Paddle Where in Cavendish, Chester, Ludlow, Weston, Plymouth, Mt Holly, and Weathersfield Vermont. The region is home to 16 ponds and lakes with all offering public access. Combined, they provide 1,435 acres of great paddling, miles of shore line and beautiful views from spring to fall. The Black and Connecticut Rivers provide even more to explore for the paddler. Caution: Many of our small lakes and ponds are now home to Loons. Please give them space.
With space constraints, we will focus on just two Okemo Valley locations. You will find more information on each of the others at www.okemovalleyvt.org
Lowell Lake:109 acres: Located off Rt 11 ˝ mile east of Magic Mountain. Turn on to Lowell Lake Road, follow to where the House and Barn sit on opposite sides and turn Right around the Barn. Follow 1/4 mile to the parking area. Continue straight down hill to the access. Return to the parking area. About: Recently, the Lake has its five islands and all, but a small part of the shoreline was acquired by the Vermont Parks Department. Formerly the Lake was home to two summer camps. Camp Buildings can be seen as you paddle. Wildlife abound! Keep a sharp eye and your camera ready. Be sure to explore the very old Cemetery located by crossing the dam and following the path up hill. Fishing for Small Mouth Bass is very productive. Comments: Electric motors are allowed. No “jet skis”. Due to its remote location, week days can find you alone on the Lake.
Woodward Reservoir: 106 Acres: Located 12 miles north of Ludlow on Rt 100. After passing through Plymouth the access ramp and parking is on your right. About: Surrounded by hills, Woodward offers miles of interesting shoreline. The scenic views are especially rewarding as the leaves come out in the Spring and change color in the Fall. A private youth camp occupies the north east shore line and private camps are scattered along the western shore. Comments: Motors are allowed. No “jet skis”. Due to its high visibility on RT 100, on weekends, you can find a crowded Access, but paddle south and you will find only your reflection on the water.
Other Paddle Locations:
Lake Amherst: 81 acres: Located north of Ludlow on Rt 100. Boat access at the North end of the Lake. About: Turn north from the launch point and follow the Black River for about 1 miles. Comments: Motors are allowed. No “jet skis”.
Black Pond: 20 acres: Located in Plymouth along RT 100. No Access.
Colby Pond: 20 acres: Located on the Plymouth - Reading road. Turn Right off RT 100 at Echo Lake Inn and follow to the top of the hill: Access ramp is on your right just over the top of the hill. About: Nice shore line great spot for an evening paddle. Comments: Electric motors are allowed. No “jet skis”.
Echo Lake: 104 acres: On Rt 100 access ramp just north of Tyson. About: With a State Park on the eastern shore this is a very popular lake. Comments: Paddle early am and visit the island. Motors are allowed. No “jet skis”.
Knapp Brook 1: 25 acres & Knapp Brook 2: 35 acres: Located off Rt 106. Turn Right onto Knapp Brook Road( just south of Feltchville village) Follow up hill crossing Tarbell Hill Rd. There is separate access on the right to the two ponds. About: Man made the upper pond has more wildlife and shoreline Comments: Motors are allowed. No “jet skis”.
Lily Pond: 21 acres: Located in Londonderry of Rt 11. From RT 100 turn Left(East) on Rt 11 ant take the first Left to Little Pond Road. Pond is on your right in 2.5 miles. About: Hard to find with few visitors. Comments: Electric motors are allowed. No “jet skis”.
Lake Ninevah: 171 acres: Located between Rt 103 and RT 100. Access is off Tyson-Ninevah R. Turn Left of RT 100 at the Echo Lake Inn. About: Shoreline, birds and wildlife Comments: Motors are allowed. No “jet skis”.
North Springfield Reservoir:290 acres: Located off RT 106 in Perkinsville. Turn on to Maple St which is the first turn after the School. Follow to the “T, turn Right and follow to the end.. About: Shoreline, birds and wildlife. Comments: Low water in late summer finds the canal to the main water very shallow. Motors are allowed. No “jet skis”.
