St. Johnsbury, Vermont offers outdoor lovers access to hiking, paddling, and winter sports amid gentle hills and river corridors. Its quiet forests and small-town charm make it a great gateway to the Northeast Kingdom’s natural beauty year-round.
St. Johnsbury, Vermont offers outdoor lovers access to hiking, paddling, and winter sports amid gentle hills and river corridors. Its quiet forests and small-town charm make it a great gateway to the Northeast Kingdom’s natural beauty year-round.
Outdoor Adventure in St. Johnsbury, Vermont
St. Johnsbury, located in Vermont’s Northeast Kingdom, is an inviting destination for outdoor enthusiasts seeking a mix of accessible trails, waterways, and scenic winter sports. This vibrant small town serves as an excellent basecamp for exploring gentle hills, rivers, and protected forests.
Discover the unique natural wonders, summits, and scenic landmarks that make St. Johnsbury, Vermont special.
★ 7.4⌖ 13.84 milesModerateExplore the 4.5-mile loop trail at Peacham Bog in Peacham, VT. This moderately challenging hike offers a peaceful experience with opportunities for birding and nature photography. Ideal in summer, it’s quiet year-round and showcases diverse plant and animal life.
★ 6⌖ 16.72 milesEasyExplore Ricker Pond State Park in Groton, Vermont, featuring easy kayaking, hiking, and camping. Relax by tranquil waters or hike forest trails while enjoying seasonal beauty and quiet surroundings.
★ 7.8⌖ 20.66 milesModerateExplore Willoughby State Forest near Sutton, Vermont, featuring moderate hiking trails with scenic lake and cliff views. Enjoy swimming, kayaking, and wildlife watching in a quiet, rugged setting best visited from late spring through early fall.
★ 7.8⌖ 22.74 milesModerateHike the moderate 4.5-mile Mount Pisgah Trail North near Brownington, Vermont. The trail offers diverse terrain and rewarding panoramic views of Lake Willoughby, excellent fall foliage, and wildlife viewing opportunities. Wear sturdy boots and enjoy peaceful forest surroundings.
★ 7.8⌖ 23.80 milesExplore Lake Willoughby in Westmore, VT, a serene haven ideal for kayaking and swimming. Enjoy hiking trails with vistas of dramatic cliffs. Best visited in summer with opportunities for photographers to capture its tranquil beauty.
★ 8.7⌖ 24.93 milesExplore Franconia Notch State Park near Lincoln, NH. With hiking options from moderate to challenging, it's a great spot for biking, fishing, and paddling. Enjoy lush landscapes and wildlife sighting. Best visited in spring or fall to avoid peak summer crowds.
★ 8.7⌖ 25.58 milesHardExplore the 8.9-mile Franconia Ridge Loop at Mount Lafayette in Franconia, NH. This hard hiking trail offers panoramic views and wildlife encounters. Best visited from late spring to early fall, it's popular among adventurers seeking a remote and scenic challenge.
★ 8.3⌖ 26.15 milesHardExplore Mount Lincoln, part of Franconia Ridge Trail in New Hampshire. This challenging hike offers striking views from its 5,089 ft peak and is best from spring to fall. Ideal for adventure seekers and photographers capturing its natural beauty.
★ 8.2⌖ 26.20 milesModerateExplore the Basin Cascade Trailhead in Franconia, NH. This moderate hiking trail offers captivating waterfalls and scenic views. Ideal for photographers and wildlife watchers. Busy in summer, best visited in spring or fall.
★ 8.3⌖ 26.47 milesEasyExplore The Basin, an easy-access rock formation within Franconia Notch State Park, New Hampshire. Ideal for family-friendly visits, enjoy hiking and sightseeing along forested trails. Experience its beauty in spring and fall for a serene outing.
★ 7.5⌖ 26.74 milesEasyEnjoy paddleboarding on Lake Elmore, a serene spot near Stowe, Vermont. Ideal for beginners, this location offers easy access and beautiful views. Best visited in spring or fall for tranquility and scenic beauty.
★ 7.5⌖ 26.77 milesModerateExplore the camping opportunities at Elmore State Park near Stowe with car-accessible sites and activities like hiking the Elmore Mountain Trail and kayaking on Lake Elmore. Enjoyable for families, with vibrant foliage in spring and fall.
Discover the top 15 adventure activities and curated experiences in St. Johnsbury, Vermont, verified by our editors to help you make the most of your trip.
Book unforgettable outdoor adventures, guided tours, and gear rentals with verified Local Experts in St. Johnsbury, Vermont.
⌖ 10.3 miA four‑hour, self‑guided kayak rental on Moore Reservoir that lets you land anywhere, swim in secluded coves, and soak in White Mountain views.
