Activities in the Jay Peak Area
The Jay Peak Area of Vermont's Northeast Kingdom is noted for the quiet beauty of it's rivers, Streams, forest and farmlands. it is a "Get Back to Nature" region that offers an opportunity to view and explore some of the most beautiful and fascinating landscapes east of the Rocky Mountains.
We invite you to visit the area soon to partake in some or all of the spring and summer activities listed here.
Hiking / NatureThe famous Long Trail follows the highest ridges of our area and provides a rugged 'wilderness' experience. Several sections provide excellent day-hiking opportunities. Some highlights are Carleton Mountain and Burnt Mountain Lookout, north and south of Rte 105, and, of course, Jay Peak from Rte 242. Guidebooks are available from many area shops and inns.
The Hazen's Notch Association maintains a network of 40 miles of trails that are open to the public. They are located on the 500-acre Hazen's Notch Conservation Lands, a private conservation area in Montgomery Center. Hike to the summit of Burnt Mountain, or walk the gentler woods roads on the High Ponds Farm past beaver ponds to the High Meadow with its beautiful vista, framed by the apple orchard.
Get back to nature, up close and personal! Right here in the Jay Peak area you can explore the river basins and rock formations along the Trout and Black Falls Rivers.
In North Troy, there is big falls, one of the largest waterfalls in Vermont on the picturesque Missisquoi River.
In Jay there's the Jay Branch Gorge to explore. Haystack Mountain in Lowell offer a bed of arctic Alpine flora growing on the north-facing ledges of the summit. Wildflowers are everywhere. Marked nature trails can be found at Jay Peak.
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Biking'A road less traveled...' A great definition for the Jay Peak Area where dirt roads far outnumber paved roads. If you really want to see what Vermont is all about, bring a mountain bike and head for the peaks and valleys. Low gearing and wide tires on mountain bikes can make the hills and uneven surfaces on back roads easy to master.
The rewards for this adventure are numerous panoramic views from high meadows, reaching a clear lake, pond or river just when you were ready for a cool break; having a picnic lunch in the shade of a sugar maple tree. Then enjoy the clean, fresh air and beautiful scenery.
Jay Peak Resort offers x-country mountain biking on their x-country snowmobile trails for more active rides. The Rail Trail from St. Albans to Richford is a great family ride of some 35 miles of off road travel that can't be beat. Many visitors take the train to St. Albans and then ride to the Jay Peak area using the Rail Trail.
To access additional maps of biking trails in the area, click here.
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Fishing / Canoeing / Kayaking
Fish to your heart's content for lake trout, salmon, brown trout, or brook trout in the 4,000 miles of public rivers, streams and lakes throughout the region including the Missisquoi and Trout Rivers and Newport's Lake Memphremagog.
The Missisquoi River flows from its headwaters in Lowell through Westfield, Troy, and North Troy before entering Canada. The river continues through the area as it re-enters in Richford. Several sections of the River are suitable for canoeing or kayaking. The Missisquoi provides opportunities for fishing at many bridge crossings and highway turnouts. Numerous mountain streams offers challenging brook trout fishing as well.
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Wildlife Watching / Birding
The greater Jay Peak area offers some wonderful sighting of wildlife. Of course, our favorite is the moose. Known watching sites are Ret. 58 in Lowell, Balance Rock Road in Westfield, Rte. 105 in North Troy and Rte. 242 on the west side of Jay Peak.
Black bear can be seen roaming the woods and field along Balance Rock Road in Westfield, Rte. 242 in Jay and Mine Road in Lowell. The best time is in the fall when the apples have fallen from the trees.
Wild turkeys can be seen in good numbers along the River Road in North Troy. Other species of birds (even a bald eagle) can also be seen traveling along river Road and just north of the Big Falls area. Other bird watching spots are on the Loop Road in Troy/Westfield, and all along the Missisquoi River. Jay Peak is also an excellent spot for bird-watching. Beavers can be seen frequently along the Missisquoi River which runs from Lowell to North Troy.
