10 Relaxing Things To Do Near Island Pond, Vermont (Essex County)
If you’re craving quiet lakes, deep forests, and small-town charm,
Island Pond, Vermont should be on your radar. Tucked up in
Essex County, this little village in the Northeast Kingdom feels a world away from busy highways and crowded resorts.
Whether you’re planning a weekend escape from Boston, Montreal, New York, or just road-tripping through northern Vermont, here are
10 things to do in and around Island Pond that show off the best of this rugged, peaceful corner of the state.
1. Stroll the Shoreline at Island Pond (the Lake Itself!)
Island Pond is both the
name of the village and the
name of the lake, and the lake is the star of the show.
Walk along the water’s edge near the village, watch loons glide by, or just sit on a bench and breathe in the mountain air. On a calm summer evening, the lake turns into a giant mirror for the sky—soft pinks and oranges reflecting off the water.
- Pack a picnic and find a quiet spot by the shore.
- Bring a book and let the sound of the water be your background noise.
- Try a short sunrise walk if you’re an early riser—the stillness is unreal.
It’s simple, but that’s kind of the point here. Life slows down in Island Pond, and just walking the lakeshore can reset your mood.
2. Paddle, Swim, or Fish on Island Pond
If you like getting out on the water,
Island Pond lake is your playground.
In summer, you’ll see kayaks, canoes, and small motorboats scattered around the water. You don’t need fancy gear to enjoy it.
- Kayaking & Canoeing: Bring your own boat or check local outfitters for rentals. Paddling along the shoreline is calm and beginner-friendly.
- Swimming: On hot July and August days, a quick dip in the lake feels amazing. Water temps are cool but refreshing.
- Fishing: Try your luck for trout, perch, or bass. Early mornings and late evenings are often best.
If you’re used to busy summer lakes with loud party boats, you might be surprised how
quiet Island Pond can be. It’s a great place to teach kids to paddle or fish without chaos.
3. Hit the Trails in Brighton State Park
Just a few minutes from the village,
Brighton State Park gives you classic Vermont woods without huge crowds. The park sits on the shores of Spectacle Pond (another pretty little lake) and offers camping, hiking, and water access.
Some things to do at Brighton State Park:
- Walk the forest trails and watch for birds and deer.
- Swim at the small sandy beach on Spectacle Pond.
- Rent a canoe or kayak (in season) and paddle the quiet water.
- Camp under tall pines and fall asleep to loon calls.
If you’ve ever dreamed of that “cabin in the woods by a lake” feeling, this park gets pretty close—without needing to buy the cabin.
4. Explore the Silvio O. Conte National Fish and Wildlife Refuge
For a deeper nature fix, head into the
Nulhegan Basin Division of the
Silvio O. Conte National Fish and Wildlife Refuge, not far from Island Pond.
This area is wild, quiet, and wonderfully remote. Think:
- Endless spruce-fir forests
- Moose and bear habitat
- Bogs, wetlands, and open views you don’t expect this far east
There are designated trails and interpretive signs that explain the local plants and animals. It’s a great place for:
- Birdwatching – look for boreal species you don’t see in most of New England.
- Photography – moody forests, misty mornings, and big skies.
- Peace and quiet – you may go a whole hike without seeing another person.
If you’re coming from a big city, this level of solitude can feel both strange and wonderful.
5. Chase Fall Foliage on the Back Roads
Island Pond sits in Vermont’s famous
Northeast Kingdom, and in fall, this region goes full postcard mode. Reds, oranges, and golds light up the hills.
From Island Pond, you can take relaxing drives on quiet roads and enjoy classic New England foliage without the shoulder-to-shoulder crowds you’ll find in more touristy parts of the state.
Popular directions to wander:
- Route 114 toward Norton or Canaan for sweeping views and farmland.
- Back roads toward Charleston, Bloomfield, or Ferdinand for real off-the-beaten-path color.
Bring a thermos of hot coffee or cider, roll down the windows, and take your time. Stop whenever a view grabs you. That’s half the fun.
