Vermont is known for its beautiful landscapes, charming small towns, and outdoor recreation opportunities. And one of the state's hidden gems is Maidstone Lake, located in the Northeast Kingdom region. Here's why Maidstone Lake should be on your list of places to visit in Vermont.
Maidstone Lake is stunningly beautiful
Surrounded by the unspoiled wilderness of the Silvio O. Conte National Fish and Wildlife Refuge, the lake offers breathtaking views of the forested hills and the clear waters. It's a perfect spot for nature lovers who want to escape the hustle and bustle of the city and immerse themselves in the natural world.
Maidstone Lake offers a wide range of outdoor activities
Fishing is one of the most popular activities here, with the lake boasting populations of brook trout, rainbow trout, brown trout, lake trout, and landlocked salmon. In fact, Maidstone Lake is one of only a few lakes in Vermont that has naturally reproducing landlocked salmon. Other popular activities include kayaking, canoeing, paddleboarding, hiking, and wildlife watching. The surrounding forest is home to moose, black bears, white-tailed deer, and a variety of birds, making it a great place for wildlife enthusiasts.
Maidstone Lake is a peaceful and quiet retreat
Unlike other lakes in Vermont that can get crowded during peak season, Maidstone Lake remains relatively uncrowded throughout the year. It's a great spot to relax, read a book, or simply enjoy the serenity of nature.
Maidstone Lake is conveniently located
It's only a two-hour drive from Burlington, Vermont's largest city, and it's close to other popular attractions in the Northeast Kingdom, such as Lake Willoughby and the Jay Peak Resort. Visitors can easily combine a trip to Maidstone Lake with other activities and attractions in the region.
The beautiful Maidstone Lake, accessed via the State Forest or State Park, offers wonderful opportunities to catch rainbow trout, lake trout, salmon, yellow perch and panfish. Hiking trails and hunting opportunities are also offered. The State Park which is located along the eastern shoreline, offers camping and swimming.
History of Maidstone
Maidstone Lake was created when glacial ice carved out a deep basin in a preexisting valley. Maidstone is the result of a glacial melt approximately 12,000 years ago. This beautiful mountain lake and boreal forest offer excellent fishing opportunities in addition to the secluded and quiet hiking trails and hunting opportunities.
Things to do in Maidstone
Maidstone is one of Vermont's most remote State Forests. Much of the wilderness character associated with the Northeast Kingdom remains today. The beautiful and deep lake offers wonderful cold-water fishing opportunities. The lake is known for lake trout and landlocked salmon fishing including record catches. Maidstone Lake is one of the few lakes in Vermont where loons have reared their young in recent years.
The loon loves the solitude of the northern lakes whose shores are rimmed with spruce-fir shade. Once common in Vermont, the loon is now an endangered species. Nearby attractions include Peaslee's Host Farm for Consumer Education, Guildhall; Colebrook Fish Hatchery, Colebrook; and Historical Holton House Flea Market in Lancaster.
Maidstone, Vermont Weather
Winter daytime temperatures in the lower half of the Lakes / Kingdom region averages 14 to 16 degrees Fahrenheit (-10 to -9 Celsius). The upper half of this region experiences winter temperatures ranging below 14 degrees Fahrenheit (below -10 Celsius). Summer daytime temperatures are cooler along the western area of Lake Champlain averaging 66 to 70 degrees Fahrenheit (19 to 21 Celsius).
The central area of this region expects temperatures from 66 to 68 degrees Fahrenheit (19 to 20 Celsius) with the eastern area of this region experiencing the coolest summer time temperatures of less than 66 degrees Fahrenheit (below 19 Celsius). The yearly precipitation for Lakes and Kingdom Travel Region vary from less than 36 inches (91 centimeters) along the western line to more than 44 inches (112 centimeters) along the eastern border of New Hampshire and Canada.
Where and How to Get to Maidstone
From Bloomfield travel 5 miles south on SR 102 then 5 miles southwest on State Forest Highway. The State Forest is at the south end of the Maidstone Lake.
Photo courtesy of Wikimedia Commons
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