Things to do nearWaterbury Reservoir

Waterbury Reservoir was created in the 1930s when the Winooski River and its tributaries were dammed following devastating floods that struck the region in 1927. The resulting reservoir stretches for several miles through a glacially carved valley, its shoreline almost entirely undeveloped and protected as part of the Little River State Park system. That protected status is what gives the place its enduring character: no motorboat marinas, no crowded beaches, just open water and the steady sound of wind through spruce and birch.

Visitors to Waterbury Reservoir spend their time paddling, swimming at the designated beach, hiking the trails that wind above the waterline, and casting lines from the shore or from small boats. The kayaking here is particularly rewarding, with calm water and long stretches of undisturbed shoreline to explore at a relaxed pace.

The reservoir sits in a broader region rich with outdoor destinations. Further west, Lake Champlain offers a very different scale of water-based adventure. Closer to home, the trails above the reservoir lead to old homestead foundations and hilltop views that frame the Green Mountains in every direction. Waterbury Reservoir earns its place as one of central Vermont's most satisfying natural destinations.