Many people come to Vermont if they feel like they need to detach from the hustle and bustle of everyday life, and disconnecting may not necessarily mean visiting our charming towns or planning a spa vacation. Vermont has its very own little paradise that is the perfect place to get away from it all… The Northeast Kingdom. Known for its sparse population, wide open spaces and loads of recreational and cultural activities, this area of Northeast Vermont is perfect for people who just need to unplug for a bit.
Take a look at this drone footage Matt Benedetto using a drone on Devil’s Hill in the Groton State Forest to get an idea of how secluded the Northeast Kingdom can be. Trust me, this will be the most amazing 1 minute and 5 seconds of your day. You won’t be able to look away!
Here are some of our favorite places to check out in the NEK. Enjoy!
- Lake Willoughby
Flickr/Ben Perry Both the north and south beach are great spots to access the pristine waters of Lake Willoughby. It’s a perfect place to paddle board as the water is pretty still. There is plenty of space to park. The view of the lake is spectacular flanked by Mt. Pisgah and Mt. Hor.
- Mike’s Tiki Bar, East Burke
Facebook/Mike’s Tiki Bar A tiki bar may be an unexpected find in the NEK, but it works and is a rite of passage after tackling the Kingdom Trails. A good selection of cheap beer and excellent people await!
- Seyon Lodge State Park, Groton
Facebook/Seyon Lodge State Park You’ll love the rustic and welcoming facilities in the midst of the inspiring beauty of Groton State Forest at the Seyon Lodge State Park. Just look at these happy campers!
- Big Falls, Troy
Facebook/Brian Clark Great falls in hard to find spot. Be sure to bring bug spray and accurate directions - you won’t want to get lost here!
- Mount Pisgah, East Burke
Facebook/Aaltje Marie Pappalardo Be your own king or queen of the mountain as you soak in spectacular views from Mount Pisgah.
- Newport Bike Path
Tripadvisor/Kat_ontherun From Newport City to the border is about a 12-mile ride. Ranging from the city streets and neighborhoods to a lakeside trail through the woods and beside a wetland, this is a varied but primarily flat ride that’s perfect for those visiting the NEK to take a break from it all.
- Kingdom Trails, Burke
Facebook/Kingdom Trails If you’re looking to blow off some steam on some of the best Mountain Bike trails in New England. Epic Singletrack… Fast Downhills… Amazing Flow… Perfection!
- Lake Memphremagog, Newport
Facebook/Daniel Collins You’ll love the relaxing and peaceful nature of Lake Memphremagog. Watch the sailboats, people fishing off the pier, and people walking their dogs along the bank as you enjoy the day in the NEK.
- Dog Mountain, St. Johnsbury
Facebook/Dog Chapel, Dog Mountain, St. Johnsbury This 150 acre doggie paradise is a great place to escape with your four legged friend. You’ll love the hiking trails, dog ponds and wildflower gardens everywhere. Please, no leashes.
- Dog Chapel, St. Johnsbury
Facebook/Dog Chapel, Dog Mountain, St. Johnsbury While at Dog Mountain, pay respects to all those in doggie heaven at this amazing chapel which is a wonderful place to remember our four legged friends.
- Lamoille Valley Rail Trail
Facebook/Lamoille Valley Rail Trail This 4-season recreational trail spans the breadth of Vermont from St. Johnsbury to Swanton, and crossing eighteen communities along the route. A nice trail to walk or bike on a flat trail with fine gravel. Watch for traffic at road crossing and bring water!
- Ricker Pond State Park, Groton State Forest
Flickr/Jasperdo Loons and friendly mallards are park residents at this campground. Here you can access the multitude of trails, lakes and ponds of the Forest, or visit the Groton Forest Nature Center. Big Deer State Park is also located in the forest and has even more remote camp areas.
Who’s ready to get away from it all?
Flickr/Ben Perry
Both the north and south beach are great spots to access the pristine waters of Lake Willoughby. It’s a perfect place to paddle board as the water is pretty still. There is plenty of space to park. The view of the lake is spectacular flanked by Mt. Pisgah and Mt. Hor.
Facebook/Mike’s Tiki Bar
A tiki bar may be an unexpected find in the NEK, but it works and is a rite of passage after tackling the Kingdom Trails. A good selection of cheap beer and excellent people await!
Facebook/Seyon Lodge State Park
You’ll love the rustic and welcoming facilities in the midst of the inspiring beauty of Groton State Forest at the Seyon Lodge State Park. Just look at these happy campers!
Facebook/Brian Clark
Great falls in hard to find spot. Be sure to bring bug spray and accurate directions - you won’t want to get lost here!
Facebook/Aaltje Marie Pappalardo
Be your own king or queen of the mountain as you soak in spectacular views from Mount Pisgah.
Tripadvisor/Kat_ontherun
From Newport City to the border is about a 12-mile ride. Ranging from the city streets and neighborhoods to a lakeside trail through the woods and beside a wetland, this is a varied but primarily flat ride that’s perfect for those visiting the NEK to take a break from it all.
Facebook/Kingdom Trails
If you’re looking to blow off some steam on some of the best Mountain Bike trails in New England. Epic Singletrack… Fast Downhills… Amazing Flow… Perfection!
Facebook/Daniel Collins
You’ll love the relaxing and peaceful nature of Lake Memphremagog. Watch the sailboats, people fishing off the pier, and people walking their dogs along the bank as you enjoy the day in the NEK.
Facebook/Dog Chapel, Dog Mountain, St. Johnsbury
This 150 acre doggie paradise is a great place to escape with your four legged friend. You’ll love the hiking trails, dog ponds and wildflower gardens everywhere. Please, no leashes.
While at Dog Mountain, pay respects to all those in doggie heaven at this amazing chapel which is a wonderful place to remember our four legged friends.
Facebook/Lamoille Valley Rail Trail
This 4-season recreational trail spans the breadth of Vermont from St. Johnsbury to Swanton, and crossing eighteen communities along the route. A nice trail to walk or bike on a flat trail with fine gravel. Watch for traffic at road crossing and bring water!
Flickr/Jasperdo
Loons and friendly mallards are park residents at this campground. Here you can access the multitude of trails, lakes and ponds of the Forest, or visit the Groton Forest Nature Center. Big Deer State Park is also located in the forest and has even more remote camp areas.
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