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 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. Wild and birdlife noted in the region include moose, black bear, deer, bobcat, coyote, badger, fox, fisher, falcon, loon turkey, quail and many other species. 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.
We invite you to view some of our favorite trips below!
Barton
Moose Mountain Trail
Barton, VT
From the overlooks of this trail there are partial views of the northern range of the Green Mountains and Lake Willoughby.
Barton
Wheeler Pond Trail
Barton, VT
A walk in the woods, half mile trail that goes around the south end of the pond.
Brunswick
Silvio O. Conte National Fish & Wildlife Refuge
5360 Rte. 105
Brunswick, VT 05905
802-962-5240
visit website
The Nulhegan Basin Division, part of the Silvio O. Conte National Fish and Wildlife Refuge, was established to protect the diversity and abundance of native species within the 7.2 million-acre Connecticut River watershed.
East Burke
Kingdom Trails
East Burke, VT 05832
802-626-0737
visit website
An extensive network of scenic recreational trails constructed to accommodate all levels of ability.
Greensboro
Barr Hill - The Nature Conservancy
Greensboro, VT
802-229-4425
visit website
Their mission is to preserve & protect the plants, animals, & natural communities that represent the diversity of life on earth.
Greensboro
Long Pond Natural Area - The Nature Conservancy
Greensboro, VT
visit website
The Nature Conservancy manages 1,500 feet of shoreline around this remote pond surrounded by a softwood and hardwood forest.
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
Hosmer Brook Trail - Groton State Forest
Groton, VT
This moderate 1.3 mile trail winds through woods and along a quiet stream and features some rocky sections.
Groton
Kettle Pond Trail - Groton State Forest
Groton, VT
The Kettle Pond Trail is a 3 mile moderate walk around a secluded lake.
Groton
Little Deer Trail - Groton State Forest
Groton, VT
This .5 mile trail offers good views of Lake Groton and the surrounding mountains.
Groton
Montpelier Wells River Rail Trail - Groton State Forest
Groton, VT
The Montpelier Wells River Rail Trail is an excellent place for walking, bicycling or horseback riding.
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.
Hardwick
Hardwick Trails
Hardwick, VT 05843
Hardwick Trails winds 10 K (6.4 miles) through mixed northern forest as a 4-season, non-motorized trail.
Island Pond
Bluff Mountain Trail
Island Pond, VT
The trail features views of the Nulhegan Basin and surrounding hills.
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.
Jay
Jay Peak - The Long Trail
Jay, VT
Part of the 270 mile Long Trail is America's oldest long-distance hiking path, stretching along the spine of the Green Mountains
Lemington
Monadnock Mountain
Lemington, VT
Monadnock Mountain rises steeply above the Connecticut River and provides a unique view of the North Country.
Lowell
Belvidere Mountain
Lowell, VT
The open-deck summit fires tower on Belvidere Mountain (elev. 3360') shows one of the nicest views in northern Vermont.
Maidstone
Loon Trail - Maidstone State Forest
Maidstone, VT
The Loon Trail is about 1/2 mile long and goes through lush, mossy woods along the shoreline to the south end of the lake.
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.
Montgomery
Hazen's Notch Association
1423 Hazen's Notch Road
Montgomery, VT 05471
802-326-4799
HNA maintains miles of trails for hiking, cross country skiing and snowshoeing. They are also the Welcome Center for the area.
Norton
Brousseau Mountain
Norton, VT
Brousseau Mountain is one of the few nesting sites for Peregrine Falcons.
Norton
Gore Mountain Trail
Norton, VT
This trail offers an exciting backcountry experience through beaver ponds, meadows, logging roads and steep granite bedrock.
Victory
Victory Basin Wildlife Management Area
Victory, VT
visit website
Here you can spot bear, moose, beavers, birds and more. Hunting and fishing are also allowed.
Westmore
Haystack Mountain
Westmore, VT
Haystack Mountain is appropriately named for its abrupt sides that climb steeply from all directions.
Westmore
Long Pond Trail/Bald Mountain
Westmore, VT
One of the best views of the region is to be found at the summit of Bald Mountain.
Westmore
Mad Brook Trail/Bald Mountain
Westmore, VT
The summit of Bald Mountain offers some of the best views of the region.
Westmore
Mount Pisgah East Trail
Westmore, VT
Elevation is 900 feet for this trail which connects to the Mount Pisgah trail.
Westmore
Mount Pisgah North Trail
Westmore, VT
Breathtaking views await you at the Summit of Mount Pisgah. Elevation 2751 feet.
Westmore
Mount Pisgah South Trail
Westmore, VT
Breathtaking views of Willoughby Lake and surrounding mountains await you at the summit of Mount Pisgah. Elevation 2751 Feet.
Westmore
Mt. Hor and Summit Ridge Trail
Westmore, VT
Elevation 2648 feet. This trail offers 2 overlook points with a grand view of Lake Willoughby.
Westmore
Westmore Town Forest
Westmore, VT
This area contains a spectacular bog with many unique plants and a beaver pond.
