Kayaking In Vermont: Epic Paddling Adventures 2025

By: Dave Samuel

Updated On: August 7, 2025

The morning mist was just lifting off Lake Willoughby when I first dipped my paddle into Vermont's waters. That was 12 years ago, and I've been hooked ever since. Between the covered bridges reflecting in calm waters and the blazing fall colors framing every paddle stroke, Vermont has become my go-to destination when I need to escape the crowds and find some peace on the water.

After exploring nearly every paddleable body of water from the Northeast Kingdom down to the Massachusetts border, I've discovered that kayaking in Vermont offers something unique - a perfect blend of scenic beauty, diverse water types, and that small-town charm you just can't find in busier states. Whether you're planning Vermont kayaking vacations or just looking for a weekend paddle, this guide covers everything you need to know.

Quick Vermont Kayaking Overview

Before we dive into specific locations, here's what makes Vermont special for paddlers:

800+ lakes and ponds scattered across the state
7,000 miles of rivers ranging from lazy floats to whitewater
Four-season paddling (yes, even winter if you're properly equipped)
No motorboat crowds on many smaller lakes
Free access at most state-maintained launches

The best kayaking in Vermont happens between May and October, though I've had incredible November paddles when the tourists have gone home and the lakes are mirror-calm.

Northern Vermont: The Northeast Kingdom

Lake Willoughby - The "Lucerne of America"

Sandwiched between Mount Pisgah and Mount Hor, Lake Willoughby feels more like a Norwegian fjord than a Vermont lake. This glacially carved gem stretches 5 miles and plunges to depths of 300+ feet. I'll never forget watching peregrine falcons dive from the cliffs while I paddled the eastern shore last summer.

What to Know:

Launch from either the north or south beach (both free)
Morning paddles reward you with glass-calm conditions
The lake rarely freezes completely - hardcore paddlers go year-round
Water stays cold even in summer (wetsuit recommended)

Local Tip: Paddle to the base of Mount Pisgah's cliffs early morning - the acoustics are incredible. You can hear every bird call echoing off the rock face.

Lake Memphremagog - International Waters

Straddling the US-Canada border, "Memphre" offers some of the most diverse paddling in the Northeast Kingdom. At 27 miles long, you could spend a week exploring and never paddle the same section twice. The Newport waterfront has been completely revitalized - nothing like the rundown marina I first visited in 2012.

Must-Paddle Routes:

Newport Bay to Prouty Beach (4 miles round trip)
Eagle Point Wildlife Management Area
Along the eastern shore to the Canadian border (passport required if crossing)

If you're worried about navigating these larger waters, the protected bays offer plenty of beginner-friendly options. Last Fourth of July, I watched fireworks from my kayak in Newport Bay - unforgettable.

Peacham Pond - Hidden Gem Alert

This 340-acre pond in Peacham might be the best-kept secret in Vermont. No motorboats allowed means you'll share the water with loons, not jet skis. The fall colors here are absolutely ridiculous - I've taken more photos here than anywhere else in Vermont.

Getting There: The access is tricky to find (dirt road off Peacham Pond Road), but that keeps the crowds away. Look for the small brown sign - blink and you'll miss it.

Central Vermont: Green Mountain Gateway

Lake Elmore - Stowe's Quiet Neighbor

While everyone's fighting for parking in Stowe, savvy paddlers head 15 minutes north to Lake Elmore. This 219-acre lake sits at the base of Elmore Mountain, offering protected paddling with mountain views that rival anything in the Alps.

Perfect Day Trip:

Early morning paddle (launch by 7 AM for glassy conditions)
Hike Elmore Mountain Fire Tower Trail (2.5 hours)
Afternoon swim and picnic at the state park beach
Sunset paddle (the alpenglow on the mountains is insane)

Waterbury Reservoir - Central Vermont's Playground

Created in the 1930s for flood control, this massive reservoir has become one of the premier lakes in northern Vermont for paddling. With 28 miles of shoreline and numerous islands to explore, you could paddle here every weekend and find new spots.

Pro Paddling Routes:

Little River State Park to Cotton Brook Delta (wildlife central)
Island hopping in the main basin
Waterbury Dam paddle (for Instagram-worthy shots)

The Vermont Canoe Company used to run guided tours here - while they're no longer operating, their old route maps (if you can find them online) show the best hidden coves.

Lake Groton - The People's Paradise

Part of Groton State Forest, this lake offers something unique - you can paddle to four different state parks. It's like a waterborne park-hopping adventure. Boulder Beach remains my favorite lunch spot, especially on weekdays when you might have it to yourself.

