The Northeast Kingdom of Vermont Best Outdoor Adventures

The wild areas of the Northeast Kingdom of Vermont have unparalleled outdoor adventures for all abilities. The Lake Willoughby and Burke Mountain areas have astounding hiking trails. Add in world-class mountain biking and scenic rail trails and biking is superb as well. I visited there in the fall so an overlay of peak fall foliage coloring the mountains on my hiking and biking adventures added another WOW factor.

Posts may contain links to products and services I love. I may make a small commission from them, at no extra cost to you. Thank you for supporting my blog.

Where is the Northeast Kingdom?

The Northeast Kingdom is tucked away in the extreme northeast corner of Vermont. Orleans, Essex, and Caledonia are the three counties that make up the Northeast Kingdom. The area is bordered by Canada to the north, the Green Mountains to the west, and the Connecticut River to the east. The NEK, as it’s known locally, is a sparsely populated, heavily forested area of rushing streams and majestic mountains. Picturesque farms dot the valleys and remote roads and trails abound.

The Northeast Kingdom is the traditional fishing and hunting grounds of the Nulhegan tribe of the Abenaki nation. In the Abenaki language, the name of the Nulhegan tribe translates as “people of the wooden fish traps who live in the pines who see the first light of day.” A law passed in the summer of 2020 restored the free hunting and fishing rights of the Vermont Abenaki.

Hiking Outdoor Adventures of the Northeast Kingdom

The remoteness of the Northeast Kingdom yields outstanding hiking areas throughout the region. I found excellent hiking in the Lake Willoughby area, the East Burke area, and in the Victory Basin Wildlife Management Area. The glaciated mountains of the NEK have a unique origin different from the neighboring Green Mountains that serve as a backbone of Vermont. The ice sheet that scoured the region left behind huge domes and glacial valleys that became lakes. Lake Willoughby and Lake Memphremagog are prime examples of this geological history.

Mount Pisgah Hiking

Mount Pisgah near Westmore is one of the most popular hikes in Vermont for its exposed lookouts with scenic views. I hiked the four-mile out-and-back South Trail to the Mount Pisgah summit. The trailhead is located off Route 5a just before you get to the lake. The hike gains 1650 feet in elevation over two miles so it’s consistently steep. The trail is well maintained with rock stairs in many places to ease ascent and descent. Even so, I was very happy to have my hiking poles to save my knees.

The hike up the South Trail parallels the west-facing cliffs of Mount Pisgah. You will come to Pulpit Rock after about a mile. The first unobstructed views of Lake Willoughby and Mount Hor here are certainly stunning. The cliffs of Mount Pisgah and Mount Hor frame the Willoughby Gap, a magnificent natural feature that can be seen from many high points in the Northeast Kingdom.

After reaching the summit in another mile, continue on the North Trail to visit the three lookouts. Each lookout has views of Wheeler Mountain, a classic climbing area in Vermont, all the way to the mountains of Quebec.

To sum it up, Mount Pisgah is one hike in New England you don’t want to miss. It can, however, be quite crowded with line-ups at the lookouts to get the perfect photo. I went in the early morning on a midweek day and enjoyed having the trail to myself.

Hiking tips

Outdoor Pro Tip: Not only do hiking poles reduce stress on knees and hips, but they also help with balance. For icy conditions, stream crossings, and rock-strewn trails, trekking poles are essential. They also help going uphill as you can develop a rhythm with the poles that allows a micro rest on each step. However, hiking poles are not necessary for every hike. Leave them home for easy hikes. Attach them to your backpack and use your natural balance when scrambling on boulders or cliffs. If you want to invest in trekking poles, look for adjustability, lightweight, and foam grips. I’ve used my Black Diamond trekking poles on climbs ranging from Kilimanjaro to the Italian Alps to winter ascents in North America.

Burke Mountain Hiking

Burke Mountain is a Northeast Kingdom ski mountain with over 90% of its alpine trails dedicated to more advanced skiers. Any wonder why 36 Olympians including 2014 & 2018 Olympic gold medalist Mikaela Shiffrin have trained at Burke? However, in the skiing offseason, Burke Mountain buzzes with Northeast Kingdom outdoor adventures.

I found some amazing hiking trails atop the mountain that wound around to unveil views of peaks as far away as the White Mountains and the Adirondacks. The trail system near the summit is part of Darling State Park. An auto road to the summit was constructed by the Civilian Conservation Corps (CCC) in 1935. Hikers can either hike or drive up this toll road to explore the ridgeline trails.

The scenery on the Red Trail and the Profile Summit Trail was superb. The scratch-and-sniff smell of fir trees along the trail added to the magic. The Red Trail starts at the Burke Mountain Shelburne base lodge parking lot off Mountain Road. It’s about 3 miles to the summit.

The fire tower on top was open. So I climbed up for panoramic views of the whole Northeast Kingdom. Unfortunately, someone had vandalized the fire tower. There were shards of glass everywhere. What a sad act against the first fire tower built in the state of Vermont, way back in 1912. However, it was quite exciting in the tower with the wind blowing through the open windows high over the surrounding trees. Kudos to the fine fire tower builders. It didn’t sway as I had expected. Phew!

