This park is a short ride from Burlington. We normally hike,but my husband was nursing a sprained ankle, so we came here because you can drive to the summit. Entry was 3 dollars a person and the ride is short. There will be people walking on the road so watch them. THere is a trail as well. At the top is a campground, picnic area, and chairs with scenic views. A really nice way to spend a couple of hours.
A typical visit here might include a scenic walk, bicycle ride, or drive up the tree-lined, paved, and narrow road to the summit; and a rewarding walk along the impressive vistas of Lake Champlain from the hilltop. There are benches and Adirondack chairs to sit on and restroom facilities at the hilltop.
Great hike. Wonderful panoramic views at both the mid way point and the top. Did this with my 3 & 5 year olds and was able to get all the way up and halfway down before the complaining started. Got some great photos.
We hiked up for a mother's day picnic and it was as lovely as usual. This is about a 30-45 minute hike (with my kids it's faster than with my friends). You can go up either the road way, or via a wooded path which goes off to the left just as you start up the road. The views are lovely!
We went there off-season and ended up walking to the top. Some of the walk was on the paved road and some was on well walked paths. This trip was in late October. A bit late for great foliage and this day was a bit overcast, but still a nice mountain. The views from the top are well worth the climb to the top.VT, NY and who knows what else you can see on a clear day.There is a small fee during the season, and still worth the price.
Hiked the park road from top to bottom in early-mid May, before it was open to vehicles,...no leaves on the trees yet so really nice views, yet could hardly tear our eyes away from the profuse and diverse wildflowers. Perfect in that.we hardly had to watch our step on the good pavement and had it all to ourselves...the other park visitors were on the woods trails.
Mt Philo is an easy hike that could be made more difficult and wild, depending on the route you take to the top. The reward is the view at the top with expansive view of Lake Champlain and the Adirondacks, although many might say the road taken is just as beautiful, esp in fall at peak. Mt Philo, like Vermont is just simply beautiful.
Stunning views from the top. Very serene place. Had it not been cold we would have spent more time and enjoyed the beautiful views. You can spend a couple hours. There is a small entry fee. Highly recommended.
Mt. Philo is oftentimes packed with locals and tourist crowds alike due to its relative proximity to Burlington and ease of access in the Champlain Valley. The views from the summit/picnic areas is exceptional offering great panoramic views of the entire area. This is especially true during foliage season. There are also several hiking trails that lead from the first parking area to the summit and these can be quite overcrowded as well. On a slow day, it is an enjoyable short hike though.
The summit is a terrific place for a sunny summer wedding, with an unforgettable view of the valley and Lake Champlain.