Paddling
Dip Your Paddle In
Paddle Sports in Vermont
More than 800 lakes and ponds and more than 7,000 miles of rivers mean Vermont’s waterways intertwine to connect downtowns with conserved forest land. Remote campsites beckon paddlers to spend a night or two with what they can fit in their boats, and boat access points on lakes and rivers make it easy to spend a few hours or the day on the water.
Waterways to Paddle
Burton Island State Park
Paddle out to Burton Island from Kill Kare State Park to camp, recreate, and soak in lake life.
Read More about Burton Island State ParkRead MoreWaterbury Center State Park
Swimming, fishing, paddleboarding, paddle-to campsites, and a gently sloping grassy picnic area make this a northern Vermont destination.
Read More about Waterbury Center State ParkRead MoreLake Dunmore
Rent a boat or bring your own and use the boat launch to access Lake Dunmore, a three-mile lake in central Vermont.
Read More about Lake Dunmore Read MoreGreen River Reservoir
Discover quiet solitude at Green River Reservoir, offering 19 miles of undeveloped shoreline for paddlers to enjoy.
Read More about Green River ReservoirRead MoreLake Bomoseen
The largest lake entirely within Vermont’s borders, Lake Bomoseen, near Rutland and Castleton, offers remote beauty on its waters.
Read More about Lake BomoseenRead MoreHarriman Reservoir
Bordered by the Green Mountain National Forest, this reservoir is a popular paddling destination in Southern Vermont.
Lake Willoughby
Vermont’s deepest lake, Willoughby’s skyline is defined by the fjord-like peaks that frame it, mounts Pisgah and Hor. Formed by glaciers, this lake is a Northeast Kingdom destination.
Read More about Lake WilloughbyLake Willoughby
Vermont State Parks
Vermont’s 55 state parks are a gateway to scenic beauty and recreation on more than 800 lakes and ponds. Many state parks rent boats, including canoes, kayaks, pedal boats, and paddleboards, and offer boat launches for ease of access.
Canoe Trails
Vermont’s waterways are interconnected, forming paddling trails that can be explored over a day, a weekend, or a longer, more immersive paddling voyage.
Northern Forest Canoe Trail
Vermont is part of the Northern Forest Canoe Trail, a 740-mile trail that stretches from New York to Maine.
Read More about Northern Forest Canoe TrailLearn MoreLake Champlain Paddlers Trail
More than 40 locations on New York and Vermont lands make up this trail, including more than 600 campsites.
Read More about Lake Champlain Paddlers TrailLearn MoreConnecticut River Paddlers Trail
Hundreds of access points and more than 50 primitive campsites make it easy to paddle the Connecticut River through the heart of New England.
Read More about Connecticut River Paddlers TrailLearn MoreLamoille River Paddlers’ Trail
This trail serves as a gateway for those looking to explore the Lamoille River and its associated communities, including Morristown, Cambridge, and Johnson.
Read More about Lamoille River Paddlers’ TrailLearn MoreVermont is home to 802+ lakes.
Explore the Flooded Forest
Missisquoi National Wildlife Refuge
At Missisquoi National Wildlife Refuge, paddle through a flooded maple forest and feel part of nature as you observe migratory birds taking shelter in the midst of their journey.
Adaptive Paddling
Vermont Adaptive Ski and Sports offers adaptive water sports, including canoeing, kayaking, and stand-up paddleboarding. Their equipment is adapted for every age and ability need.
Learn More about Adaptive Paddling
Start Planning to Paddle
You don’t need a license to boat under your own power in Vermont, making paddling more accessible. Explore places to canoe, kayak, and paddleboard and learn about regulations and where you’ll find boat launches throughout Vermont with resources from the Vermont Department of Forests, Parks, and Recreation.
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