VTVermont Geography

Geography overview

Vermont occupies the 45th largest area among US states. Located in the Northeast region, specifically the new england subregion, its physical geography reflects its position on the North American continent. The state is landlocked with no ocean access. It shares an international border with Canada.

Geographers typically think about a state's geography in five dimensions: location (where it is relative to other places), place (the physical and human characteristics), region (how it groups with others), movement (the flow of people, goods, and ideas), and human-environment interaction (how people have shaped and been shaped by the environment). This page touches on all five.

Topography and landforms

• Mountain ranges: appalachians
• Appalachian Mountains

Topography refers to the physical features of the land — mountains, valleys, plains, plateaus, basins. Vermont's topography was shaped over millions of years by tectonic activity, glaciation, erosion, river systems, and (in some regions) volcanic activity. Understanding the topography helps explain everything from where cities developed historically (typically near reliable water sources and navigable rivers) to modern climate patterns (mountains create rain shadows, for instance).

Rivers and waterways

Vermont has no major navigable rivers connecting to the ocean, which historically shaped its economic development around overland trade routes (railroads, highways) rather than river commerce.

Mountains, elevation, and relief

The appalachians mountain range(s) define much of Vermont's topography. Mountain regions create distinct climate zones, agricultural patterns, and recreation economies (skiing in winter, hiking and camping in summer).

Climate and time zone

Vermont observes Eastern Time. Winters bring heavy snowfall, especially near the Great Lakes or in mountainous areas.

National parks and protected areas

The National Park Service manages many sites in Vermont — national parks, national monuments, national forests, national wildlife refuges, and historic sites. Tourism, particularly to natural areas, is a major part of the state economy.

Wildlife and biodiversity

Vermont's wildlife reflects its geography. Forests, plains, rivers, and (where applicable) coasts support a wide range of mammals, birds, fish, reptiles, and amphibians. Protected populations of native species are maintained through state and federal wildlife management agencies. State parks and refuges protect critical habitats; hunting and fishing license fees fund much of the wildlife conservation work.

Climate zones within the state

Even within Vermont's small area, microclimates vary by elevation and terrain. Coastal regions (where applicable) typically have milder, more humid climates than interior areas. Mountain regions are colder and snowier. Desert regions are hot and dry.

Geology — what made Vermont the way it is

Vermont's present-day geography is the result of geological processes operating over hundreds of millions of years: plate tectonics, volcanic activity, glaciation, erosion, sedimentation. Most of the state's bedrock is sedimentary (limestone, sandstone, shale) or metamorphic (where heat and pressure transformed older rocks), with igneous rocks (granite, basalt) more common in mountainous areas. The last Ice Age (which ended approximately 11,000 years ago) reshaped much of the northern US and shaped lake basins, river valleys, and soil distribution.

Vermont notable firsts

• First state admitted after the original 13

Vermont vs similar states

How does Vermont compare with 3 other states in the same region and size category?

State	Capital	Pop	Area rank	Admitted
Vermont	Montpelier	under 1 million	#45	1791
Connecticut	Hartford	1 to 5 million	#48	1788
Delaware	Dover	1 to 5 million	#49	1787
Maine	Augusta	1 to 5 million	#39	1820

Bordering states (3)

Vermont shares borders with 3 other US states, listed alphabetically below. Each link goes to the dedicated state page.

Similar states to Vermont

If this page interested you, you may also want to explore states with similar geography, history, or culture. These states share Vermont's region (Northeast) and similar size category:

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