⌖ 35.7 miAn evening at Lake Morey Resort that pairs a chef-selected lakeside dinner with a live Valley Improv performance—this guide details the schedule, tickets, and overnight options.
⌖ 26.3 miSpectator and crew tickets cover open-grid drifting, drift games and behind‑the‑scenes time at Riverside Speedway; this guide explains the schedule, admission and what to expect trackside.
⌖ 14.2 miA guided, two‑hour Moore Reservoir kayak tour that places paddlers amid northern New Hampshire’s autumn spectacle — this guide explains what to expect on the water and what to bring.
⌖ 33.3 miA focused, 4-hour tasting route that traces shoreline vineyards outside Burlington — this guide explains what you’ll taste, what to bring, and how the door-to-door tour runs.
⌖ 33.3 miA guided, three-hour walking-and-ride tasting that samples local cheese, ice cream, chocolate and more with door-to-door transport for guests staying in Stowe.
⌖ 27.9 miA private, 50‑minute walking tour through a 7,200‑tap sugarbush that ends with a sugarhouse visit and maple syrup tasting — this guide explains what to expect and which option fits your group.
⌖ 34.3 miA private, full-day target-archery lesson in Freedom, New Hampshire (starting from $320) — 5–8 hours for up to eight people — covering target shooting, bow maintenance, primitive bowmaking and basic tracking skills.
⌖ 47.4 miA private, full‑day cross‑country ski tour in Freedom, New Hampshire — tailored for groups up to eight, on groomed and ungroomed trails, running December through April — this guide distills what to expect on a 5–8 hour outing.
⌖ 36.6 miAn immersive overnight Wilderness First Aid program held at the Observatory’s summit weather station that trains staff from youth-serving organizations in real-world, summit conditions.
⌖ 45.4 miA 45–60 minute, guided, one‑time walkthrough of rugged, wet rock caverns in Rumney — this guide explains group logistics, footwear needs, and booking notes for parties of 20 or more.
⌖ 14.2 miCompact 20" and 24" Reid Monster fatbikes are available for rental in Littleton; this guide explains what the bikes handle and what to bring.
⌖ 47.9 miA refined, off-grid glamping site at Bear Rock Camping in Stewartstown with sweeping mountain views, direct access to the Northern NH ATV trail system, and an on-site Camp Office & Adventure Store.
⌖ 49.8 miA boat‑accessible primitive campsite in the northeast corner of Lake Umbagog; this guide explains what to expect, site rules and logistics for stays of one to seven days.
⌖ 10.9 miA two-hour private guided kayak tour on Moore Reservoir near Littleton that runs at sunset to capture the golden-hour light; tours are private and must be booked by phone.
Make the most of your visit to St. Johnsbury, Vermont with these essential planning tips, seasonal events, and protected lands.
St. Johnsbury, Vermont hosts celebrated events throughout the year showcasing the region's culture, outdoor lifestyle, and community spirit.
Experience the vibrancy and unique outdoor heritage of St. Johnsbury, Vermont during the iconic St. Johnsbury Farmers' Market. Plan accommodations and permits early.
Experience the vibrancy and unique outdoor heritage of St. Johnsbury, Vermont during the iconic Northeast Kingdom Black Bear Festival. Plan accommodations and permits early.
Experience the vibrancy and unique outdoor heritage of St. Johnsbury, Vermont during the iconic Fall Foliage Weekends. Plan accommodations and permits early.
St. Johnsbury, Vermont is surrounded by incredible protected natural lands offering pristine trails, wildlife habitats, and wilderness conservation.
Groton State Forest in Vermont offers a diverse range of outdoor activities amid its dense woodlands, rolling hills, and tranquil lakes, making it a haven for nature lovers.
Franconia Notch State Park is a scenic mountain pass in the White Mountains of New Hampshire, offering a wealth of outdoor activities and striking natural landmarks.
White Mountain National Forest, located in New Hampshire and Maine, offers breathtaking views, extensive hiking trails, and a rich history, making it a prime destination for outdoor enthusiasts.
Crawford Notch State Park is a dramatic mountain pass in New Hampshire offering remarkable hiking trails, waterfalls, and stunning vistas.
Pack layers: weather can vary quickly, especially in shoulder seasons.
Bring insect repellent for late spring and summer hikes.
Local outfitters rent paddling and winter gear near the town center.
Check trail maps at the Visitor Center for up-to-date conditions.
Plan accommodations early for fall foliage weekends.
Respect private land boundaries—many hiking areas are protected but adjacent to private properties.
Always check local regulations, fire restrictions, trail conditions, and weather forecasts before setting out on any adventure in St. Johnsbury, Vermont. Respect nature, wildlife, and fellow adventurers by following Leave No Trace principles.