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Country Guide > North America > United States of America > Vermont

General Information

Nickname
Green Mountain State

State bird
Hermit Thrush

State flower
Red Clover

Capital
Montpelier

Date of admission to the Union
March 4 1791

Population
621,394 (official estimate 2004)

Population density
25 per sq km

2003 total overseas arrivals
Under 72,000/36

Time
Eastern (GMT - 5). Daylight Saving Time is observed.

The State
Vermont is a State that is best enjoyed outdoors. Although it is the only New England State without a seashore, its border with Lake Champlain more than compensates. The largest city, Burlington, affords magnificent views of the water, and has many sporting and recreation areas. There are three different Lake Champlain Ferries crossing from points in Vermont to New York and back departing two to three times per hour each day.
Missisquoi National Wildlife Refuge and Burton Island State Park lie at the northern end of the lake and offer great camping and hiking opportunities. The best views, however, are to the south at Mount Philo State Park, Vermont’s oldest State park, which is just 15 minutes from the city centre.
Vermont is the USA’s third-largest ski State, with 16 alpine resorts and just under 30 for cross-country skiing. The highest peak in Vermont, Mount Mansfield, is the location of the area’s most popular ski resort, Stowe, which offers a choice of slopes suitable for both beginners and thrill-seekers. In the summer, skis are exchanged for mountain bikes and hiking boots. Fishing is also a hugely popular pastime, with rods and reels available to hire locally. At Brattleboro, in southeast Vermont, the sporting action revolves around the West and Connecticut rivers. Canoeing is the best way to explore the lush green countryside. Other less energetic attractions include the Brattleboro Museum & Art Center, and the Shelburne Museum, heading back up lake towards Burlington. Vermont is also home to Shelburne Heritage Park, with its early New England buildings; Green Mountain National Forest, with its historical trails and drives; and the ski destinations of Mount Snow, Jay Peak, Smugglers’ Notch and Sugarbush.