Boating in the Northeast Kingdom
The Northeast Kingdom is peppered with more than 40,000 acres of pristine lakes and ponds. Rivers and streams etch their routes through lush and rugged countryside ideal for boating, canoeing, and fishing. The Northeast Kingdom is truly an outdoor person's paradise. Civilization, although present, takes a back seat to striking natural wonders. The sound of the loon can be heard against a background of unmitigated silence. There is great fishing, great boating, and some excellent canoeing to be had in the Northeast Kingdom.
The Connecticut River
The Connecticut River flows along the boundary between Vermont and New Hampshire, from its headwaters in the Fourth Connecticut Lake in Pittsburg, New Hampshire, on into Massachusetts and Connecticut, terminating in the Long Island Sound at Saybrook Point, Connecticut.
The Connecticut River (an American Heritage River) is Vermont's largest river. Although technically owned by New Hampshire (our claim to the river actually ends at the low water mark ), Vermont and New Hampshire share the responsibility for its development and preservation. Three organizations are devoted to the preservation and environmentally conscious development of the Connecticut River:
The Connecticut River Joint Commissions is a public entity, appointed by the states of VT and NH to "preserve and protect the resources of the Connecticut River Valley".
The Connecticut River Watershed Council with help from the U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service's Silvio O. Conte National Fish and Wildlife Refuge, strives to conserve and protect the Connecticut river's watershed in all four states through which it flows--Vermont, New Hampshire, Massachusetts, and Connecticut.
Connecticut River Scenic Byway Council was formed in 1999 to ". . .balance the promotion, preservation, enjoyment and stewardship of the Connecticut River Valley." In that same year, Vermont and New Hampshire designated a bi-state route, along the Connecticut River called the Connecticut River Scenic Byway.
Recreational Paddling
Northern Forests Canoe Trail The Northern Forest Canoe Trail (NFCT) links the waterways of New York, Vermont, Québec, New Hampshire and Maine.
Public Boat Launches
For those who prefer the maneuverability and convenience of a motorized craft, the Northeast Kingdom has several public boat launches.
Boat Rentals - Motor, Pontoon, Sailboats available at Newport Marine in Newport, VT. (802) 334-5911
Canoeing - Northeast Kingdom Paddling Areas
- Barton River Glover to Newport Bridge
off VT 16, just north of Glover
Distance: 21.75 mi.
Code: F, Q, I, II - Connecticut River Guildhall to Gilman Bridge
in Guildhall
Distance: 23 mi.
Code: F, Q - Connecticut River Canaan to North Strafford, NH
Below Vermont end of VT 114 bridge
Distance: 24.5 mi.
Code: F, Q, I, II - Connecticut River Gilman to Woodsville, NH
Below bridge in Gilman
Distance: 34 mi.
Code: F, Q, I, II - Connecticut River North Strafford, NH to Guildhall
North Stratford, NH--below bridge at town playing fields or Bloomfield, VT
Distance:25 mi.
Code: F, Q, I, II - Holland Pond
Holland Boat ramp off Holland Pond Rd
Distance: 334 acres
Code: F - Kettle Pond
Groton Parking area off VT 232
Distance: 104 acres
Code: F - Lake Memphremagog
Newport Boat access off Coventry Rd
Distance: 6,317 acres
Code: F
- Lake Willoughby
Westmore Boat access off US 5
Distance: 1,653 acres
Code: F - Little Averill Pond
Averill Boat access off Little Averill Rd
Distance: 483 acres
Code: F - Long Pond
Greensboro Parking area off Long Pond Rd
Distance: 97 acres
Code: F - May Pond
Barton Boat access off May Pond Rd
Distance: 116 acres
Code: F - Norton Pond
Warren Gore Boat access off VT 114
Distance: 583 acres
Code: F - Osmore Pond
Peacham Parking area off Osmore Pond Rd
Distance: 48 acres
Code: F - Peacham Pond
Peacham Boat access off VT 232
Distance: 331 acres
Code: F - Spectacle Pond
Brighton Boat access off VT 105
Distance: 102 acres
Code: F
Codes
F = Flatwater, Q = Quickwater
Class I = Very easy, Class II = Easy, Class III = Medium, Class IV = Difficult
Class V = Expert, Class VI = Extreme
Note: The Connecticut river between Canaan Dam and Gilman is the longest navigable free flowing stretch of river in Vermont.