Kayaking in Vermont is one of the best outdoor experiences you can have. The views from a kayak give you a new perspective on your surroundings. Kayaking in Vermont is made even better with friends and family. There’s time for intentional conversations without any distractions.
It is also a low key activity that allows for multiple recreational outings in one day. A family might stay in Burlington and spend the morning doing a moderate bike ride and then go for an easy kayak in the afternoon. They may also want to experience the area through biking and tubing down one of Vermont’s scenic rivers. If you want an uninterrupted journey, arranging a strategically placed vehicle means you can have bikes waiting for you when you come out of the water with your kayak.
Kayaking in Northern Vermont to the Champlain Islands
The kayaking season in Vermont begins in June and runs through the second or third week of October. Kayaking in September and October is a glorious way to fully experience the leaf-peeping season and the incredible colors on the trees.
If you’re looking for a peaceful place to kayak with scenic views, there are a few tried and true recommended spots (shown below) on the Lamoille River. You can even add in biking after your kayak trip to make it a full-day adventure.
The two and four-mile options below end at the Sand Bar State Park between South Hero Island and the town of Milton on the mainland. The Sand Bar is a rare sandy beach where you can relax and is also a great jumping-off point to bike to the Champlain Islands.
Coming out of the Lamoille River onto the lake, the mountains are spectacular and there is a bird preserve and wildlife that you can view from your kayak. If you choose, you can continue on bike to the Champlain Islands to explore the vineyards, breweries, and places to eat.
It isn’t often that you can kayak on a river, a lake, and then bike to an island in one day! Below are the kayaking routes to the Sand Bar.
2-Mile Kayak from the Lamoille River to the Champlain Islands
Start at the Sears Fish and Wildlife Access Area in Milton (at the red pin above). To get there take I-89 to Exit 17 in Colchester and then take U.S. Route 2 west approximately 2.5 miles. Turn left onto Cub Road (you will need to first bear right to make a left turn). Take Cub Road until you come to a stop sign. At the stop sign turn left and continue on Gravelle Road until you get to the parking area.
Get directions via Google Maps: Sears Fish and Wildlife Access Area Access Area
4-Mile Kayak on the Lamoille River to the Champlain Islands
Start at the intersection of Bear Trap Road and West Milton Road in Milton (the red dot on the map above). To get there take I-89 to Exit 17 and then Jasper Milne Road to Mayo Rd. which turns into West Milton Rd.
Get directions via Google Maps: the intersection of Bear Trap Road and West Milton Road
When you get to Lake Champlain, you’ll turn right and head toward the Sand Bar State Park to finish your kayak at the Fish and Wildlife access at the Sand Bar.
Kayaking in Burlington and Biking to the Champlain Islands
For another fantastic kayaking and biking day-long adventure, start by kayaking from Oakledge Park in Burlington to North Beach in Burlington (about 4 miles).
Have your vehicle with bikes ready ahead of time and ride on the Burlington Bike Path from North Beach to the Champlain Islands (about 10 miles).
You’ll cross over Lake Champlain on the Island Line Trail, an old railroad track that was converted into a bike path. You’ll need to take a bike ferry to cross the gap where boats cross (check the ferry schedule).
Once in South Hero, you can continue on to visit Hackett’s Orchard, Allenholm Farm, Snow Farm Vineyard, and many other local farms and restaurants. In the summer, it’s popular to bike to Snow Farm Vineyard on the Island Line Trail for the free concerts on Thursday nights.
No matter what option you choose, you won’t be disappointed with your Vermont kayaking adventure. Mountains, wildlife and quiet serenity all make for an unforgettable experience.
This post was provided by Snow Farm Vineyard. We hope you enjoy your outdoor adventures. Be sure to visit us on your next excursion!
