The park was created in 1924 when the state purchased land from the Horsford family.
The mountain was formed by a thrust fault where older rock was pushed over younger rock millions of years ago.
The stone shelter at the summit is a prime example of Civilian Conservation Corps craftsmanship from the Great Depression era.
The summit offers a nearly 360-degree view of the surrounding Champlain Valley.
The park serves as a significant site for observing raptor migrations in September and October.
Mt. Philo State Park is Vermont's oldest state park, established in 1924, and features a summit elevation of 968 feet. The park provides panoramic views of the Lake Champlain Valley and the Adirondack Mountains in New York. Visitors can access the summit via a steep one-mile hiking trail or a winding paved access road. The mountaintop area includes a designated picnic ground and a small campground with sites for tent or trailer camping. Facilities at the summit include pit toilets and a stone shelter built by the Civilian Conservation Corps in the 1930s. The park's ecosystem consists primarily of northern hardwood forests, including sugar maples and American beech. It is a popular location for hawk watching during the fall migration. The summit area remains relatively flat, facilitating easy walking between the viewing ledges and picnic tables.
The western-facing rocky ledge at the summit provides the most unobstructed views of Lake Champlain.
Arrive early on weekends during the fall foliage season, as the parking area at the summit fills to capacity quickly.
Wear sturdy footwear even if driving to the top, as the paths around the summit ledge can be uneven and rocky.
Pack out all trash, as there are no public garbage bins provided on the mountain.
Attempting to park along the access road when the summit lot is full, as this is prohibited and can lead to towing.
The park is closed to vehicle access during the winter and mud season, typically from late autumn through mid-May.
Leashed pets are permitted. Practice Leave No Trace principles; do not disturb native flora or nesting birds.
