Paddling
Southern Vermont offers gorgeous lakes for paddling, canoes, and kayaks
4 places to visit
Lake Shaftsbury State Park
Furnished cottage on the lake; group camping; boat rentals; swimming; pets allowed
262 Shaftsbury State Park Road (Route 7A) Shaftsbury, VT 05262 802-375-9978 Location on the small but very pretty Lake Shaftsbury, this park has camping, a day-use beach and play area, and rentals of canoes, kayaks, rowboats, and pedal boats. The Healing Springs Nature Trail along the lake shore is good for walking. - Interactive Campground Map (PDF)
Emerald Lake State Park
Great camping, swimming, paddling, fishing, walking and hiking; motor boats prohibited
65 Emerald Lake Lane East Dorset, VT 05253 802-362-1655 At this camping and water-sports park on Emerald Lake, paddling is welcome; motorized boats are not allowed, There is a small beach with a snack bar and boat rental facilities (canoes, kayaks, row and pedal boats).
Woodford State Park
Good camping, walking and hiking; lakes with boat rentals; pets permitted
142 State Park Road Woodford, VT 05201 802-447-7169 Woodford State Park is on an elevated plateau and near several lakes and ponds. A small beach and picnic area are located near the dam. Rowboats, canoes, and kayaks are available for rent.
Jamaica State Park
Tent and trailer camping; white water release; fishing; pets allowed
48 Salmon Hole Lane Jamaica, VT 05343 802-874-4600 This park hosts the West River whitewater release the last Saturday of September when the Army Corps of Engineers releases water from the Ball Mountain Dam,, creating great rafting, kayaking and canoeing. Whitewater enthusiasts gather to take on the class II to class IV rapids. Concessionaires sell food, equipment and gear. A shuttle services is provided from the West River Rail trail parking area to the Cobb Brook bridge. See park website for information on white water release.