6. Ride the Kingdom Snowmobile Trails in Winter
When the snow piles up—and it really does up here—Island Pond becomes a hub for
snowmobiling. Locals will tell you this is some of the best snowmobile country in Vermont.
Well-groomed trails connect Island Pond to other towns across Essex County and beyond. During winter, you’ll see sleds parked outside local diners and gas stations like it’s the most normal thing in the world.
If you’re into winter adventures:
- Check out local snowmobile clubs and rental options.
- Plan a day ride with stops in nearby villages.
- Stick to marked trails and respect landowner rules—these routes often cross private land.
Even if you don’t ride, watching long lines of sleds head out at dusk, taillights glowing in the snow, is a pretty cool sight.
7. Discover Local History Around the Village Green
Island Pond may be small, but it has a surprisingly rich history as a former railroad town and gateway to Canada.
Spend a little time just wandering the
village center:
- Check out old buildings and churches that hint at the town’s railroad-era past.
- Walk by the train tracks and imagine when this was a busy rail hub.
- Look for local markers or displays that talk about the town’s role in logging and rail transport.
If you like “hidden history,” this is the kind of place where you can stand on a quiet street and picture steam engines, lumbermen, and travelers passing through 100+ years ago.
8. Drive to Nearby Norton, Canaan, and the Canadian Border
One of the unique things about this corner of Essex County is how close it is to
Quebec and the border towns.
From Island Pond, you can take scenic drives to:
- Norton, VT – a tiny border town with woods and wetlands all around.
- Canaan, VT – at the far northeastern tip of Vermont, bordering New Hampshire and Quebec.
Along the way, you’ll pass:
- Farms with old red barns
- Long stretches of forest
- Occasional views into Canada
Just remember: if you actually want to cross the border into Canada, you’ll need proper ID like a passport, and you’ll go through an official crossing. But even just staying on the Vermont side gives you a sense of how remote and international this region feels.
9. Watch Wildlife at Dawn or Dusk
If you’ve never gone “moose-watching,” Island Pond and Essex County are pretty good places to try.
Around sunrise and sunset, keep an eye out on:
- Quiet back roads lined with wetlands or low areas.
- Edges of ponds and marshes, especially in summer and fall.
You might spot:
- Moose (from a safe distance—these animals are huge)
- Deer stepping out of the forest
- Loons calling from the lakes
- Beavers working on their dams
Always stay in your car or at a respectful distance, and never feed wildlife. But bring binoculars—you never know what you’ll see out here.
10. Slow Down and Soak Up Small-Town Vermont Life
One of the very best things to do in Island Pond is also the simplest:
just be here.
This is the kind of place where you can:
- Grab a coffee at a local spot and chat with the person behind the counter.
- Sit on a bench and people-watch around the village green.
- Listen to the wind in the trees and the distant sound of a loon at night.
If you’re used to packed vacation schedules, it might feel strange not to have a long list of attractions or big-ticket “must-dos.” But that’s the magic of Island Pond and Essex County. The pace is slower, the nights are darker, and the stars are brighter.
Sometimes the real vacation is giving yourself permission to do less.
Planning Your Trip to Island Pond, Vermont
Here are a few quick tips if you’re thinking about visiting this corner of the Northeast Kingdom:
- Best time to visit:
- Summer for swimming, paddling, and camping.
- Fall for foliage drives and hiking.
- Winter for snowmobiling and deep quiet.
- Spring can be “mud season,” but also very peaceful.
- Getting there: You’ll want a car. Island Pond is remote, and that’s part of the charm.
- What to pack: Layers, rain jacket, sturdy shoes or boots, and bug spray in late spring and summer.
Share Your Island Pond Experience
Have you been to
Island Pond, Vermont or anywhere else in
Essex County?
- What was your favorite thing to do?
- Did you spot any moose or loons?
- Do you have a secret swimming spot or scenic drive you’re willing to share?
Drop your tips and stories in the comments—they help other travelers discover this quiet corner of the Northeast Kingdom.
And if you know someone who loves small towns, lakes, and off-the-beaten-path adventures, please
share this guide with them. It might just inspire their next Vermont getaway.
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