7 Best Places to Paddle Board in Vermont (VT)

Discover the charm of the Green Mountain State’s waterways.

With its picturesque lakes and stunning rivers, the best places to paddle board in Vermont beckon you.

Embark on a journey to explore Vermont’s natural beauty on your board. Let the adventure begin!

Table of Contents

1 Map
2 Where to Paddle Board in Vermont
3 FAQ

Map

Where to Paddle Board in Vermont

Please note: While we strive for accuracy, always verify details before paddling. If you spot an error or if you're a local official wanting to make a correction, please comment below. Thanks!

#1 Lake Champlain

️Location Type: Lake
???? Access Point: Oakledge Park, Burlington (Google Maps)
???? Water, Currents & Wind: Calm waters, can be windy
Popular Seasons: Summer and Early Fall
???? Wildlife Encounters: Bass, pike, perch, birds
????️ Landmarks & Views: Adirondack Mountains, Green Mountains
Safety, Environment and Rules: Respect boat traffic, use caution in windy conditions

Lake Champlain, straddling the border of Vermont and New York, offers an expansive paddleboarding experience. With beautiful views of both the Adirondack and Green Mountains, this 120-mile long lake provides endless exploration opportunities for paddlers.

While enjoying Burlington’s shoreline or venturing to secluded islands, Lake Champlain promises a memorable paddling adventure in Vermont.

#2 Waterbury Reservoir

️Location Type: Mountain Lake
???? Access Point: Waterbury Center State Park (Google Maps)
???? Water, Currents & Wind: Generally calm, occasional winds
Popular Seasons: Summer and Early Fall
???? Wildlife Encounters: Trout, bass, birds
????️ ️Landmarks & Views: Green Mountains, surrounding forest
Safety, Environment and Rules: Adhere to state park regulations, use caution in windy conditions

Waterbury Reservoir, located in the heart of the Green Mountains, offers a breathtaking paddleboarding experience. The clear waters, surrounded by lush forest and mountain views, provide a serene and peaceful atmosphere.

Launching from Waterbury Center State Park grants paddlers easy access to explore this beautiful Vermont destination.

#3 Winooski River

️Location Type: River
???? Access Point: Ethan Allen Homestead, Burlington (Google Maps)
???? Water, Currents & Wind: Gentle currents, protected from strong winds
Popular Seasons: Late Spring to Early Fall
???? Wildlife Encounters: Trout, herons, osprey
????️ Landmarks & Views: Ethan Allen Homestead, riverbanks
Safety, Environment and Rules: Avoid during high water, respect private properties

The Winooski River meanders through Vermont, offering paddlers a peaceful and scenic paddling experience. The gently flowing water takes you past a variety of landscapes and is easily accessible from Burlington’s Ethan Allen Homestead.

Discover the serene beauty of this Vermont river while paddling through its winding course.

#4 Silver Lake

Location Type: Mountain Lake
???? Access Point: Barnard Silver Lake State Park (Google Maps)
???? Water, Currents & Wind: Generally calm, occasional winds
Popular Seasons: Summer
???? Wildlife Encounters: Trout, birds
????️ Landmarks & Views: Surrounding forest, beach areas
Safety, Environment and Rules: State park regulations, use caution in windy conditions

Silver Lake, located in the central Vermont town of Barnard, offers a pristine paddling environment. Surrounded by beautiful forests and with a sandy beach for easy access, this mountain lake provides a tranquil and scenic escape.

During the summer months, Silver Lake State Park is the perfect Vermont destination for paddleboarding enthusiasts.

#5 Lake Memphremagog

????️ ️Location Type: Lake
???? Access Point: Newport Waterfront (Google Maps)
???? Water, Currents & Wind: Calm waters, can be windy
Popular Seasons: Summer and Early Fall
???? Wildlife Encounters: Bass, trout, birds
????️ Landmarks & Views: Owl’s Head Mountain, surrounding islands
Safety, Environment and Rules: Respect boat traffic, use caution in windy conditions

Lake Memphremagog, extending from Vermont into Quebec, Canada, provides picturesque views and calm waters, perfect for paddleboarding. With Newport’s waterfront as your starting point, experience dramatic mountain views and peaceful islands as you explore the lake.

For history buffs, be sure to paddle to the historic steamboat wreck site, which is visible from the water’s surface.

#6 Harriman Reservoir

????️ ️Location Type: Lake
???? Access Point: Mountain Mills Boat Launch (Google Maps)
???? Water, Currents & Wind: Calm waters, can be windy
Popular Seasons: Summer and Early Fall
???? Wildlife Encounters: Fish, birds
????️ ️Landmarks & Views: Green Mountains, surrounding forest
⚠️Safety, Environment and Rules: Respect boat traffic, use caution in windy conditions

Harriman Reservoir, also known as Lake Whitingham, is Vermont’s largest body of water entirely within the state. Its calm waters and beautiful surrounding landscapes provide a perfect setting for paddling.

The Green Mountains and lush forests offer a perfect backdrop for a serene paddleboarding adventure.

#7 Colchester Pond

????️ ️Location Type: Pond
???? Access Point: Colchester Pond Nature Area (Google Maps)
???? Water, Currents & Wind: Generally calm, occasional winds
Popular Seasons: Late Spring to Early Fall
???? Wildlife Encounters: Fish, birds
????️ ️Landmarks & Views: Surrounding wetlands, forests
Safety, Environment and Rules: Respect wildlife, follow nature area regulations

Colchester Pond, located in Colchester, Vermont, offers a calm and peaceful paddleboarding destination. The pond is surrounded by wetlands and forests, providing a quiet sanctuary for both wildlife and paddlers. As a nature area, be sure to respect the environment and adhere to any guidelines posted in the park.

Please note that Vermont has many other beautiful water bodies, but the paddleboarding scene might not be as developed or popular as in the locations mentioned above.