Rescue Lake: 229 acres: Located on RT 100 the access is on the back side, Turn off RT 100 on to Red Bridge Rd and follow to “T” turn Left to Round Pond Rd and follow. Watch for the Boat Ram signs. About: Many camps along the shore line. Lower stretches popular with water skiers. Comments: Motors are allowed. No “jet skis”. Caution: Millfoil present.
Reservoir Pond: 32 acres: Located at West Hill Park of West Hill Rd in Ludlow. Fee charged for access to the Park. About: Views of Okemo Mtn make this a good evening paddle Comments: Electric motors are allowed. No “jet skis”.
Star Lake: 63 acres: Located in Belmont. Follow Rt 103 North to the Caution Light. Turn Left on Belmont Rd. Access is on the Left. About: Popular paddle location, good views of the mountains. Comments: Motors are allowed. No “jet skis”.
Stoughton Pond: 56 acres: Located off RT 106, follow through Perkinsville, after crossing the Bridge, Turn Left on Stoughton Pond Rd. Access is through Crown Point Campground. About: Public Park located on one shore. Upper reaches offer shallow water. Comments: Motors are allowed. No “jet skis”.
Tiny Pond: 29 acres: Off RT 100. Just south of Tyson on the West side of the road is a marked trail to the pond. About: Approx a 1.5 mile hike and worth the trip.
Wantasiquet Pond: 44 acres: Located in Weston off Rt 100. At the Village Green cross the Bridge. Stay on Trout Club Rd. Climb the grade the pond will be on your right. Ask at the Trout Club building before unloading. About: Home of the Weston Trout Club. Use may be restricted. Comments: Electric motors are allowed. No “jet skis”.
RIVERS
Black River A 5 mile trip suitable fo Kayaks from the Lake Pauline Dam to Cavendish village, 2.5 hours 5+ miles. The start point is on Rt 100 just north of the 103/100 split in Ludlow. The end point is on Mill St in Cavendish. Caution: 1. One small dam is located in Ludlow. 2. Low water in mid to later summer makes this a very difficult trip.
Connecticut River: The River can be accessed at several points. On RT 5 south of the RT 131 intersection at Wilgus State Park. It is approx 8 miles south to the second access point Rt 11- Rt 5 at Exit 7 I-91 a boat launch just before the Bridge to New Hampshire. It is approx 7 miles south to Herricks Cove, located off RT 5 Just North of I-91 Exit 6.
Point to Point Paddle’s
Each trip requires some prior planning for drop off and pickup. Having adequate water levels in August can be a problem, shallow draft kayaks are recommended.
#1: Black River from Lake Pauline Dam(RT 100) to Cavendish(RT 131): Approx 7 miles- 3 .5 hours. Wild life sightings are common on this trip which begins 3 miles north of Ludlow on RT 100 passes Okemo Valley Golf Course, the Village of Ludlow, through Proctorsville en route to Cavendish. Takeout point is prior to the Bridge located on _Checking__ St. You can see the top of the Mack Molding brick building and tower from the river. Use caution on entering and takeout shoreline contains brush and can be slippery.
#2: Springfield Boat Launch to Herricks Cove: Launch point is at the Rt 11(follow toward Charlestown, NH, turn Right just before the bridge). Approx 6 miles - 3 hours. This a leisurely trip down the Connecticut River, suitable for kayaks and canoes. There with many areas to explore. This section of the river has heavy boat traffic on weekends. Good fishing opportunities on a pretty ride on a big river.
#3: Wilgus St Park to Springfield Boat Launch: The park is located on Rt 5 south of RT 131.(Follow RT 131 to I-91 go straight to the stoplight, turn Right for RT 5 south) Trip is approx. 8 miles - 4 hours. Shortly after entering the River an island appears, this area is frequented by Bald Eagles. This section of the river is protected by hills and the wind is less of an issue. There are several spots to picnic and the ride down river is very pretty with farm land on the Vermont shore. Boat traffic is minimal in this section.
Okemo Valley presents: Locations for paddlers.
Paddle Where
Explore our Water
The Okemo Valley region is home to 16 ponds and lakes with public access. They provide 1,435 acres of great paddling, miles of shore line and beautiful views. Many small lakes and ponds are now home to Loons, please give them space.
