72 Hours in the Northeast Kingdom

A snowy mountain is seen from below with ski trails and chairlifts to the top. The moon is visible in a blue sky.
A couple is mountain biking around a banked, dirt path in the woods.

Three Days in Vermont’s Northeast Kingdom

NEK by the Numbers
71,315 acres of public state forest land and parks
35,575 acres of public lakes and ponds
3,840 miles of public rivers and streams

Named in 1949 by former governor George Aiken for its pastoral setting and natural beauty, the Northeast Kingdom (NEK) is one of the most awe-inspiring destinations in Vermont. Use this itinerary to inspire a NEK getaway that will have you feeling like a local.

Visit at a Glance

These three days offer suggestions for things to do surrounding lodging, dining, shopping, and nearby attractions. Use this itinerary as a guide for further discovery and bookmark these locations. Another great way to find a hidden gem is to ask a shop owner for their favorite local spot.

Key Points of Interest

  • Day 1: Start your trip in St. Johnsbury for the sense of community small towns are known for, with small, local business that form the town’s backbone and miles of public, dog-friendly trails.
  • Day 2: Make your way into the heart of the Northeast Kingdom on two wheels at the world-famous Kingdom Trails.
  • Day 3: Venture to the top of the Northeast Kingdom, just south of the Canadian border, and discover heritage including a museum that honors the first Black person to graduate from a U.S. college.
Two people ride their bikes along a dirt path in front of a red barn.

Start your trip in St. Johnsbury for the sense of community small towns are known for with just a touch of big-city flare.

– Day 1

Make your way into the heart of the Northeast Kingdom.

– Day 2

Venture to the top of the Northeast Kingdom, just south of the Canadian border.

– Day 3

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Discover

Plan your trip to the Northeast Kingdom.

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About the Vermont Inspiration Guide

This itinerary comes from the Vermont Inspiration Guide through a partnership between the Vermont Department of Tourism and Marketing and the Vermont Chamber of Commerce. This free annual publication highlights Vermont’s restaurants, retailers, attractions, and outdoor adventures and can be ordered online along with other trip planning resources.