Multi-Day Adventure: Reserve campsites at different parks and create your own paddle-in camping tour. I did this last summer with my kids - three nights, three different campgrounds, all accessed by kayak. They still talk about it.

Southern Vermont: Mountain-Rimmed Waters

Lake Rescue - Small but Mighty

Don't let the 184 acres fool you - Lake Rescue packs more scenery per paddle stroke than lakes twice its size. Surrounded by the Green Mountains near Ludlow, this lake offers surprisingly good kayaking in southern Vermont despite its modest size.

Best Features:

Crystal-clear water (you can see bottom at 20 feet)
Red Bridge swimming hole at the inlet
Fall foliage that'll make your camera weep with joy
Minimal boat traffic even on weekends

Somerset Reservoir - Vermont's Hidden Wilderness

This remote reservoir in the Green Mountain National Forest feels like paddling in Alaska. At 1,800 acres and sitting at 2,200 feet elevation, Somerset offers wilderness paddling without the crowds. The 10-mile gravel access road keeps the masses away.

What to Expect:

Frequent moose sightings (especially early morning)
Wind can kick up fast - check weather carefully
No cell service for miles
Some of the darkest night skies in Vermont

I've seen more wildlife here in one morning than entire seasons on busier lakes. Last September, I watched a bull moose feed in the shallows for 30 minutes while bald eagles circled overhead.

Lake St. Catherine - Southern Comfort

Straddling the New York border, Lake St. Catherine offers 930 acres of diverse paddling. The northern section stays shallow and protected - perfect for beginners. The southern end opens up for those wanting to stretch their paddling muscles.

Can't Miss:

Paddle the channel to Little Lake (like discovering a secret room)
Sunrise paddles from the state park launch
The "Granville Narrows" - a stunning paddle through wetlands

Lake Champlain: Vermont's Inland Sea

No guide to kayaking lakes in Vermont would be complete without extensive coverage of Lake Champlain. At 120 miles long, this massive lake offers everything from protected bays to open-water crossings.

Best Lake Champlain Paddling Spots

Missisquoi Bay The ultimate wildlife paddling destination. This massive wetland complex hosts more bird species than anywhere else in Vermont. I've logged over 150 species from my kayak here, including regular bald eagle sightings.

Button Bay Named for the button-like clay concretions on the shore, this protected bay offers easy paddling with fascinating geology. The state park provides excellent access and the sunrise views toward the Adirondacks are photographer's gold.

Kingsland Bay My personal favorite for introducing newcomers to Champlain. Protected from wind, dotted with islands, and home to the Lake Champlain Maritime Museum. You can literally paddle through 300 years of history.

The Gut (Alburgh) This narrow passage between islands offers current-assisted paddling and guaranteed wildlife sightings. Time it right with the flow and you'll feel like you're on a lazy river ride.

Rock River Delta Where the Rock River meets Missisquoi Bay, creating a maze of channels perfect for exploration. I once spent six hours here and never paddled the same channel twice.

Lake Champlain Paddlers Trail

This 740-mile water trail includes both New York and Vermont sides, with 50+ primitive campsites for multi-day adventures. Some of my favorite Vermont-side camps:

Knight Island - Reservation required but worth it for the privacy
Woods Island - Paddle-in only, feels like your own private island
Schuyler Island - Great blue heron rookery on the north end

River Paddling: Beyond the Lakes

Lamoille River - Vermont's Paddling Highway

Flowing 85 miles from the Northeast Kingdom to Lake Champlain, the Lamoille offers something for everyone. The whitewater sections near Johnson challenge experienced paddlers, while the flatwater stretches provide peaceful family floats.

Best Sections:

Jeffersonville to Cambridge (7 miles, 2-3 hours) - Classic Vermont scenery
Milton to Lake Champlain (10 miles, 3-4 hours) - Wildlife paradise
Johnson to Jeffersonville (12 miles, 4-5 hours) - Mix of riffles and pools

Connecticut River - The Original Highway

Before there were roads, there was the Connecticut. This historic waterway forms Vermont's eastern border and offers 200+ miles of paddling opportunities.

Top Paddles:

Bellows Falls to Brattleboro (36 miles) - Multi-day adventure
White River Junction to Fairlee (15 miles) - Perfect day trip
Moore Reservoir - Flatwater paddling with mountain views

West River - Whitewater Season

Twice yearly, the Ball Mountain Dam releases create Vermont's biggest whitewater party. If you're into whitewater kayaking, this is your Super Bowl. Class II-IV rapids attract paddlers from across New England.