Lowell Lake:109 acres
Located off Rt 11 ˝ mile east of Magic Mountain. Turn on to Lowell Lake Road follow to where the House and Barn sit on opposite sides and turn Right around the Barn. Follow 1/4 mile to the parking area. Continue straight down hill to the access. Return to the parking area.
Recently the Lake, its five islands and all but a small part of the shoreline was acquired by the Vermont Parks Department. Formerly the Lake was home to two summer camps. Camp buildings can be seen as you paddle. Much wildlife so keep a sharp eye, and your camera ready. Explore the very old Cemetery located by crossing the dam and following the path up hill. Fishing for Small Mouth Bass is very productive.
Comments: Electric motors are allowed. No “jet skis”. Due to its remote location, on weekdays you could be the only boater.
Woodward Reservoir:106 Acres
Located 12 miles north of Ludlow on Rt 100. After passing through Plymouth the access ramp and parking is on your right.
Surrounded by hills, Woodward offers miles of interesting shoreline. The scenic views are especially rewarding in the Spring as the leaves come out and in the Fall when they change color . A private youth camp occupies the north east shore line and private camps are scattered along the western shore.
Motors are allowed. No “jet skis”. Due to its high visibility on RT 100, on weekends the access can be crowded, but paddle south and you will find just your reflection on the water.
Other Paddle Locations:
Lake Amherst: 81 acres: Located north of Ludlow on Rt 100. Boat access at the North end of the Lake. Turn north from the launch point and follow the Black River for about 1 miles. Motors are allowed. No “jet skis”.
Colby Pond: 20 acres: Located on the Plymouth - Reading road. Turn Right off RT 100 at Echo Lake Inn and follow to the top of the hill: Access ramp is on your right just over the top of the hill. Nice shore line great spot for an evening paddle. Electric motors are allowed. No “jet skis”.
Echo Lake: 104 acres: On Rt 100 access ramp just north of Tyson. With a State Park on the eastern shore this is a very popular lake. Paddle early am and visit the island. Motors are allowed. No “jet skis”.
Knapp Pond 1: 25 acres & Knapp Pond 2: 35 acres: Located off Rt 106. Turn Right onto Knapp Brook Road (just south of Feltchville village). Follow up hill crossing Tarbell Hill Rd. There is separate access on the right to the two ponds. Man made the upper pond has more wildlife and shoreline. Motors are allowed. No “jet skis”.
Lily Pond: 21 acres: Located in Londonderry of Rt 11. From RT 100 turn Left(East) on Rt 11 ant take the first Left to Little Pond Road. Pond is on your right in 2.5 miles. Hard to find with few visitors.
Electric motors are allowed. No “jet skis”.
Lake Ninevah: 171 acres: Located between Rt 103 and RT 100. Access is off Tyson-Ninevah R. Turn Left of RT 100 at the Echo Lake Inn. Shoreline, birds and wildlife Motors are allowed. No “jet skis”.
North Springfield Reservoir:2 90 acres: Located off RT 106 in Perkinsville. Coming from Springfield, heading north, turn on to Maple St. which is the first turn after the School. Follow to the “T, turn right and follow to the end. Coming from the north, take first left after village green. Shoreline, birds and wildlife.
Low water in late summer finds the canal to the main water very shallow. Motors are allowed. No “jet skis”.
Rescue Lake: 229 acres: Located on RT 100: the access is on the east side of the lake: Turn off RT 100 onto Red Bridge Rd and follow to “T.” Turn left to Round Pond Rd. WATCH FOR BOAT RAMP SIGNS. Many camps along the shore line. Lower stretches popular with water skiers. Motors are allowed. No “jet skis”. Caution: Millfoil present.
Reservoir Pond: 32 acres: Located at West Hill Park of West Hill Rd in Ludlow. Fee charged for access to the Park. Views of Okemo Mtn make this a good evening paddle Electric motors are allowed. No “jet skis”.
Star Lake: 63 acres: Located in Belmont. Follow Rt 103 North to the blinking Caution Light. Turn Left on Belmont Rd. Access is on the Left. Popular paddle location, good views of the mountains. Motors are allowed. No “jet skis”.