Birding in the mountains can be one of the most fascinating experiences of a lifetime. From the Red-bellied Woodpeckers to Yellow-bellied Sap Suckers, birds come in all shapes, sizes and colors in the Jay Peak area.
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Hayrides / Sleighrides / Trail Rides
Trail rides, hayrides and sleighrides are available all year at several locations. Experience the beautiful scenic routes of the countryside, through the woods and over the sweeping fields - a truly wonderful experience.
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Swimming
If you never had the unique opportunity to swim in an old-fashioned 'swimmin' hole', you've really missed out on some true Americana. Some of our local 'swimmin' holes' come complete with waterfalls/ If you prefer lake swimming over river swimming, we suggest Lake Memphremagog in Newport, complete with beach.
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Golfing
The New Jay Peak Golf Course opens in June of 2006. Click HEREfor more information.Golfing in the Jay Peak area is both a joy to your psyche and your pocketbook! An average round of golf is less than $25.00 US for 18 holes. Some of the most scenic courses can be found in Newport, Orleans, St. Albans, Barton and Bakersfield in Vermont and Orford, Sherbrooke, Owls Head and Sutton in Canada. There are no less than a dozen 18 hole courses close by.
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Hunting
Many hunters like to 'go to camp.' If you like hunting but prefer more comfort after being out in the woods all day, try one of the area's lodging facilities.
The deer are plentiful, as are moose, rabbit, bobwhite, quail, wild turkey, ruffled grouse, and more. Why not take a shot at coming up for a weekend of hunting? Licenses are readily available at several locations, along with dates for various species.
Driving ToursThere are endless roads on which to drive to view our scenic area. For example, you may start at Jay Peak where you can also take a ride on the aerial tram. The view is breathtaking. You can see 4 states, the province of Quebec, and, on very clear days, you'll see as far as Montreal to the North and Mt. Washington to the southeast.
When leaving Jay Peak, turn right and go into Montgomery and Montgomery Center where there are 7 covered bridges. Then head up to Hazen's Notch following Rte 58 east (the unpaved portion of Rte 58 is closed during the winter months). Plenty of flora and fauna are to be found in the Notch.
As you enter the town of Lowell on Rte. 58, you will follow a spectacular mountain stream that empties into the Missisquoi River. At Rte 100, turn North. You will follow the river basin through fertile farmlands.
Stay on Rte 100 through Troy, finding river road (just before the highway bridge). Follow to another covered bridge and about 2 miles beyond on the left is Big Falls, an eighty-foot gorge with raging waterfalls. There is parking available and it is the perfect spot for a picnic lunch.
Continue on the River Road to Rte 105, turning left. You are now in North Troy. Drive around and you will see some lovely architecture of a former era when North Troy was a railroad center. It also borders Canada.
If you are still energetic head for Newport or back to the towns of Jay, Troy or Westfield for country stores, maple products, antiques and Vermont made crafts.
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Activity Providers
Hazen's Notch Association
1421 Hazens Notch Road, Montgomery Center, VT 05471
PO Box 478
802-326-4799
Hazen's Notch Association offers Cross Country Skiing, Snowshoeing, and Hiking trails on 2,000 acres of private conservation land; Week-long ecology camp sessions for children 6-15 in July and August; natural science field trips for schools and other groups; year-round recreation and education programs for all ages.
E-mail or Visit the Hazens Notch Association Website
Phil and Karen's Sleighrides and Hayrides
143 Kennison Road, Troy, VT 05868
802-744-9928
Come join us for an old fashioned hayride or sleighride. Our team of Belgians, Charlie and Duke, would love to give you a peaceful and enjoyable ride through the open meadow or along a quiet road. Reservations only.
The Riverbend - Canoes, Pedal Boat and Trail Rides
6198 Rte 100, Troy, VT 05868
802-744-9991
Offering Canoe rentals for use on the Missisquoi River and guided trail rides through our beautiful area. By appointment only.
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