Things To Do In Vermont’s Northeast Kingdom
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Vermont’s Northeast Kingdom features wooded areas, mountains, quiet backroads, and lakes that feel almost untouched. Whether you’re looking to go for a hike, have an outdoor adventure, or explore a charming small town, this region has you covered. This area in Vermont is super popular, and for good reason.
Lake Willoughby
Lake Willoughby is a deep glacial lake in Vermont’s Northeast Kingdom that’s framed by the dramatic cliffs of Mount Pisgah and Mount Hor. This lake is known for its fjord-like appearance. There are beaches on the north and south side of the lake. It’s a popular place for swimming and paddling. It’s also a super popular spot to visit in the fall.
Discover more spots to check out in the fall: Where To Go This Fall In New England
Hike Mount Pisgah
Speaking of Lake Willoughby, this hike offers you some amazing views of the lake from a high vantage point. The hike is about two miles with 1600 feet in elevation. The hike is considered moderately challenging due to the steep incline, but I promise, the views are so worth it.
Learn more about this hike: Hiking Mount Pisgah Vermont
Hike Haystack Mountain
Not far from Lake Willoughby is Haystack Mountain. While this hike doesn’t directly overlook Lake Willoughby like the Mount Pisgah hike, it does offer some great water views and mountain views. Honestly, I think I enjoyed the views on this hike more than Mount Pisgah. The only thing I didn’t love was a section of the loop was on a dirt road. It was a bit boring on the road section. We did this hike on the way up to Quebec during our New England to Quebec Scenic Foliage Weekend Getaway.
Jay Peak Resort
Jay Peak Resort in northern Vermont is a four‑season destination known for its extensive ski terrain, which includes 385 acres of skiable area and 81 trails. The resort has attractions year-round including an indoor waterpark, an ice arena, a golf course, and tram rides. When we went, we stayed in a suite with mountain views at Hotel Jay, which is at the resort.
Visit Dog Mountain
Dog Mountain is a private mountaintop that welcomes people and their dogs. It was created by the artist Stephen Huneck and you can find a lot of his art here as well. Dogs are allowed to be off-leash on the property and there are plenty of trails for them to explore as well as ponds for them to swim in. There’s also the Dog Chapel on the property that people visit from all over the world to remember their dogs that have passed on. The chapel was an emotional spot to visit.
Learn more about visiting: Visiting Dog Mountain in Vermont
Visit The Haskell Free Library & Opera House
The Haskell Free Library & Opera House is in both the United States and Canada. There is a line on the floor inside the building indicating where the U.S. and Canadian border is. You do not need a passport to go inside if you’re a U.S. citizen even though it is partially in Canada. The entrance is on the U.S. side in Derby, Vermont.
Visit Pomerleau Park
Located in the heart of downtown Newport, this park offers stunning views of Lake Memphremagog. There’s a great boardwalk along the lake and some shaded picnic tables as well. Since it’s in downtown, you have easy access to the shops and restaurants on main street.
Check Out The Shattuck Hill Scenic Overlook
The Shattuck Hill Scenic Overlook is a great roadside overlook in Newport. You’ll get a great view of Lake Memphremagog and the surrounding mountains that are both in the United States and Canada. There’s an informational sign that will tell you exactly what you’re looking at. I was able to recognize two ski mountains I’d been to in Quebec from this overlook!
Check Out Covered Bridges
Vermont is a great state to go looking for covered bridges since it has the highest density of them per square mile in the United States. There are plenty of historic covered bridges to see in the Northeast Kingdom. I love visiting covered bridges because it gets me off the beaten path a bit to see parts of Vermont I might not otherwise see.
Discover covered bridges in the state: Covered Bridges To Check Out In Vermont
Go For A Scenic Drive
There’s no shortage of beauty in this part of Vermont. You can see plenty of beautiful views from the comfort of your car. You can drive the Northeast Kingdom Byway, which spans 51 miles through the northeast corner of Vermont starting in St. Johnsbury going all the way up to the towns bordering Canada such as Vermont and Derby.
Learn more about the byway: Northeast Kingdom Byway