Essential Gear for Vermont Paddling

After countless Vermont paddling trips, here's what actually matters:

Year-Round Essentials

PFD - Required by law, and Vermont enforces it. Check the latest kayak registration requirements too
Whistle - Also legally required, attached to your PFD
Dry bag - Vermont weather changes fast
First aid kit - Especially important on remote waters

Seasonal Gear

Spring (March-May)

Wetsuit or drysuit (water temps in 40s)
Neoprene gloves
Extra warm layers

Summer (June-August)

Sun protection (the water reflection is brutal)
Bug spray (blackflies in June are no joke)
Lightweight PFD for hot days

Fall (September-November)

Layers, layers, layers
Waterproof camera for foliage shots
Thermos with hot cider (trust me on this)

Winter (December-February)

Full drysuit with insulation
Ice picks and safety gear
Emergency communication device

Vermont Kayaking Laws & Safety

Vermont's pretty relaxed about paddling regulations, but here's what you need to know:

Legal Requirements

PFD for everyone aboard (kids under 12 must wear it)
Sound device (whistle minimum)
White light for paddling after dark
No registration needed for non-motorized kayaks

Safety Reality Check

I learned the hard way that Vermont's beauty can be deceiving. That peaceful lake can turn nasty fast when afternoon thunderstorms roll off the mountains. Some hard-earned wisdom:

Check weather obsessively - Vermont's mountains create their own weather
Cold water kills - Even in August, deep lakes stay cold
Plan shorter than you think - Afternoon winds are real
Tell someone your plans - Cell service is spotty at best

Planning Your Vermont Kayaking Vacation

Best Times to Visit

May-June: Spring Awakening

Pros: No crowds, peak water levels, migrating birds
Cons: Bugs, cold water, unsettled weather

July-August: Summer Prime Time

Pros: Warm water, all facilities open, long days
Cons: Crowds, afternoon thunderstorms, busy launches

September-October: Foliage Paradise

Pros: Stunning colors, cool temps, fewer crowds
Cons: Shorter days, cold mornings, some facilities closed

November-April: Hardcore Season

Pros: Solitude, unique beauty, bragging rights
Cons: Extreme cold, limited access, serious gear required

Where to Stay

Paddler-Friendly Lodging:

Northeast Kingdom

Willoughvale Inn (Lake Willoughby) - Kayak storage, lakefront access
Newport Marina (Lake Memphremagog) - Boat slips, gear rental

Central Vermont

Little River State Park - Paddle-in campsites
Green Mountain Club lodges - Hiker/paddler friendly

Southern Vermont

Lake St. Catherine State Park - Waterfront camping
Camp Plymouth State Park - On Echo Lake, quiet alternative

Multi-Day Itineraries

3-Day Northeast Kingdom Tour

Day 1: Lake Willoughby (stay in Westmore)
Day 2: Lake Memphremagog (stay in Newport)
Day 3: Peacham Pond and Crystal Lake

Week-Long Vermont Paddling Road Trip

Days 1-2: Lake Champlain (Burlington base)
Days 3-4: Central Lakes (Waterbury base)
Days 5-6: Northeast Kingdom (Lyndonville base)
Day 7: Connecticut River paddle

Local Outfitters & Resources

While the Vermont Canoe Company is no longer operating, these outfitters keep the paddling spirit alive:

Umiak Outdoor Outfitters (Stowe)

Guided tours, instruction, gear rental
Excellent whitewater classes

Vermont Canoe & Kayak (Jeffersonville)

Lamoille River specialists
Wine and paddle tours (yes, really)

Wilderness Trails (Quechee)

Connecticut River experts
Multi-day trip planning

Hidden Gems & Local Secrets

After years of paddling Vermont, here are spots most tourists miss:

Harvey's Lake (Barnet)

This 351-acre lake sees minimal traffic despite excellent paddling. The loon population here is thriving, and the swimming is fantastic. Launch from the town beach - just remember to leave a donation.

Thurman W. Dix Reservoir (Orange)

Created for flood control, this reservoir offers 119 acres of quiet paddling. The standing dead trees create an otherworldly landscape, especially in morning fog. Wildlife photographers - bring your long lens.

Lake Iroquois (Hinesburg)

Just 20 minutes from Burlington but feels worlds away. No public beach means fewer swimmers and more peaceful paddling. The northern wetlands host nesting osprey and occasional river otters.

Chittenden Reservoir (Chittenden)

High in the Green Mountains, this 700-acre reservoir offers alpine paddling at its finest. The dirt road access keeps crowds down, and the mountain views are spectacular. Water levels fluctuate - call ahead.

