A Bird’s Eye View from Mount Philo
July 12, 2010
-A view from the top of Mount Philo in Charlotte
I thought the weekend was going to be a total washout, so I was thrilled to wake up to sunshine on Sunday morning. The haze from the recent heat wave was finally gone, so Dave and I took a ride to Mount Philo State Park to soak up the views.
The state park – Vermont’s oldest – is located at the top of Mount Philo, a small mountain in Charlotte with an elevation of 968 feet. Established in 1924, Mt. Philo State Park overlooks the Lake Champlain Valley and the Adirondack Mountains of New York.
From the late 1800s to 1924, Mount. Philo was an excursion destination for guests at the Mount Philo Inn. Guests would trek to the summit and enjoy views of the Champlain Valley from the deck of a wooden observation tower that has since been removed.
In 1924, Frances Humphreys of Brookline, Mass., donated 150 acres of land on Mount Philo to the State of Vermont to be managed for recreational purposes. With her gift, Vermont’s first state park was established.
Mount Philo State Park offers camping, a picnic area, hiking trails and a perfect view to watch gorgeous sunsets over Lake Champlain.
Dave takes in the view of the Champlain Valley.
A picnic shelter at the summit.
Erin @ I Heart New England
Posted at 21:10h, 12 JulyWhat a view!
Steve Borichevsky
Posted at 22:39h, 12 JulyI’ve been up there! Yes, it was the last place that I saw Trillium. The wildflowers up there are spectacular in the spring.
Margaret
Posted at 01:17h, 13 JulyI used to visit Mt. Philo when I lived in the area…always thought it would be a great place to get married.
Pearl Maple
Posted at 08:54h, 14 JulyHow thoughtful of Frances to donate this patch of paradise, beautiful place to visit.
Erica Houskeeper
Posted at 00:10h, 15 JulyThanks Erin!
Hi Steve — Spring up there must be gorgeous! I’m thinking about a return visit in the fall.
Hi Margs — I was thinking about you when we were up there.
Hi Mandy — Yes, she was definitely ahead of her time in terms of thinking about conservation.
a whole lotta love
Posted at 00:24h, 15 JulyWow.. what a gorgeous view!! I’ll definitely have to get there at some point even though I’m on the southern end of the state.
Erica Houskeeper
Posted at 02:48h, 15 JulyWhole Lotta Love — You should definitely visit Mt. Philo! A gorgeous spot, and easy to get to from Route 7. Hope you’re enjoying your summer!