The Remote Northeast Kingdom in Vermont will Inspire You to Take the Path Less Traveled
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As the second least populated state in the USA, visiting Vermont means embracing locations that are scenic and undisturbed. Enigmatic and secluded.
You’re not coming to Vermont for all-night dance parties, high-end shopping, or luxurious accommodations, although you may stumble upon those things from time to time.
The northeast corner of Vermont is a wild and sparsely populated region. It is so remote that it has become a magnet for those seeking an off-grid life or for tourists looking to escape the crowds of popular resort towns.
The Northeast Kingdom covers more than 2,000 square miles, and it’s home to some of the wildest, most scenic spots in all of Vermont. Tucked up against the Canadian border and northern New Hampshire, this corner of the state is a hub for outdoor adventures, creative arts, and seriously good local eats.
This quirky corner of Vermont is where I go for crowd-free adventures, back-road explorations, and unplugged vacations, and I’d love to share some of my favorite spots with you.
Here’s your guide to the best things to do in Vermont’s Northeast Kingdom.
Outdoor Adventures in the Northeast Kingdom
The best way to explore the Northeast Kingdom is to get outside. There are miles and miles of trails, hidden ponds, meandering back roads, and breathtaking mountain vistas. Let’s go!
Drive to the Top of Burke Mountain
For dramatic views of the Green Mountains and Willoughby Gap, drive the historic toll road to this Northeast Kingdom summit.
Built by the CCC between 1933 and 1935, the toll road switchbacks up the mountain’s north side and has a picnic area and pavilion at the midway point.
As you continue to the summit, poplars and maples give way to tight clusters of fir trees and wispy birches before opening to expansive views at the summit parking area.
A short trail from the parking lot leads into a dark forest of mossy boulders, where fairies and elves would not be out of place. Enjoy the perspective from several rocky outcroppings before climbing the metal fire tower for unobstructed views.
On a clear day, you can see north into Canada and east to New Hampshire’s Presidential Range.
The toll road is open from late May to late October (depending on snowfall) from 8 am to dusk. It’s $10 per carload and $20 for an all-day pass.
Ride the Legendary Kingdom Trails in East Burke
If mountain biking is your jam, or even if you’re just trail-curious, the Kingdom Trails network in East Burke is one of the best places in the country to ride.
With over 100 miles of purpose-built trails winding through scenic meadows, hardwood forests, and quiet dirt roads, it’s no wonder Kingdom Trails has earned a reputation as a world-class biking destination.
The trails are made possible by a generous community of more than 100 private landowners who allow public access in partnership with the Kingdom Trails Association. It’s a model of outdoor recreation done right: sustainable, community-driven, and fueled by a love for the land.
The trail system has been evolving for more than 25 years and includes everything from smooth, flowy singletrack to pump tracks and skills parks.
Whether you’re a seasoned rider or just want to explore on foot (yes, hikers are welcome too!), there is a trail for every level of adventurer.
To access the trails, you’ll need a Kingdom Trails membership, available as daily, multi-day, or annual passes. Membership fees go straight back into maintaining and improving this incredible trail network and supporting outdoor recreation in the region.
A few important things to know:
- Stay on designated trails
- No motorized vehicles or overnight camping
- Dogs are only allowed on Village Trails
- Helmets are required, and good trail etiquette is a must
Choose a Lake Willoughby Hike for Stunning Views
Dramatic cliffs rise above the glacial depths of Lake Willoughby (Vermont’s second-deepest lake!), and reward hikers with some of the most awe-inspiring views in the state.
Lake Willoughby was carved by glaciers thousands of years ago. Two steep mountains, Mount Hor and Mount Pisgah, rise up on either side of it, giving Lake Willoughby the appearance of a Norwegian fjord.
There are two public beaches at the northern and southern tips of the lake, and you can hike up either Mount Hor or Mount Pisgah on either side for incredible views of the lake and the surrounding landscape.
I included both hikes in the 3rd edition of AMC’s Best Day Hikes in Vermont.
Mount Pisgah and Mount Hor are two of the most iconic hikes in Vermont’s Northeast Kingdom. The cliffs are dramatic, and the scenery is unforgettable, but the crowds can sometimes make these hikes less than enchanting.
If you’re up for a busy trail with a big reward, both hikes are worth tackling. But if you’re hoping for something quieter or the parking lots are full, I’ve got some great alternatives for you, too.
