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Recently, my family and I took a trip to southern Vermont. Our initial purpose was simply to visit my mother, but we ended up discovering so much more. We were amazed by the plethora of unique activities Vermont has to offer.
Interestingly, many of the best experiences in southern Vermont are not well-promoted. They are hidden adventures waiting to be discovered, and that search is part of the excitement. While we didn’t stumble upon these treasures entirely on our own, thanks to the internet, we certainly had to explore various online resources to track them down. And let me tell you, we had a fantastic time doing just that!
If you’re on the lookout for fun things to do in Vermont, I highly suggest checking out the places we’ve highlighted below. These were our favorite discoveries, and I believe you will enjoy them just as much!
Unique Things to Do in Vermont
Everett Cave
One of Vermont’s finest hidden attractions is Everett Cave, where my family experienced our first self-guided cave exploration, which we loved.
Our adventure commenced in the parking lot of an antique shop and craft store, and while some say you can also park at the nearby Southern Vermont College, we opted not to try that route. From either location, a hike is required to reach the cave. At the beginning of the trail, we found a map that clearly indicated the path to take. It’s definitely worth pausing to examine this map or checking this map before venturing in.
The trail to Everett Cave was fairly easy to navigate, even for our 2-year-old. However, the trail system in the woods is not well signposted, which led us to make a few wrong turns and get caught in an unexpected storm. Eventually, we did find the cave.
Going In
The entrance to the cave is quite accessible. We simply needed to crouch a bit to pass through the tunnel leading to the first room. It was fascinating to see steam rising from the cave due to the temperature difference and moisture. Moreover, it was surprising how quickly it turned completely dark once inside. Make sure to bring strong flashlights, or even better, headlamps!
Once inside the initial rooms, the kids thoroughly enjoyed exploring all the nooks and crannies, climbing and sliding down the sloped walls. There were two areas where you could ascend and continue your exploration, but since we were with our toddler and didn’t have helmets, we decided to skip that.
However, if you are in good shape, have the proper equipment, and have a reliable caving partner, I see no reason not to give it a try. Just remember to prioritize safety!
Pikes Falls Swimming Hole
My children absolutely love swimming, as do most kids. Unfortunately, our campground did not have a swimming pool, and it was during a particularly harsh heatwave. The obvious solution? Find a swimming hole!
The northeastern region has various excellent creeks, streams, and swimming spots, but Pikes Falls Swimming Hole in Jamaica, Vermont, stood out as possibly the best we encountered all summer.
Here, the waterfall cascades over a sloped rock, creating a natural water slide that leads straight into the pool below. The pool itself measures 40 feet by 25 feet, providing ample space for everyone to enjoy on a hot summer day. The water features zero-depth entry—ideal for my little one—but it reaches depths of up to 10 feet near the waterfall. This setup was perfect, as the older kids and some adults delighted in jumping into the deep, refreshing water from the rocks.
There is no official parking or signage for this swimming hole, so you’ll need to rely on GPS and your intuition (or follow other swimmers). We found it easy to park along the roadside and followed a wide trail through the tall grass to reach the swimming hole. Although there was a little hiking involved, it was mostly straightforward except for a few short, steep inclines.
This activity definitely ranks among the more unique things to do in Southern Vermont and makes for a perfect family outing during the summer.
Old Jelly Mill Falls
While in Vermont, we explored numerous waterfalls and streams, and one of our last stops was Old Jelly Mill Falls in Dummerston. This location features a series of tiered falls nestled in a forest, offering a fantastic spot for wading and exploring nature—something we fully enjoyed one hot summer afternoon.
This was a favorite spot for our kids for many reasons. The falls aren’t particularly tall (the tallest maybe reaching 8 feet), allowing the kids to climb and play safely without much worry. Some rocks underneath the falls were smooth enough for sliding, which my son did for quite a while. Additionally, there were plenty of large, dry rock areas right beside the creek where we even laid down for a quick nap.
One of the activities that captivated our kids was building a rock dam at the base of one fall to create a small swimming hole. This was an ongoing project started by someone else, but my son was determined to finish it—and he did! Ironically, the swimming area they created was only entertaining for a fraction of the time it took to construct the dam.
Like many hidden gems in Vermont, this waterfall doesn’t have a designated parking area. Most visitors were simply parking on the roadside, and we did the same. There was just enough gravel for us to pull off without blocking the path, and the road wasn’t very busy.
More Unique Things to Do in Vermont: Green Mountain National Forest Dry Camping
If you’re searching for even more unique experiences in Vermont, consider dry camping in Green Mountain National Forest. I was eager to try some dispersed camping in the forest during our visit, but unfortunately, we didn’t get to it. Our RV might not have fared well in many of the dispersed spots either.
For those concerned about your RV fitting in the dispersed camping areas, there are low-cost forest campgrounds available as an alternative.
Grout Pond Recreation Area
The Grout Pond Campground is managed by the US Forest Service and is open all year round, with online reservations available. Given that there are only four drive-in sites, we recommend booking in advance. Note that these sites are tailored for smaller RVs. There is a hand pump for potable water and vault toilets available. The campground charges $16 per night.
Hapgood Pond Campground
Another spot run by the Forest Service, Hapgood Pond Campground is conveniently located next to a picturesque pond. It operates from late May through early October, with sites costing $20 a night. While there are no hookups, the campground does offer amenities such as flush toilets, drinking water, and showers.
Have Another Campground in Mind?
Choosing the right campground is crucial. It can transform an ordinary Vermont RV trip into an unforgettable one. RV LIFE Campgrounds is a trusted source for campground information within the industry. Millions of RV enthusiasts rely on RV LIFE Campgrounds, which also provides exclusive resources available through RV LIFE Pro, the ultimate planning and navigation tool for RV trips. Explore it and discover even more unique things to do in Vermont.
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