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Vermont (/ v ər ˈ m ɒ n t / ⓘ vər-MONT) is a landlocked state in the New England region of the Northeastern United States. It borders Massachusetts to the south, New Hampshire to the east, New York to the west, and the Canadian province of Quebec to the north.
- 9,616 sq mi (24,923 km²)
Jul 13, 2022 · Looking for the best things to do in Vermont? From sailing on Lake Champlain to taking a factory tour of Ben & Jerry's, these are the most iconic experiences.
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Vermont, constituent state of the United States of America. One of the six New England states lying in the northeastern corner of the country, it was admitted to the union on March 4, 1791, as the 14th state. It is sparsely populated, and its capital, Montpelier, is one of the least-populous U.S. state capitals. Vermont is bordered to the north by Quebec, Canada, to the east by New Hampshire, to the south by Massachusetts, and to the west by New York. From the Canadian to the Massachusetts border, the Connecticut River separates Vermont from New Hampshire. The river, from the mean low-water line on the western bank, is entirely within New Hampshire’s borders.
In many ways Vermont is a vigorous survivor of an earlier, simpler time in the United States. Millions of people visit the state each year, and many thousands of out-of-state residents maintain second homes in Vermont. These people primarily seek the beauty and tranquility of Vermont’s mountains and narrow valleys and the sense of the country’s past that pervades the entire state. The steeples of white wooden churches rising above mountain-bound small towns with trim village greens, the herds of dairy cattle on sloping mountain pastures, and the red-gold leaves of tree-lined autumnal lanes are aspects of scenic Vermont that, in painting and photography, have become symbols of the rural United States.
The land of Vermont does not have great variety, but in place of this it substitutes an intensity and pervasiveness of those features it does possess.
Britannica Quiz
The Green Mountains that cover most of the state are part of the northern Appalachian Mountains, which run southeastward from Canada into north-central Alabama. They provide Vermont with a north-south backbone that ranges from approximately 20 to 35 miles (30 to 55 km) in width. Thirty-one mountains in the state rise above 3,500 feet (1,100 metres)...
Vermont’s mountain ranges are broken by the valleys of only a few rivers, such as the Winooski, Lamoille, and Missisquoi, all flowing westward into Lake Champlain. Part of the Missisquoi turns north to flow through Canada before returning to Vermont. Lake Champlain’s waters empty northward into Canada’s Richelieu River and flow 80 miles (130 km) into the St. Lawrence. The longest river entirely within the state is the Lamoille (85 miles [135 km]), followed by Otter Creek (75 miles [120 km]), which rises in southwestern Vermont and flows northward into Lake Champlain. Several small streams, the largest of which is the White River, flow from the central highlands into the Connecticut River. The western portion of Lake Champlain is in New York, and three-fourths of the area of Lake Memphremagog—the second largest lake associated with Vermont—lies in Canada. The largest of the 400 natural lakes entirely in Vermont is Lake Bomoseen, west of Rutland.
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Snowfall in Vermont usually averages between 70 and 80 inches (1,800 and 2,000 mm) in the valleys and up to 110 inches (2,800 mm) in the mountains. Total annual precipitation varies from 34 inches (870 mm) in the eastern and western sections to more than 40 inches (1,025 mm) in the mountains. Winter temperatures can drop to −34 °F (−37 °C) and lowe...
At one time many of Vermont’s hilltops were cleared for pastures and open fields. As farmers abandoned the hillsides, the open spaces quickly refilled with trees. Pine, spruce, fir, and hemlock are common; maple and birch are among the deciduous species. The state tree is the sugar maple, which reflects Vermont’s prominence in maple sugar and syrup production. The wooded areas, with their small brooks and springs, produce a great variety of ferns and wildflowers; in the spring and summer they are filled with the many species of birds common to the Northeast. Environmental factors such as acid rain have affected trees in the higher elevations. Concerns about excessive logging have led to state restrictions on clear-cutting.
Vermont has a huge deer population, and deer hunting is an autumn ritual. Bears are often seen, but wild members of the cat family are rare. There is a growing moose population and (since 1993) an annual moose-hunting season. Small animals abound in Vermont. Fishing in the lakes and streams, including ice fishing in winter, is popular.
Rooted in distinct geographic features and time-honored traditions, Vermont is a place where a slower pace cultivates curiosity, offering the opportunity to indulge in moments of reflection, renewal, and rebalancing calm. Vermont can inspire, restore, and bring you to a whole new state.
Nature’s splendor meets cultural richness at some of Vermont’s top places to see. From iconic factories and breathtaking landscapes to historic places nestled between mountains and in valleys, each attraction weaves a compelling narrative that captures the essence of Vermont’s beauty and heritage.
Feb 29, 2024 · Discover the best activities, events, and attractions in Vermont, from hiking and biking to skiing and swimming. Whether you're a local or a visitor, this guide will help you plan your perfect Vermont vacation.
Start planning for a memorable Vermont vacation with a free planning packet, including a road map (perfect for your glove box), an inspiration guide featuring some of the best things to do in the Green Mountain State, and information on scenic byways, food and farms, state parks, and more.
