Fort Dummer State Park, Vermont

Nestled in the Connecticut River Valley at the foothills of the Green Mountains, Fort Drummer State Park incorporates 217 acres of forest land just outside of Brattleboro. Arbory buffs will notice that the forest actually more closely resembles those of southern New England, rather than a typical Vermont forest. Southern tree species, such as white, red, and chestnut oaks, dominate the hardwood forest. If you have your dichotomous key handy, you’ll also spot beech, maple, yellow birch, and white birch. The woods are home to a myriad of wildlife, including gray squirrels, turkeys, and deer. You may even notice a ruffed grouse scurrying about the shady understory.

In the park you'll find both tent and trailer campsites as well as lean-to sites. A trio of trails encircle the area. The looping Sunrise and Sunset Trails each provide EPIC, cascading-sunlight vistas—just be sure you go at the right time of day. The Broad Brook Trail is out-and-back, though you may not want to come back after taking a dip in the idyllic swimming hole at its end. Other notable features include a picnic area and a vast, open field that just beckons, “Frolic!”