The Kingdom Awaits
Welcome to the Northeast Kingdom, Enduro World Series!
Whether you’re attending both days of the international mountain biking Enduro World Series event at Burke Mountain on August 13-14 or happen to be passing through the area this weekend, explore what this week holds for our corner of Vermont.
ABOUT THE AREA
You’ve arrived in the Northeast Kingdom. Bordered by Canada and northern New Hampshire, the Kingdom is a hub for mountain biking, great local bites and brews, and some of Vermont’s most scenic locations.
The ENDURO race takes place at Burke Mountain, located in the Eastern Trek area of the Kingdom. Explore the communities in and around St. Johnsbury, Lyndon, Burke, and Island Pond. Depending how far you follow the Eastern Trek, you may end up reaching some of Vermont’s most remote destinations including Canaan.
Area Events
Thursday-Saturday, August 11-13
Island Pond Hot Summer Nights
Enjoy food and live music at a different lakeside venue each night in Island Pond. More details listed on each venue’s Facebook page.
Tuesday, August 9
Food Truck Popup, St. Johnsbury
Come order dinner and dessert from the region’s favorite food vendors, listen to live music, and play a game of corn hole on the lawn at the new Three Rivers Path Trailhead Pavilion at 195 Bay Street. The Lamoille Valley Rail Trail is just a short stroll or bike ride away, if you need to stretch your legs after all those goodies.
Friday, August 12
Lyndon Farmer’s Market
Visit this go-to spot Friday afternoon for fresh produce, VT-made goods, and live performances from area musicians. As you mingle with locals, get suggestions on how to spend your time.
Sunday, August 14
Free Concert at Dog Mountain Featuring Hannah Wicklund
Pack a picnic or bring cash for the food trucks to Dog Mountain on Sunday, August 14 at 5 pm. At 24-years-old, Hannah Wicklund channels the fresh spirit of rock and soul with raw talent developed through a lifetime of creative expression.
WHERE TO STAY
Whether you are looking to camp under the stars, kick-up your feet in luxury, or rent a cabin out in the woods, there are lodging options for everyone in Vermont’s Northeast Kingdom.
The Northeast Kingdom also has a thriving Airbnb and vacation rental home market, and we encourage you to research those options as well. Want to stay closer to other Kingdom amenities or looking to stay awhile? Explore other unique options with our Where to Stay list.
WHERE TO EAT
Experience the Kingdom through our thriving local cuisine and craft beer scene. Dine at award-winning breweries, farm-to-table restaurants, and quaint coffee shops, plus farmers’ markets galore – be sure to pack your appetite.
KNOW BEFORE YOU GO
Keep these resources in mind when planning your trip!
Weather
Find a detailed forecast, including for recreational planning, at the Eye on the Sky, the Vermont weather resource hosted at the Fairbanks Museum and Planetarium in St Johnsbury. You can also review their weather summaries to know what clothes to pack!
Medical
Emergency Services are available 24/7 at Northeastern Vermont Regional Hospital. Northern Express Care offers walk-in services for minor illnesses and injuries Monday – Saturday at their locations in Lyndonville, St. Johnsbury, and Newport.
Get the Best Experience by Doing Your Part
- Ride With Gratitude when you hit our trails
- Drive slowly through our villages and be mindful of crosswalks
- Park in designated areas
- Protect nature and respect your surroundings by picking up after yourself
- Plan ahead and be prepared. You’ll find plenty of trails, swimming spots, local food and drink, and arts and culture, but not Uber or 24/7 stores. Cell service is spotty, so load what you need ahead of time.
- Be nice and be patient
- Come back and see us again!
EXPLORE THE AREA
If the races have got you feeling pumped and you’re looking for a trail to ride or an exhilarating hike, check out the other Kingdom attractions.
Bike
While Kingdom Trails is a fantastic trail network and we encourage you to come back to experience it for yourself, the race weekend crowds will be intense. Try the Lamoille Valley Rail Trail in St. J, or explore local backroads with suggested routes on NEKgravel, or visit another Bike Borderlands destination.
Before you set off on the trails, remember to Ride With Gratitude (and get a sweet sticker).
Hiking/Swimming
We recommend using apps including TrailFinder and Vermont State Parks for a comprehensive list of all hiking and recreational trails in the Northeast Kingdom.
St Johnsbury: Enjoy hiking at Dog Mountain (check out the Stephen Huneck Dog Chapel while you’re there) or a walk through the Town Forest.
Lyndon: Explore the Lyndon State Forest or Lyndon Outing Club, a four-season recreation hub with summer hiking and biking trails.
Island Pond: Brighton State Park is a popular destination offering hiking, swimming, boating, paddle-boarding and fishing with camping sites and cabins available for rental. Silvio O. Conte National Fish and Wildlife Refuge boasts a great riverside trail and views.
Looking for something more remote and willing to drive? Check out Maidstone State Park, about an hour ago from Burke Mountain.
EXPAND YOUR STAY
St. Johnsbury
In the southeastern corner of the Northeast Kingdom lies St. Johnsbury, a bustling community of creatives, adventure-seekers, and foodies alike. Outdoor recreation is part of the fabric of St. J.
For more information on how to spend your time in St. Johnsbury. For local itineraries, scavenger hunts, and a list of ongoing events, visit Discover St. Johnsbury’s website.
Lyndon
As you make your way up the Eastern Trek, you’ll arrive in Lyndon, the Getaway to the Northeast Kingdom. Located right off Interstate 91, Lyndon is your stop for gearing up and getting ready for the great outdoors. Lyndon has some of Vermont’s most gorgeous natural beauty and hosts mountain bike trails on the Kingdom Trails Network, Passumpsic River paddling trails, all natural downhill skiing at Lyndon Outing Club, Northern Vermont University, and five historic covered bridges.
Lyndon is home to The White Market, a full-service grocery store, and many other small shops and eateries to keep you fueled. The Village of Lyndonville, located within the Town of Lyndon, centers around Bandstand Park, one of the finest village greens in Vermont. The park hosts many events including weekly band concerts in the summer, Farmer’s Market on Fridays, craft fairs, community events, and everyday year-round enjoyment. The Lyndon Area Chamber of Commerce is a great resource to help plan.
Burke
While Burke Mountain is hosting the ENDURO race, you’ll find each section of this community has something to offer. Comprised of three villages – East Burke, Burke Hollow, and West Burke – this area offers locally owned restaurants, cafes and a craft brewery are here to feed your appetite, and don’t be surprised if you pass by a farm stand or two as you meander through town.
Get ready for rolling hills, expansive vistas, and miles of backroads and trails are waiting for you in here. The Burke Area Chamber of Commerce lists vacation packages, trip ideas, and a directory of local businesses and organizations.
Island Pond
Located in the Town of Brighton, Island Pond is one of Vermont’s best kept secrets. You’ll find the pristine Island Pond Lake, a historical district, and Bluff Mountain.
Enjoy outdoor activities including fishing, hunting, swimming, hiking, biking, canoeing, horseback riding, and scenic lake cruises. Visit Discover Island Pond for more info on local small stores and shops, restaurants, and a few lodging offerings, perfect for stocking up or refueling after a long day.