Snowshoe at Woodford State Park

Winter comes earlier to Woodford State Park than just about anywhere else in Southern Vermont. At 2,400 feet above sea level, this is an easy spot to find winter without spending a fortune at the local ski resorts. Woodford State Park is only a ten-minute town from the town of Bennington, but it's usually about 10 degrees colder up here in both winter and summer, so don't forget to bundle up before driving up the mountain.

Although the park officially closes in October, visitors are welcome to park outside the gate and hike, ski, or snowshoe into the park. There's a good chance you'll be the only ones here! The campground road is usually covered with snow from November through early May, and it's great for nordic skiing. 

The lake, known locally as Adams Reservoir, freezes early in the season too, making it another fun destination for skiing and other winter adventures. If you want to hike or snowshoe, there's a great 2.7-mile trail that meanders around the lake and into the Glastenbury Wilderness, which is part of the Green Mountain National Forest. 

For a real adventure, you can try winter camping in one of the lean-tos around the lake. It's free with a permit from Vermont State Parks. 

Wildlife to look out for: Moose, deer, otter, songbirds, and beaver.

Must have gear: Microspikes at a minimum, preferably snowshoes or nordic skis that can go in the backcountry.