🌤 Weather at Mt. Mansfield State Forest by season
| Spring | Summer | Fall | Winter |
|---|---|---|---|
| 19–65 °F | 53–77 °F | 28–68 °F | 8–31 °F |
Each range runs from the coldest monthly average low to the warmest monthly average high in that season (1991-2020 climate normals), measured at Worcester 2 W, 14 mi away, elevation 1,360 ft. Conditions at the park can differ from the station, especially where elevation differs — check a forecast before you go.
The park itself ranges from about 1,010 to 3,560 ft in elevation — higher ground runs cooler than the figures above.
Mt. Mansfield State Forest is a public state park in Vermont near Stowe in Lamoille County County. Spanning 44,444 acres and established in 1914, this park offers a peaceful retreat into nature for visitors of all ages.
Quick Facts
| State | Vermont |
| Nearest City | Stowe |
| County | Lamoille County |
| Park Size | 44,444 acres |
| Established | 1914 |
Location & Getting There
Mt. Mansfield State Forest is located near Stowe, Vermont. The park’s coordinates are 44.4916, -72.8186.
Things to Do
Vermont state parks offer quintessential New England outdoor experiences — from the Green Mountains’ forested peaks and alpine meadows to Lake Champlain’s shoreline and quiet Northeast Kingdom ponds. Activities include hiking through hardwood forests and along ridgeline trails, swimming at pristine lake and pond beaches, fishing for trout and bass in cold mountain streams, camping in wooded settings, paddling calm lakes, biking the extensive Kingdom Trails network, birding in diverse habitats, and exploring covered bridges and historic village settings near many parks. The Long Trail, which traverses Vermont’s spine, passes through or near several state parks.
Best Time to Visit
Vermont parks shine brightest in summer and fall. Summer (June–August) offers warm lake swimming, excellent hiking, and lush green landscapes. Fall (late September–mid October) is world-famous — Vermont’s foliage is arguably the finest in America, drawing visitors from around the globe. Leaf-peeping peak varies by elevation: mountains color first, valleys follow. Spring (April–May) is ‘mud season’ — many trails are closed to prevent erosion. Winter brings excellent cross-country skiing, snowshoeing, and ice fishing. Most campgrounds operate Memorial Day through Columbus Day only.
Visitor Tips
Vermont state parks charge per-person day-use fees ($4–$5 adults, children under 4 free). Camping fees vary by site type ($20–$53/night). Reservations through vtstateparks.com — book early for fall foliage weekends, which sell out months ahead. Vermont’s parks are smaller and more intimate than western parks, which adds to their charm. Bring bug spray in early summer — blackflies and mosquitoes can be fierce May through June, especially near water.
Explore More Vermont State Parks
Mt. Mansfield State Forest is one of many outstanding state parks in Vermont. Discover more parks in our Best State Parks in Vermont guide, or use our Park Finder to search by activity, location, or features.
Wildlife & Nature
Mt. Mansfield SF — surrounds Mount Mansfield (4,393 ft) — the highest peak in Vermont. The mountain’s summit ridge resembles a face in profile (Forehead, Nose, Upper Lip, Chin). The alpine tundra on the summit — only 250 acres — is the largest expanse of alpine tundra in Vermont and one of only three in the state. Bicknell’s thrush nests here. Black bears and moose roam below treeline.
Nearby Attractions
Stowe — adjacent — the “Ski Capital of the East”. Stowe Gondola — accesses the summit ridge. Ben & Jerry’s Factory — 5 miles south. Trapp Family Lodge — 5 miles south (the von Trapp family from “The Sound of Music”).
Nearby state parks: If you have extra time, Underhill State Park is a short drive away, and Smugglers Notch State Park is a short drive away.
🐾 Dogs & Pets at Mt. Mansfield State Forest
- Pets allowed? statewide rule
- Pets are allowed at all Vermont State Parks campgrounds and on trails unless otherwise posted, but are not permitted on beaches or in most picnic areas.
- Leash rule statewide rule
- Leash shorter than 10 ft required (or pet safely confined) at all times
- Beaches & swim areas statewide rule
- Pets are not permitted on beaches; limited exceptions let pets use the far side of the beach away from swim areas at Branbury, Lake Shaftsbury and Silver Lake
- Cabins & lodging statewide rule
- Pets are permitted in designated pet-friendly cabins only (full list on the Vermont State Parks cabins page); cottages do not allow pets
- Statewide exceptions statewide rule
- Pets allowed in picnic areas at Allis, Camp Plymouth, Elmore, Kill Kare, Knight Point, Lake Shaftsbury, Mt. Philo, Osmore Pond and Owl's Head; at Camp Plymouth pets may swim only at the cartop boat launch; current rabies vaccination expected
Are dogs allowed at Mt. Mansfield State Forest?
Pets are allowed at all Vermont State Parks campgrounds and on trails unless otherwise posted, but are not permitted on beaches or in most picnic areas. Individual parks can post stricter rules — check signage on arrival.
Rules verified July 2026 via vtstateparks.com. More: Vermont state parks guide · Dog rules in all 50 states compared
Park Location
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