Victory Basin State Forest Hiking

Victory Basin is one of those places where the word wild has true meaning. Encompassing a big chunk of land behind Burke Mountain, this wildlife management area feels like the back of beyond even for the Northeast Kingdom. Birds such as the endangered spruce grouse inhabit the area. I was surprised to see one hiding beneath the sign that warned hunters about accidentally mistaking it for a ruffed grouse and shooting it.  Smart bird.  

The Bog Trail is a delightful mix of wetland bog features and black spruce/tamarack forest. There are expansive views over the wetlands all the way to the distant mountains in their fall colors. A northern white cedar swamp is also on the trail along the former railroad track.

The first quarter mile of the Bog Trail is a universal access trail with a wooden viewing platform overlooking the bog and adjacent hills. People with mobility challenges will find a well-designed trail to enjoy the spectacular scenery. The trailhead is at the Damon Crossing parking area.

Meeting a moose?

Moose tracks were everywhere. I had seen them the day before along the road while I biked. On the Bog Trail, fresh moose prints kept me locked in my fantasy of seeing a moose. Part of me was excited to find the elusive moose, but part of me was scared to meet one along the narrow trail with bog mud on either side that would not allow any escape. I’ve had a number of moose encounters in my life, including in my backyard in Western Massachusetts. There is only one adjective for a moose. HUGE. I did not want to see huge anything walking toward me.

Have you ever struggled with the dilemma of wanting to see wildlife but being scared to encounter it too closely? It’s a humbly thought to realize we are visiting the home of a wild being. A HUGE wild being.

Outdoor Pro Trip: Ever wonder what to do if you meet a moose? Moose can be aggressive if they feel threatened or have calves nearby. And they don’t fear human beings and run off like deer when approached. If a moose starts to act agitated by laying back its ears, urinating, lowering its head, and advancing, you need to get away fast. Unlike what you would do with a grizzly bear, with a moose you need to run. Fast, because moose are speedy if provoked. Get behind a tree or climb one. Of course, the best response is prevention. Therefore, make sure you watch a moose at a distance. If you cause the moose to change its behavior, you are too close. Fortunately, there has never been a fatality from a moose attack in the Northeast. Let’s work to keep it that way.

Related post -> Day Hikes in Northern Vermont

Biking Outdoor Adventures in the Northeast Kingdom

The variety of types of biking areas in the Northeast Kingdom is unmatched in New England. The well-known Kingdom Trails near East Burke are a mecca for mountain bikers. A secluded network of gravel roads winds past beautiful natural ecosystems for gravel grinders. Road bikers will enjoy the scenic loops on cycling-friendly roads. Finally, several rail trails run through the region for bikers looking for relief from hill climbing.

Kingdom Trails

If you are looking for well-groomed mountain biking trails with great flow, the Kingdom Trails near East Burke are on your bucket list. The spidery network of MTB trails has something for everyone. A family with bikers of all abilities can enjoy the multi-use trails. For instance, there are easy green-rated trails switchbacking through meadows with eye-popping views. In addition, there are kamikaze double black trails screaming down the mountain. Plus, every kind of single and double track in between. Over 100 miles of trails.

What’s cool about the Kingdom Trails is that almost 100 private landowners have gifted access to their property for riders to enjoy the trails. The vibe of appreciation is evident in the respect people have for this area. The $20 day pass helps support the non-profit Kingdom Trails Association in maintaining this remarkable outdoor adventure resource.

Outdoor Pro Trip: If your group has lots of different mountain biking abilities and goals, there are some great options so everyone has fun. One option is to drive up the toll road to the summit of Burke Mountain. The Toll Road costs $5 per trip or $15 for unlimited trips. On the top, the more adventurous bikers can pick up double black diamond trails for a rapid descent downhill. Group members wanting a more mellow experience can hike the trails at the summit or drive back down to enjoy the scenic green and blue trails at the base of the mountain. There are a few trails that are free to ride on if you just want a quick taste of mountain biking without committing to a whole day pass.

Lamoille Valley Rail Trail

The Lamoille Valley Rail Trail across northern Vermont is touted as the longest rail trail in New England. However, that is after it’s completed. Currently, 33 out of 93 miles are open for biking in two sections. The 15-mile St. Johnsbury to West Danville section is in the Northeast Kingdom.

I rode the section starting at the trailhead off S. Main Street in St. Johnsbury. The crushed gravel path climbs gently past northern forests and farmland, through tunnels and over bridges all the way to beautiful Joe’s Pond in West Danville. The ride back is a fun cruise downhill back into St. Johnsbury where there are restaurants and breweries to refresh after an exhilarating ride.