Insider tip: Subscribe to Alltrails+ before your trip so you have access to your trail maps and GPS tracking even if you don’t have cell service. Use our affiliate link and save 30% on your annual subscription ($25.19 instead of $35.99)
Mount Pisgah (South Trail)
This steep, forested trail climbs quickly from VT-5A and leads to a series of spectacular overlooks above Lake Willoughby. It’s a historic path (originally built in the 1850s) and it’s popular year-round, especially in fall. Expect a good workout and unforgettable views from Pulpit Rock and beyond.
Mount Hor (Herbert Hawkes Trail)
Located on the opposite side of the lake, this quieter sibling hike climbs gradually through maple woods before reaching multiple cliffside overlooks. It’s a 3.25-mile round trip if you hit the summit and both lake views: absolutely worth it if you’re looking for Pisgah-level scenery with slightly fewer people.
Want a Quieter Lake Willoughby Trail?
If the lots are full or you’re seeking solitude, try one of these nearby gems:
- South Shore Trail: A flat-ish, shoreline path that hugs Lake Willoughby’s south end. This trail is perfect for families or anyone skipping the summit grind. Hike until you are tired and then turn around.
- Bald Mountain (4.5 miles, round trip): A moderate hike with a fire tower and 360° views. One of my favorite hikes!
- Wheeler Mountain (4.3 miles, round trip): Less traveled and great for scrambling and open ledges with lots of great views.
- Moose Mountain (4.7 miles, round trip): A quiet forest hike with occasional glimpses of Lake Willoughby.
- Haystack Mountain (3.1-mile loop) – A pretty woodland hike with a forested summit. Some road walking is required.
You can read more about these Willoughby trails on Trailfinder.
Paddle Spectacle Pond in Brighton State Park
Brighton State Park is a remote park nestled along the shores of both Spectacle and Island Ponds in the Northeast Kingdom.
Here, the eastern hardwood forest begins transitioning to the boreal forest, which is primarily made up of cold-hardy evergreens. Wild streams cut through the woods, and clear mountain lakes and boggy wetlands dot the landscape.
The uninterrupted tracts of forest make it the perfect habitat for moose, as well as Canada lynx, snowshoe hare, the endangered spruce grouse, and hundreds of songbird species.
You will fall in love with Brighton State Park no matter when you decide to visit, but if you have to choose a season to explore, my vote is for autumn.
Bring your canoe or kayak to paddle Spectacle Pond and the larger Island Pond, or rent a boat in the Brighton State Park campground (for use on Spectacle Pond only).
Look for Moose at Moose Bog
Moose Bog is a lovely hiking trail that meanders through the boreal forest and ends at a boardwalk through Moose Bog with a viewing platform at the end.
Yes, moose are common here, especially in the early morning and late evening hours, but even if you visit in the middle of the day, you’ll be treated to expansive views of the boggy wetland.
Owned by the State of Vermont and managed by the Vermont Fish & Wildlife Department, Wenlock Wildlife Management Area covers 1,993 acres and is used for hiking, photography, hunting, trapping, and fishing.
Wenlock is part of the largest deer wintering area in the state and is a prime habitat for moose, bear, beaver, coyote, red fox, bobcat, and fisher.
Visit the Silvio O. Conte National Wildlife Refuge
The Nulhegan Basin Division of the Silvio O. Conte National Wildlife Refuge consists of more than 26,600 acres of wild lands about 10 miles east of Island Pond.
The area is adjacent to Wenlock Wildlife Management Area and includes conifer and deciduous forest interspersed with forested wetlands, peatlands, and shrub swamps.
Three of the four tributaries of the Nulhegan River are located within the wildlife refuge, which also includes a working forest landscape exceeding 150,000 acres.
In addition to several woodland hiking trails, the Silvio Conte National Wildlife Refuge includes more than 40 miles of gravel roads that are perfect for back-road adventuring, leaf-peeping, and wildlife watching.
Begin your adventure at the visitor contact station on Route 105, and hop on the Nulhegan River Trail, a 1-mile interpretive loop that descends to the Nulhegan River, travels alongside it for a bit, and then climbs back through a hardwood forest to the visitor center.
The fall foliage is stunning here, and if you visit during the summer, there’s a great swimming hole as well.
Hike Around Perry Holbrook Memorial State Park in Sheffield
Perry Holbrook Memorial State Park is a quiet, off-the-beaten-path paradise where you can hike, reflect, and soak in peaceful pond views without the crowds.
Named in memory of Perry Holbrook, who spent his childhood exploring these woods, the park is a tribute to the beauty of nature and the joy of outdoor adventure.
Start your journey at the trailhead and follow the Holbrook Trail to Round Pond, the first of three scenic water bodies. The trail hugs the shoreline (with a quick reminder to stay on the path near a private camp) before continuing to Long Pond.