Canoeing Vermont vs. Kayaking

While this guide focuses on kayaking, canoeing Vermont waters offers its own rewards:

Choose a Canoe for:

Family trips with kids
Gear-heavy camping expeditions
Photography (more stable platform)
Fishing (easier to cast)
Portaging between waters

Stick with a Kayak for:

Solo paddling
Rough water/wind
Long-distance efficiency
Rolling practice
Wetsuit-required seasons

I keep both in my garage - different tools for different adventures.

Conservation & Respect

Vermont's waters stay pristine because paddlers respect them. Do your part:

Pack out everything - even orange peels
Respect private property - use designated launches
Avoid nesting areas (April-July)
Clean your gear between waters (invasive species are real)
Support local conservation groups

The Vermont River Conservancy and Lake Champlain Committee do incredible work keeping these waters accessible.

Weather & Conditions Resources

Before any Vermont paddle, I check:

NOAA Marine Forecast - Especially for Champlain
Vermont State Parks - Current conditions and closures
Local paddling forums - Real-time beta from locals
Flow rates (for rivers) - USGS water data

Remember: mountain weather changes fast. That sunny morning can become a thunderous afternoon without warning.

FAQ Section

What's the best time of year for kayaking in Vermont?

September and early October win hands-down. The foliage is spectacular, summer crowds have vanished, water temps are still manageable, and morning mists create magical paddling conditions. May comes in second - great water levels and migrating wildlife.

Do I need a permit or license to kayak in Vermont?

No registration or permits needed for non-motorized kayaks in Vermont. However, you must carry a Coast Guard-approved PFD for each person, and kids under 12 must wear theirs. Also required: a sound device (whistle works).

Can I rent kayaks at Vermont State Parks?

Many state parks offer rentals, including Elmore, Emerald Lake, and several Lake Champlain parks. Rates typically run $20-30/hour or $50-80/day. Reserve ahead for summer weekends - they sell out fast.

Which Vermont lake is best for beginners?

Lake Elmore takes the crown - protected from wind, warm(ish) water, sandy beach for easy launching, and stunning scenery. Emerald Lake and Peacham Pond tie for second place. All three prohibit motorboats, keeping things calm.

Are there guided kayaking tours in Vermont?

Yes! Umiak (Stowe), Vermont Canoe & Kayak (Jeffersonville), and True North Kayak Tours (Lake Champlain) all offer excellent guided trips. Expect to pay $75-150 for half-day tours, more for specialty trips like sunrise paddles or wine tours.

Is it safe to kayak alone in Vermont?

I paddle solo often, but stick to familiar waters and always file a "float plan" with someone. Avoid remote lakes alone (Somerset, Norton), stay close to shore on big water, and invest in a waterproof VHF radio or satellite communicator for emergencies.

What should I do if I see a moose while kayaking?

Lucky you! Keep your distance (at least 50 yards), never paddle between a cow and calf, and enjoy the show. I've had dozens of moose encounters - they usually ignore kayakers completely. Have your camera ready but prioritize safe distance over photos.

Can I camp along Vermont's paddle trails?

Yes! The Lake Champlain Paddlers' Trail offers 50+ primitive sites, many Vermont State Parks have paddle-in sites, and the Northern Forest Canoe Trail includes Vermont sections with camping. Some require reservations, others are first-come-first-served.

What's the water temperature like in Vermont lakes?

Varies wildly. Surface temps in summer reach 70-75°F, but thermoclines mean sudden cold layers. Spring and fall temps hover in the 50s. Always dress for immersion - that warm air temp means nothing if you flip.

Are there any year-round paddling spots in Vermont?

Lake Champlain rarely freezes completely, and sections of the Connecticut River stay open. Lake Willoughby's deep waters resist freezing. Winter paddling requires serious cold-water gear and experience - not for casual paddlers.

Making it Happen: Your Vermont Paddling Adventure

Vermont transformed my paddling life. Sure, we don't have ocean swells or class V rapids (mostly), but we've got something better - accessible beauty, endless variety, and a paddling community that treats every newcomer like family.

Whether you're planning a full Vermont kayaking vacation or just sneaking away for a weekend paddle, you'll find what you're looking for. From the international waters of Memphremagog to the hidden ponds of the Northeast Kingdom, from the lazy flows of the Lamoille to the big water challenges of Champlain, Vermont delivers.

My advice? Start anywhere. Pick a lake, load your kayak, and discover why Vermont paddlers can't stop smiling. Just don't blame me when you start planning your next trip before the first one ends.

See you on the water - I'll be the one grinning like an idiot, probably stopped to photograph another perfect reflection of another perfect Vermont mountain.