Newport-Beebe Bike Path

This pleasant ride starts in the small city of Newport located on the southern shore of glacial Lake Memphremagog. The bike path travels along the scenic waterfront and winds its way alongside the lake. Lake Memphremagog (named for an Abenaki word meaning Big Waters) straddles the Canadian border, with most of the lake lying in Quebec. It is an important part of the Northern Forest Canoe Trail where thru paddlers will traverse both Canada and the US.

I peddled the 6-mile bike trail, tagged Canada, and then returned on it. The spacious overlook of the lake was a constant. Wetlands turning many shades of yellow and red added to the views. To extend your ride, the Memphremagog Trails organization has built a system of mountain bike trails that start from the bike path.

For biking adventures a bit further north of here, try the variety of cycling routes in the Eastern Townships of Quebec.

Related post -> Best Bike Trails in Vermont

Where to Stay for Outdoor Adventures in the Northeast Kingdom

I stayed in a range of places to sleep while exploring outdoor adventures in the Northeast Kingdom. Please note that the fall in Vermont is the most popular tourist time due to leaf-peeping. Therefore, book early. Even campgrounds fill up on the weekend. I found much more availability mid-week and by reserving ahead of time. Here are some ideas for places to stay.

Primitive Camping

The state lands I visited allow primitive camping. Darling State Park, Willoughby State Forest, and Victory State Forest all allow people to carry their gear in 1000 feet from the road to set up a primitive camp within designated areas. No facilities are provided and careful Leave No Trace camping will keep the wilderness areas pristine. Camping must be 100 feet from a water source. That means, no camping is permitted on the Lake Willoughby shore.

I enjoyed primitive camping in Victory State Forest. The solitude, the night sky, and the remoteness make primitive camping quite appealing. And the price is right–free. Plus, you don’t have a radio blasting next to your cookie-cutter campsite in a front country campground. It can be a hassle to tote your gear at least a quarter of a mile into the backcountry. However, if you fine-tune your camping gear, it is quite doable and the rewards are so amazing.

Check out my post here for more information on ultralight camping gear I use for paddling and backpacking.

Burke Campground

Burke Campground is located at the base of the Toll Road in the Burke Mountain complex. Located adjacent to the Kingdom Trails, this is the perfect place to wake up and jump on your bike for a quick morning ride. No RVs are allowed, so reserve one of the 25 campsites or 5 lean-tos ahead of time as the campground fills on the weekends. The friendly vibe of the campground conversation is pure single track and Strava. A perk of staying at the campground is free access to the Burke Hotel and Conference Center pool and hot tub.

Other Campgrounds in the Northeast Kingdom for Outdoor Adventures

In Newport, Prouty Beach and Campground is a lakefront park with tons of amenities. While it has more RV campers, there are tent sites with views of Lake Memphremagog and across to the historic town of Newport. I enjoyed the friendliness of everyone in the park. I wish I could have done all the outdoor activities they have. Disc golf, swimming, boating, hiking, shuffleboard, tennis, basketball—the list is long.

Although I didn’t stay at any state parks on this trip, Vermont has some beautiful state parks for camping. In the Northeast Kingdom, Maidstone, and Brighton State Parks offer car camping with facilities. For more information on camping at Brighton State Park and hikes nearby, visit this post.

AirBnB in the Northeast Kingdom for Outdoor Adventures

I admit it. I love staying in AirBnB lodging. The uniqueness of each place’s decor is always a surprise. I appreciate the dedicated hospitality of hosts with spot-on local knowledge. In addition to all that, I really love the amenities. At my Air BnB stay on my trip to the NEK, the hosts had me at the Heady Topper in the refrigerator. How did they know that this iconic Vermont craft beer was one of my favorites? And what about the fresh eggs, snacks, good coffee, and locally crafted soap provided in the Shelburne Suite?

The Shelburne Suite is located close to the Kingdom Trails and the cycling epicenter of East Burke. Hosts Richard and Fran can direct you to all the exciting outdoor adventures in the Northeast Kingdom. Fran even makes homemade bread for their guests. Did I say I love Air BnB amenities?

Another recommendation is the Pine Crest Motel and Cabins in Barton. The cabins are clean and well-appointed and the location is beautiful. It’s a perfect base for outdoor adventures in this area of the Northeast Kingdom.

Wrap Up of Outdoor Adventures in the Northeast Kingdom

It’s hard to find a more wild area of Vermont than the Northeast Kingdom. With its magnificent scenery, glaciated peaks, and quiet trails and roads, you are sure to find an outdoor adventure in any season. In the winter, the mountain biking trails are groomed for cross country skiing. The ski resorts of Jay Peak and Burke Mountain attract alpine skiers. The spring brings swollen rivers and lakes for paddling. The summer and fall are wonderful times for biking and hiking. I hope you enjoy some of these outdoor adventures in the Northeast Kingdom. It’s quite a paradise for any outdoor enthusiast.

Related post -> Best Free Cross Country Skiing in Vermont

For other hiking areas in Northern Vermont, take a look at my 25 hikes near Burlington.

Day Hikes in Northern Vermont

Pin it for later!

Follow Outdoor Adventure Sampler on Instagram