Hubbard Park covers 200 wooded acres immediately above downtown Montpelier, with a network of trails and an old stone observation tower on the summit. The walk up from the State House takes about twenty minutes; the climb up the tower's narrow internal staircase opens out to a view across the Winooski valley and the Green Mountains. On a clear autumn day this is the best vantage point in town.
The park has cross-country ski trails in winter, picnic shelters in summer, and is busy year-round with dog walkers and joggers. It is a real working town park, not a manicured tourist attraction — which is part of the charm.