There's nothing quite like summer in New England. Time to hit the trail, head to the lake, and take to the mountains. It's a season of adventure, and our real estate agents are here to be your guides to summer outdoor escapes in the Northeast Kingdom and Western Maine. 

Outdoor Adventures in Maine and Vermont

St. Johnsbury Town Forest - St. Johnsbury, VT

Address: Almshouse Road, St. Johnsbury, VT 05819

Nestled in the charming town of St. Johnsbury along the Passumpsic and Moose rivers, the wooded landscape of St. Johnsbury Town Forest invites hikers to enjoy a forested hike or riverside stroll within walking distance of the town center. This 97-acre municipal forest includes a 2.9-mile network of hiking trails, each marked with colored blazes for easy navigation. Leashed pets are welcome, and connector trails offer multiple loop options. 

Lyndon State Forest - Lyndon, VT

Address: New Boston Road, Lyndonville, VT 05851

Lyndon State Forest was established in 1912, making it one of Vermont's oldest state forests. Spanning just over 72 acres in the town of Lyndon, the forest includes a 4.9-mile network of single and double-track trails, open to hiking and mountain biking. The trails meander through hilly terrain beneath a canopy of pine and spruce. Lyndon State Forest also offers excellent bird watching, and hunting is permitted in season. 

Owl's Head Mountain - Peacham, VT

Address: State Forest Drive, Peacham, VT 05046

Mountain climbing often requires a great deal of effort to reach a beautiful peak. But Owl's Head Mountain, located within Groton State Forest in the town of Peacham, rewards hikers who are willing to put in only a modest amount of work. The 4.7-mile round-trip hike to the top gains just 679 feet of elevation and offers sweeping views of Kettle Pond, Kettle Mountain, and Hardwood Mountain after traversing original stone steps built by the Civilian Conservation Corps.

Pleasant Mountain Trails - Bridgton, ME

Address: 368 Mountain Road, Bridgton, ME 04009

Southern Maine's tallest mountain is Pleasant Mountain, a 2,006-foot peak that looms over the community of Bridgton just west of Moose Pond. Managed by the Loon Echo Land Trust, the land surrounding the mountain includes roughly 10 miles of moderately challenging, scenic hiking trails. Sweeping views of the White Mountains and the Sebago Lake region can be enjoyed from the 1.8-mile Ledges Trail and from the 2.4-mile Bald Peak Trail, which crosses the summits of both Big Bald Peak and Pleasant Mountain.

Thompson Lake - Casco, ME

Address: 340 Heath Road, Casco, ME 04015

Tucked away near the town of Casco in Maine's Lakes and Mountains region, Thompson Lake is a destination for a wide range of outdoor recreation. The 4,426-acre spring-fed lake is roughly 12 miles in length and surrounded by wild countryside. Adventures on the lake include:

• Excellent fishing for bass, trout, and panfish
• Boat rentals at Thompson Lake Marina
• Hiking at nearby Bucks Ledge Community Forest

Kezar River Reserve - Lovell, ME

Address: 367 Main St., Lovell, ME 04051

Wild and untamed, the 120-acre Kezar River Reserve in Lovell is one of Western Maine's most well-known wilderness reserves, offering a variety of adventures on both land and water. Portions of the reserve can only be accessed by water, and a canoe/kayak launch is provided to allow guests to paddle across the river and mill pond. A short and easily accessible hiking trail explores a series of unique ravines. 

Planning a Summer Outdoor Adventure in Maine or Vermont

What are some easy outdoor activities in the Northeast Kingdom and Western Maine?

St. Johnsbury Town Forest, short forest walks around the Northeast Kingdom, Kezar River Reserve, and Thompson Lake Marina all offer approachable ways to enjoy the outdoors without committing to a strenuous mountain hike.

Are these outdoor destinations good for families?

Yes. St. Johnsbury Town Forest, Thompson Lake, and Kezar River Reserve are especially good options for families looking for fresh air, scenery, and manageable outings. Families should still check trail conditions, parking, and water safety guidelines before heading out.

What should I bring for a summer outdoor trip in Maine or Vermont?

Bring water, snacks, sunscreen, insect repellent, sturdy shoes, and weather-appropriate layers. If you're heading to the lake or river, pack life jackets, towels, and any paddling or boating gear you need for the day.

Find Your Place in New England This Summer

Contact us today to learn more about life in New England. From the Northeast Kingdom to Western Maine, our real estate agents are here to help you discover your dream home.