! This summer, our threeyearold hiked to the top all by himself for the first time. The views are insanely rewarding for the investment of timeenergy. Highly recommend!"
  - clw
• May 2, 2011
  "Our whole family loves Mount Philo. We have had wonderful hikes and picnics there. Hiking up the road makes an easy but still scenic hike. For an alternative approach, take the trails through the woods for an up close and personal look at the local flora and fauna. The kids love both routes. The payoff at the top is a fantastic picnic location with the best views around. Don't forget your camera! "
  - JoVT
• May 2, 2011
  "Great place to go for a picnic with the family!"
  - luckymom88
• May 1, 2011
  "We hiked partway up this with my 5 year old, it was a great hike, lots of places to stop and rest."
  - Sacyda
• April 29, 2011
  "A great place to sled in the winter and hike in the summer. It has a road to the top and is a quick hike. The views are well worth it. Bring a picnic and enjoy!"
  - mpc
• April 29, 2011
  "Great little hike that doesn't take too long. We love taking sandwiches and picnicing at the top, which has a big grassy area and picnic table. Beautiful views of the lake and the Adirondacks."
  - LoWaldman
• April 28, 2011
  "Mt Philo offers a great day hike for all abilities unbelievable views from the top and an awesome spot to enjoy VT. I've been to several events at the enclosed picnic area that have been awesome. We're so fortunate to have many well kept, accessible State Parks but Mt Philo is probably my favorite of all."
  - SChicoine
• January 19, 2011
  "Great, easy hike and a wonderful view on a clear day. I did this hike when I was 7 months pregnant, no sweat. You can take the road or the trails, the road is easier but the woods are definitely more interesting. There are facilities at the top as well as a water fountain. It is also a great place to go sledding in the winter."
  - KellyC2011
• October 2, 2008
  "Nice, easy, short 3045 min hike with young kids. We were there on a class trip with 1st and 2nd graders. Having a paved pathroad makes it easy to get up and down. There are trails if you want to go offroad. There are portapotties at the bottom and restrooms up top. Also at the summit there is even a a water fountain if to refill your water bottle or give your pooch a drink before heading back down. The picnic tables and Adirondack chairs provide a great place to have lunch and take in the southern views."
  - missmagpie
• June 19, 2008
  "Mt. Philo State Park is great when you're looking for an easy day hike with the kids 4 could walk it. We even walked up it with our newborn in a stroller thanks to the road to the top. A great spot for picnics at the top...with fantastic views of Lake Champlain!"
  - sok
• June 17, 2008
  "Mt. Philo is such a great place to go for a shorttolong day out with the kids. It's perfect for any child on their own over age 4, and little ones can easily traverse the fire road or the trails with the help of a caregiver. Bring food to refuel, the steep pitch encourages the perception of exhaustion in the younger set, but the hike is worth it for all! The top boasts fantastic grassy areas to flop down and picnic or rest, read to your little people or yourself, and the views are spectacular. On a clear day, it's tough to imagine anything better without going further from home. If you enjoy the outdoors and like to get fresh air and exercise, this is the place to go!"
  - twincoastlove

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