Stoughton Pond: 56 acres: Located off RT 106, between Perkinsville and Downers. From the south, drive through Perkinsville; after crossing the bridge, turn left on Stoughton Pond Rd. From north turn right onto Stoughton Pond Road, before bridge over Black River. Go beyond swimming area, across dam. Access is through Crown Point Campground. Public Park located on one shore. Upper reaches offer shallow water. Motors are allowed. No “jet skis”.
Tiny Pond: 29 acres: Off RT 100. Just south of Tyson on the West side of the road is a marked trail to the pond. Approx a 1.5 mile hike and worth the trip.
RIVER paddles
Black River
A 5 mile trip suitable for Kayaks from the Lake Pauline Dam to Cavendish village, 2.5 hours 5+ miles. The start point is on Rt 100 just north of the 103/100 split in Ludlow. The end point is on Mill St in Cavendish.
Cautions:
1. One small dam is located in Ludlow.
2. Low water in mid to later summer makes this a very difficult trip.
Connecticut River:
The River can be accessed at several points.
(1) On RT 5 south of the RT 131 intersection at Wilgus State Park. The next access point is approximately 8 miles south.
(2) Rt 11- Rt 5 at Exit 7 I-91 a boat launch just before the Bridge to New Hampshire. Another 7 miles south will take you to Herricks Cove,
(3) RT 5 Just North of I-91 Exit 6.
Springfield Boat Launch up river:
This trip follows the Black River from its junction with the Conneticut River upstream towards Springfield. The mouth of the Black River is very shallow due to silt for spring run off. After leaving the boat ramp cross under 4 bridges. Current isn't strong until the 4th bridge. The waterfall is worth the trip. The area is noisy due to car and truck traffic. However, that is left behind by the 3rd bridge. In late spring enjoy flag iris in bloom; smallmouth bass, trout [upper area], northern pike and pan fish can been seen. Launch area is just before bridge to NH at exit 7 I-91. There are a limited number of places to get ashore. Round Trip 3+ hrs.
Herricks Cove
Located off RT 5 north near Exit 6. Right Turn is not well marked: look for mobil home park on the right. Follow road to fork, ramp Left turn.
Enter Connecticut River and turn right, heading south. Paddle for approximately 20 minutes, then turn right into the cove. Williams River enters in the back left. You can go upstream some distance. At the first turn to the right follow a canel-like path. Wildlife signs you might see include many animals trails to the water: beaver, deer, muskrat, otter, bobcat, moose, racoon. Seven foot tall reeds are a great spot. Water is very clear & clean but shallow. The Williams offers views in 4-6 foot depth. Brown trout in upper end of the river. Cove has a good bass & pan fish population. Several spots for a break, picnic, fish, and photos. Allow 2 1/2 and more hours to explore.
Point to Point Paddle’s
Each trip requires some prior planning for drop off and pickup. Having adequate water levels in August can be a problem, shallow draft kayaks are recommended.
#1: Black River from Lake Pauline Dam (RT 100) to Cavendish (RT 131): Approx 7 miles / 3 .5 hours. Wild life sightings are common on this trip. Begin 3 miles north of Ludlow on RT 100, past Okemo Valley Golf Course, through the Village of Ludlow, through Proctorsville en route to Cavendish. Takeout point is prior to the Bridge. You can see the top of the Mack Molding brick building and tower from the river. Use caution on entering and takeout as the shoreline contains brush and can be slippery.
#2: Springfield Boat Launch to Herricks Cove: Launch point is at the Rt 11 (follow toward Charlestown, NH, turn right just before the bridge). Approx 6 miles / 3 hours. A leisurely trip down the Connecticut River, suitable for kayaks and canoes with many areas to explore. This section of the river has heavy boat traffic on weekends. Good fishing opportunities on a pretty ride on a big river.
#3: Wilgus St Park to Springfield Boat Launch: The park is located on Rt 5 south of RT 131. (Follow RT 131 to I-91 go straight to the stoplight, turn right on RT 5 south) Trip is approx. 8 miles / 4 hours. Shortly after entering the River you will see an island: this area is frequented by Bald Eagles. This section of the river is protected by hills and not too windy. You will find several pull-out spots to picnic. The ride down river is very pretty with farm land on the Vermont shore. Boat traffic is minimal in this section.
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