Lakes & Rivers

Experience the lakes and rivers that shape Vermont's Northeast Kingdom.

From expansive lakes to winding rivers, the NEK offers endless ways to explore the water.

Summer brings paddling, swimming, fishing, and sunlit shorelines, while fall reflects vibrant foliage across calm waters.

In the winter, frozen lakes become gathering places for ice fishing and skating before spring returns the rush of flowing rivers.
(Visiting in the spring? Check out Joe's Pond's annual Ice Out!)

With each season bringing its own beauty, the NEK’s waterways invite you to explore and experience Vermont from a new perspective!

Lake Memphremagog

A focal point of year-round fun in Newport, Lake Memphremagog is the only lake in New England that is also shared with Canada!

Swimming, boating and sailing in the summer is swapped for ice fishing and skating in the winter. Bring your morning coffee or pack a picnic lunch and explore shores of the lake along the boardwalk. Book a trip on the Northern Star to soak up the scenery or head to Prouty Beach, a 36-acre park offering swimming, and camping.

Kingdom Games hosts a series of swimming, biking, and running events on and around Lake Memphremagog and the Newport Country Club offers scenic views and a rewarding course.

Clyde River

Known for its scenic beauty, the Clyde River is a diverse tributary of Lake Memphremagog and a part of the Northern Forest Canoe Trail!

The Clyde River is a popular destination for paddling, fishing, and wildlife watching, with frequent sightings of herons, osprey, and the occasional moose along its banks.

Interested in fly fishing the Clyde River? Check out Gibbs Guides!

Read about one paddler's experience on the Clyde with Clyde River Recreation documented by The North Star Monthly!

Crystal Lake

Nestled in the heart of the NEK and perfect for a comfortable, family-friendly adventure, Crystal Lake State Park is a favorite for swimming, boating, picnics, and enjoying a day of lakeside relaxation!

Complete with restrooms, charcoal grills, a playground, and a snack bar, you'll have all of the amenities while enjoying nearly a mile of sandy beach.

Crystal Lake State Park also offers a beach wheelchair, free for guests to use. Make sure to call ahead of time to check availability and reserve it for your trip!

Check out Vermont State Park's website to learn more about Crystal Lake.

Lake Willoughby

A true NEK icon, Lake Willoughby is a glacial lake carved over 12,000 years ago, bordered by Mt Hor and Mt Pisgah (collectively known as 'Willoughby Gap' or 'the gap').

Willoughby is Vermont's deepest lake, known to be a refreshing (read: cold) place to take a dip from both the wooded South Shore and sandy, open-air North Beach. The winding, scenic drive alongside the five-mile lake is not to be missed!

Stay by the south beach at White Caps Campground, bring a picnic from the Willoughby Lake Store, and set up a kayak or canoe rental delivery to North Beach for the perfect Willoughby-centric adventure!

passumpsic river

With multiple branches convening around Lyndon, the Passumpsic River is the only river to flow through all three counties that make up Vermont's Northeast Kingdom!

Winding through wooded hills, small towns, and farmlands before joining the Connecticut River, the Passumpsic is known for native Brook Trout and picturesque stretches perfect for floating and paddling. Don't be surprised if you see large groups of Vermonters tubing down the Passumpsic near Lyndonville- it's a quintessential NEK experience!

Interested in fly fishing the Passumpsic? Check out Gibbs Guides!

How will you experience the NEK's waters?