How to Spend 72 Blissful Hours in Vermont’s Groton State Forest and Surrounding Downtowns
On any trip to Vermont, you’re likely to find yourself unplugging in glorious natural surroundings one day and enjoying a picturesque downtown the next. For a destination that promises both of these and more, head to the state’s northeastern reaches, where the tranquility of Groton State Forest is bounded on either side by the historic downtowns of St. Johnsbury and Montpelier.
In this area of the state, travelers can slow down and explore at their own pace. Awaiting you are scenic forest hikes and forays into the local arts scene, punctuated by meals that may convince you to stick around longer. Find inspiration below and put together your own three-day itinerary to experience this beautiful pocket of the Green Mountain State.
Get to know Groton State Forest’s ponds and trails
At the southern edge of the remote Northeast Kingdom lies a swath of forested land full of outdoor adventure potential: Groton State Forest, home to rare ecosystems that encourage exploration and discovery.
One way to kick off your adventure is with a paddle through Kettle Park State Pond’s tranquil waters. Slip in a canoe and glide across the namesake pond’s glassy surface in the early morning light, surrounded by dense mixed forest. There’s no motorized boat access here, making the atmosphere extra serene. Get another perspective on Kettle Pond on a hike to the rocky outcrop at the end of Owl’s Head Trail. This short but steep trail doubles as an impromptu botany lesson — walk by sugar maples, red spruce, and other native trees as you climb. At the peak, views of the pond and the forest can be seen from the ledge, a great place to take a break before your hike down.
From here, a short drive leads to New Discovery State Park and Osmore Pond, another beautiful spot for canoeing or kayaking in the state forest. You’ll also find Peacham Bog Natural Area, a rare bog ecosystem that can be accessed via the Little Loop Trail. Signs along the way point out the mosses, low shrubs, and insect-eating plants (like the purple pitcher plant) that truly set this area apart. Depending on the season, you might also see migrating birds pausing on the branches above the trail.
If you choose a nature-focused introduction to Northeastern Vermont, spend your first night at your pick of camping spots. Those at the New Discovery State Park Campground near Osmore Pond feature rustic lean-tos and tent sites scattered through the woods. Fall asleep to the hooting of barred owls and wake to the call of loons and the scent of conifers. For something more private, reserve a paddle-in campsite at Kettle Pond State Park, where you can canoe or kayak to a secluded site along the shore.
Exploring Near Vermont’s Capital: State Parks & Farm to Table Food
From paddling at New Discovery State Park to hiking under the canopy of Groton State Forest, North Central Vermont is where peaceful adventure meets local flavor. Join Mirna Valerio, aka @themirnavator, as she explores Barr Hill Distillery’s craft spirits and savors a farm-to-table meal at Oakes & Evelyn in Montpelier.
Enjoy stately architecture and a contemporary scene in St. Johnsbury
St. Johnsbury, the Northeast Kingdom’s largest town, is a natural stop on any travel itinerary hitting this part of the state. You might not expect to find a planetarium, a Victorian library, and a mountaintop dog chapel all in the same place, but somehow, they all fit here. If possible, time your trip to coincide with Final Fridays, when downtown St. Johnsbury comes alive with a street-fair-like atmosphere complete with musical performances, vendors, and more.
When you get to town, start at the Fairbanks Museum & Planetarium, a turreted stone building that evokes a previous century. Inside, the Victorian-style museum feels like a well-loved cabinet of curiosities — think antique weather instruments sitting alongside butterfly displays and old-school taxidermy that once wowed crowds in the “gaslight era” of the late 19th century. Of course, visitors also gather here for more modern shows in the domed theater of Vermont’s only public planetarium. Follow this up with a stop at the St. Johnsbury Athenaeum, just a block or so down Main Street. The combination library and art gallery is home to a collection of Hudson River School paintings and a hand-carved spiral staircase. Its 19th-century architecture and ornate details give the space a timeless, old-world elegance.
For a stretch of the legs, visit Dog Mountain, a whimsical 150-acre mountaintop property created by artist Stephen Huneck. Located just outside town, it celebrates the bond between humans and dogs and invites visitors to wander wooded trails, ponder handwritten tributes to beloved pets inside a small chapel, and browse a gallery of dog-themed art.
Throughout your time in St. Johnsbury, make time for bites like the sourdough croissants at Boule Bakery, the ricotta and fig tartine at The Buttery, or the vegan and gluten-free tofu and kimchi bowl at Whirligig. A brewery and bistro, Whirligig levels up the average brewery experience with Japanese sake, Vermont cider, wine, cocktails, and non-alcoholic options in addition to phenomenal housemade beers.
If you’re heading south from St. Johnsbury, consider taking Route 5 instead of I-91. This scenic alternative winds past charming small towns and local highlights, including the beloved P&H Truck Stop, a classic diner known for its hearty breakfasts and homemade pies.
Explore the state’s tiny but mighty capital, Montpelier
No trip to this part of the state would be complete without a visit to Montpelier. Vermont’s capital city may be small — the smallest in the U.S., in fact — but its food and cultural scenes show up in big ways. Start your self-led city tour at the Vermont State House. Its golden dome rises above downtown like a crown, and the building itself is one of the best-preserved in the country. Step inside for a guided tour, or wander the old chambers and hallways on your own, where you’ll pass portraits of past governors and notice plenty of small details that hint at Vermont’s independent culture.
As the sun starts to set, treat yourself to a tour of the city’s downtown bridges, which are especially lovely at dusk when they begin to glow. Use the BaladoDiscovery app to preload a map of the walking route that takes in seven historic bridges (so you can access it offline if need be). The route, created by Montpelier Alive and the Montpelier Historical Society, features interpretive signs that include archival images, contemporary photography, and stories that have shaped the city.
You’ll be in luck if your visit coincides with Art Walk, when downtown galleries, shops, and restaurants open their doors for Montpelier’s self-guided showcase of local visual artists.
For something more spirited, stop by Barr Hill Distillery for a behind-the-scenes tour. The celebrated distillery is known for making its gin made with raw honey and also serves delicious mocktails for those who prefer non-alcoholic drinks. Stick around the sleek tasting room for a cocktail-making class or tasting flight as you sit among the soft glow from the bar’s long row of bottles. The drinks often arrive garnished with whatever happens to be growing in the garden that week.
There are plenty of delicious dining options to complement your Barr Hill cocktail, but Oakes & Evelyn is one to prioritize for dinner. The menu at this cozy Montpelier restaurant changes frequently. One week might plate handmade gnocchi with wild mushrooms; another could feature roasted carrots with fermented chili and whipped feta.
However you choose to organize your visit, you’ll end your trip knowing that this part of Vermont never rushes or pushes you to get there faster. Travelers who give this region time often leave with memories shaped not by big moments but by the in-between ones: a pond at sunrise, a gallery without a crowd, or a quiet dinner as Main Street lights up at dusk. It’s those magical moments that make Northeastern Vermont such a standout.