Next, take the Summit Loop up Big Rock Hill to the O’Leary Leap Overlook for big views and a satisfying leg burn.
The Holbrook Trail then winds past a peaceful lean-to (perfect for a snack stop) and ends at the serene shores of Mud Pond.
Whether you’re here for a quick nature escape or an afternoon of exploring, Perry Holbrook Memorial State Park delivers the kind of quiet magic that makes you want to linger just a little longer.
Unique Museums and Hidden Gems
The outdoor recreation in the Northeast Kingdom in Vermont is what keeps me coming back again and again, but there is so much more to this enchanting region. Here are some fun museums and quirky attractions you won’t want to miss.
Visit the Bread and Puppet Museum in Glover
Bread and Puppet Theatre in Glover, Vermont, is one of the oldest, nonprofit, political theatre companies in the country, and features larger-than-life puppets doing outrageous things.
The Bread and Puppet Museum is housed in an unheated 150-year-old barn and is open daily from June 1st to November 1st, 10 am to 6 pm.
Bread and Puppet tours locally and around the world, but during the summer, you can catch them performing on weekends at their home in Glover.
Stop by the Museum of Everyday Life in Glover
If you happen to be in Glover to visit Bread and Puppet Theatre, be sure to also stop at the Museum of Everyday Life, housed in an unheated barn.
Admission is based on the honor system, and you never know what you’ll find, but it will undoubtedly be ordinary. And thought-provoking.
The Museum of Everyday Life is open from 8 am to 8 pm. Don’t forget to turn off the lights when you leave.
Explore the Fairbanks Museum & Planetarium in Saint Johnsbury
The Fairbanks Museum & Planetarium is a wonderland for explorers of all ages. Where else can you marvel at a taxidermy tiger, travel through space, and chat with a naturalist about the weird bug you found in your backyard, all in the same afternoon?
Inside, you’ll find more than 30,000 fascinating objects, from ancient artifacts and exotic insects to historic photographs and scientific oddities. The Balancing Science and Wonder exhibit dives into the story of the Fairbanks family and their legacy, which shaped not only this museum but much of St. Johnsbury’s cultural scene.
Ever-changing exhibits shine a spotlight on the art, history, and technology of the Great Northern Forest and beyond.
And don’t miss a trip to the Lyman Spitzer Jr. Planetarium — Vermont’s one and only public planetarium, where a guided tour of the cosmos will leave you starry-eyed.
In summer, stroll through a magical living exhibit in the Butterfly House, where native species flutter among their favorite plants.
Got a mystery feather, rock, or plant from your latest hike? Bring it to the Naturalist’s Corner and let the experts help you uncover its story.
Visit Dog Mountain and the Dog Chapel in Saint Johnsbury
Dog Mountain is set on 150 acres on a private mountaintop in St. Johnsbury, Vermont. The grounds are always open to people and their dogs, who are free to run off-leash, play, swim, and meet other dogs!
Visit this unique destination to explore the trails with your dog and visit the Dog Chapel, where people come from all over to pay tribute to dogs they have loved and lost.
Artwork by Dog Mountain creator, Stephen Huneck, is available for sale in the gift shop, and special dog parties are held throughout the year.
If you’re traveling with a dog, this is one of the most fun and unique things to do in Vermont.
Taste World-Class Beer at Hill Farmstead
Tucked away in Vermont’s Northeast Kingdom, Hill Farmstead Brewery is more than just a destination for beer lovers; it’s a living legacy.
Eight generations of the Hill family have called this land home since 1791, building the foundations of Greensboro and leaving behind a tavern sign that now inspires the brewery’s iconic logo.
Since brewing their first batch of “Edward” in a repurposed farm shed in 2010, Hill Farmstead has earned global acclaim, including “Best Brewery in the World” and a staggering 73 Untappd Community Awards in 2024 alone.
Their beers span styles from lagers to farmhouse ales, each crafted with care, tradition, and an eye toward innovation.
In 2025, Hill Farmstead celebrates its 15th anniversary with special events and limited releases. No matter where you’re traveling from, this is the kind of place that turns a scenic drive into an unforgettable experience.
Come for the beer, stay for the history, and discover why the middle of nowhere might just be the best place to be.
The Northeast Kingdom is more than Vermont’s wildest region. It’s where you go to slow down, unplug, and find deep solitude (and oddball museums).
Whether you’re planning a road trip, a fall foliage getaway, or a peaceful retreat, the NEK offers something unexpected around every bend.
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