Swimming, fishing, kayaking, stand-up paddleboarding, canoeing, motorboating, waterskiing, even tubing — the Montpelier area has a body of water for just about every fresh water sport imaginable. 

Just north of Montpelier city limits is Wrightsville Reservoir, a gem of a place to spend the day with the whole family. Heading out of Montpelier north on Vermont 12, you’ll first come to the boat launch, located on the right side of the road, where you can put in motor and non-motorized boats. Continuing north up Vermont 12, you’ll see the beach area, also on the right. Open Memorial Day to Labor Day, here you’ll find a sandy beach area, picnic tables and grills, shelters for rent, five miles of trails, a disc golf course, and bathrooms. Parking at the boat launch area is free, there is a modest fee for beach access and season passes are available.

You can find quiet places to paddle with loons (Green River Reservoir), accessible trails with swimming holes (North Branch Cascade Trails), or have a lazy float down the White River in Stockbridge, all within a short drive from Vermont’s capital city!

The local spots

Wrightsville Reservoir, Berlin Pond, Montpelier Pool, Dog River Recreation Area, North Branch Nature Center

Just outside town

North Branch Cascade Trails in Worcester, Dog River in Northfield or Moretown, Waterbury Reservoir, Blueberry Lake

Day tripping

Green River Reservoir, Lake Willoughby, Vermont River Tubing, Boulder Beach in Groton State Forest, Bolton Pot Holes, Warren Falls