Top 5 Lakes in Addison County

You can find several scenic viewpoints. Silver Lake View Point offers views of the smallest Silver Lake in Vermont, located within the Green Mountain National Forest. Red Rock Pond provides a picturesque setting with reflections of changing leaves in autumn. Abbey Pond, nestled in the foothills of the Green Mountains, is another peaceful spot for admiring views and wildlife.

Yes, Addison County offers several family-friendly options. Lake Dunmore is home to Branbury State Park, which is popular for swimming, picnicking, and various water activities. Kingsland Bay State Park on Lake Champlain also provides a great setting for swimming and picnicking with vast green lawns. Fern Lake is another serene option with clear waters suitable for swimming.

The lakes in Addison County are rich in wildlife. At Red Rock Pond, you can look out for songbirds and waterfowl. Abbey Pond is also a good spot for wildlife viewing. Larger lakes like Lake Dunmore and Lake Champlain support diverse fish populations, including various bass, trout, pike, and panfish, which in turn attract birds and other animals.

Addison County lakes offer excellent fishing opportunities. Lake Dunmore is known for Black Crappie, Lake Trout, Landlocked Atlantic Salmon, Largemouth Bass, Northern Pike, and Smallmouth Bass. Lake Champlain has an even more diverse fishery, including Walleye and Brown Trout. Smaller lakes like Fern Lake, Bristol Pond, and Burr Pond also support various species such as Largemouth Bass, Northern Pike, and Yellow Perch.

Yes, there are several hiking opportunities. Trails around Lake Dunmore remain accessible even after Branbury State Park closes, offering views of the lake and surrounding mountains. The Abbey Pond Trail leads directly to Abbey Pond. Additionally, the area around Red Rock Pond is part of the Snake Mountain Wildlife Management Area, with forest trails leading to Snake Mountain Peak. For more hiking options, you can explore routes in the Hiking in Addison County guide.

Fern Lake is ideal for kayaking, canoeing, and swimming, with a tranquil atmosphere due to its 5 mph speed limit for boats. Lake Dunmore is also a popular spot for stand-up paddleboarding and boating. The vastness of Lake Champlain, particularly in quieter bays like Kingsland Bay, offers ample space for these activities.

While Lake Dunmore and Lake Champlain are prominent, Fern Lake offers a smaller, more tranquil escape, named for the ferns along its shores. Other smaller bodies of water include Bristol Pond, Cedar Lake, and Burr Pond, which provide quieter settings for recreation and natural appreciation away from larger crowds.

Beyond water activities, the region offers various outdoor pursuits. Hiking trails are abundant, such as those around Lake Dunmore and the Abbey Pond Trail. The area also provides opportunities for cycling, with guides available for gravel biking and road cycling in Addison County.

The best time for swimming in Addison County lakes is typically during the warmer summer months, from late June through August, when water temperatures are most comfortable. State parks like Branbury on Lake Dunmore and Kingsland Bay on Lake Champlain are fully operational during this period, offering amenities for swimmers.

Yes, Branbury State Park is located on the shores of Lake Dunmore, offering camping, hiking, swimming, and boating. Additionally, Kingsland Bay State Park is situated on a quiet bay of Lake Champlain in Addison, providing opportunities for swimming, picnicking, and canoe rentals.

A significant portion of Lake Champlain borders western Addison County. It is a vast lake known for its diverse fishery and numerous access points for water-based activities. Kingsland Bay State Park is a notable feature on its shores within the county. The lake also has a moderating effect on the local climate and is part of the proposed Champlain Valley of Vermont Viticultural Area.

Yes, camping is available. Branbury State Park on Lake Dunmore offers camping facilities. Additionally, Primitive campsite – Kingsland Bay State Park provides a wild campsite option on the quiet shores of Lake Champlain, known for its scenic beauty.

Fern Lake, located near Lake Dunmore, is a smaller, charming body of water covering 68 acres. It is named for the abundant ferns along its shores and is known for its clear waters. Boating on Fern Lake is restricted to 5 mph or less, preserving its tranquil atmosphere, making it ideal for kayaking, swimming, canoeing, and fishing in a serene setting.