Renowned as "New England’s Last Frontier" and "The Real Vermonters Vermont" the Northeast Kingdom is Vermont’s largest and least populated region. This leaves plenty of room for vast forests, pristine rivers, deep lakes, rambling roads, spectacular vistas, prominent peaks and still marshes. Quite simply, the Kingdom is a nature lovers delight. In fact, Vermont’s Northeast Kingdom contains more than 1,300,000 acres of land of which almost 200,000 acres are either publicly owned or have public recreation/access easements which provide some of the finest, most remote, and diverse outdoor recreation opportunities in New England. Public Lands include Big Falls State Park in Troy, Victory Basin Wildlife Management Area, Willoughby State Forest, Averill Mountain WMA, Bill Sladyk WMA in Holland, the Long Trail State Forest in Jay and the Nulhegan Basin Division of the Silvio O. Conte National Fish & Wildlife Refuge.
In the Kingdom we enjoy and protect our many parks, forests and wilderness areas. These lands provide habitat for abundant wild and birdlife as well as rare plants. Some believe that the legendary Catamount (a Vermont species of cougar once assumed to be extinct) may still be in the area as well. Although several significant sightings have been reported in the past decade, the wildcat’s return has yet to be officially confirmed.
Whether you are drawn by bird watching, fishing, hiking, or a desire to explore, the Northeast Kingdom is rich in trails and vistas and throughout the region visitors are able to immerse themselves into the preserved wild lands and pristine waters. If exploring on your own is not for you and you would like the learn some forest secrets from those who know them well, a guide service can lead you to the best place to angle for trout, spy a falcon, track a deer, spot a bear, navigate a stream, or follow a lost logging road.
Barton
Crystal Lake State Park
96 Bellwater Ave
Barton, VT 05822
802-525-6205
Crystal Lake is a glacial lake beautifully situated among roughhewn mountain sides.
Groton
Big Deer Mountain Trail - New Discovery State Park
Groton, VT
This easy 1.7 mile trail passes through the forest and climbs up to scenic vistas and memorable views of Peacham.
Groton
Osmore Pond Hiking Loop - Groton State Forest
Groton, VT
This scenic 2 mile loop begins at the Osmore Pond.
Groton
Owls Head Trail - Groton State Forest
Groton, VT
The Owls Head Trail is an easy 1.5 mile trail leading to a scenic vista of Lake Groton, Kettle Pond and the Green Mountains.
Groton
Ricker Pond State Park
18 Ricker Pond Camp Ground Road
Groton, VT 05046
Nestled in Groton State Forest, Ricker Pond State Park sits below the hustle and bustle of Lake Groton.
Groton
Silver Ledge Trail - Groton State Forest
Groton, VT
The 0.6 mile Silver Ledge Trail rewards you with views of Lake Groton and Beaver Meadows.
Guildhall
Maidstone State Park/Maidstone Lake
R1, Box 388
Guildhall, VT 05905
802-676-3930
Maidstone is the most remote of Vermont's state parks and still retains much of the wilderness character of the NEK.
Island Pond
Brighton State Park
102 State Park Road
Island Pond, VT 05846
802-723-4360
The primary attraction of this general area is its remoteness: mountains with tree-covered slopes, rivers and streams.
Marshfield
Kettle Pond State Park
4239 VT Rte 232
Marshfield, VT 05658
The campground has 47 tent/trailer sites and 14 lean-tos. There is a play area and access to miles of hiking trails.
