Outdoor Recreation In & Around St. Albans

St. Albans is only about 10 minutes from rail trails, the lake, and the mountains, depending on which direction you drive. Northern Vermont has a lot of space and not that many people, so if you want to bike, hike, paddle, or ski, you're in a for a treat!

The Missisquoi Valley Rail Trail runs through downtown, which means you can start from Main Street and disappear into the countryside for as long as your legs hold out. Lake Champlain is close enough that you can be swimming or launching a kayak before your coffee gets cold. And the surrounding area has enough state parks, conservation land, and mountain access that you could spend a week here and not repeat the same activity twice.

The best part is that most of these locations remain pretty quiet even in peak summer, because the out-of-town crowds tend to stop at Burlington not travel any farther north. So you get the access without worrying about where to park or having to show up at dawn to claim your spot.

Missisquoi Valley Rail Trail

The trail is 26 miles long, with access points in Downtown St. Albans. One of the longest rail trails in New England, the surface is packed gravel, good for road bikes, mountain bikes, walking, running, whatever. In winter, it's excellent for cross-country skiing.

The easiest spot to access the trail is near Maple City Diner. Head east through farmland and forest toward Richford. Head northwest and you'll eventually arrive in Swanton. The trail connects to other systems, too, so if you're really ambitious, you can cover serious distance.

Bootlegger Bikes on Main Street offers rentals if you don't have or didn't bring your own. They also know the trail system better than anyone and can tell you about the less-traveled sections.

Hard'ack Recreation Area

Hard'ack is about a mile from Downtown, and it's where locals go to get outside. The recreation area includes mountain biking trails, hiking, a year-round swimming pool, cross-country running trails in fall, and cross-country skiing in winter.

If you love sliding on snow, you can sled, ski, and ride at Hard'ack. With the rope tow, it's great for beginners but also an easy fun day for the experienced pro.

While there is no standing fee to use Hard'ack, we ask visitors to make a donation each time they visit at the office in the lodge, at the snack bar, or via Venmo. Your contribution helps maintain everyone's access to outdoor recreation.

Lake Champlain Access

Lake Champlain is 10 minutes away. St. Albans Bay has a boat launch, swimming access, and great fishing spots. It's not as built up as the southern lake towns, which means fewer crowds and easier parking. The sunsets are better here, too, with gorgeous views across the water toward the Adirondacks.

Kill Kare State Park

Kill Kare is only 20 minutes away. It's an old estate turned State Park with hiking trails, lake access, and a ferry to Burton Island. The grounds are worth walking around even if you don't take the ferry.

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Burton Island

Burton Island is a secret gem in our area. You can only get there by boat, either via the ferry from Kill Kare or your personal boat, and it stays pretty quiet as a result. Hiking trails loop the island, there's plenty of swimming, and the camping, which ranges from tent spots to cabins, is some of the best in Vermont. Don't worry if you can't stay overnight; there's plenty do in a day trip. Be sure to check the ferry schedule before you go!

Lake Carmi State Park

Lake Carmi is a great family camping destination only 25 minutes from St. Albans City. The lake is shallow and warm, which makes it perfect for kids learning to swim. There's a sandy beach, boat rentals, and easy hiking trails. The campground fills up in peak summer, but isn't overcrowded during the week.

Jay Peak

Jay Peak and all it has to offer is just 45 minutes north. In summer, the aerial tram offers stunning views without the hike. There are mountain biking trails for those who want to get their hearts pumping. Winter at Jay means some of the best skiing and snowboarding east of the Mississippi. The indoor water park is a year-round destination if you have kids (and adults!) who need to burn off energy in any kind of weather.

Missisquoi National Wildlife Refuge

The Missisquoi National Wildlife Refuge is about 20 minutes from Downtown and offers a different kind of outdoor experience. It's prime birding territory, especially during migration seasons. The wetlands and river delta create habitats you won't find in the mountains or on the rail trails. Take a quiet paddle through the refuge, and there's a good chance you'll see wildlife that you won't encounter in other areas.

Fishing Around St. Albans

Lake Champlain fishing out of St. Albans Bay is some of the best for bass and pike. The bay itself fishes well, and you're close enough to the main lake to reach deeper water without a long boat ride. Spring and fall are best for bass, though summer fishing picks up early morning and evening when the water cools down.

The Missisquoi River meets Lake Champlain not far from here, and the river delta creates good habitat for multiple species. Northern pike hang out in the weedy areas. Walleye move through during spawning season. And the river itself has smallmouth bass and some trout upstream where the water stays cooler.

Ice fishing on the bay draws a crowd once the ice gets thick enough. Perch and pike are the main targets, and given its size, the bay freezes more reliably than the open lake. Of course it's imperative to check ice conditions before you go out.

St. Albans Bay has a public boat launch that handles everything from kayaks to fishing boats. There's no launch fee, though you do need a current boat registration. Parking can fill up on summer weekends, so weekdays and early mornings are your sweet spots.

You'll need a Vermont fishing license, available online or at most sporting goods stores. Non-resident licenses are pricier but cover you for the season if you're planning multiple trips. Lake Champlain has specific regulations about certain species, so check the Vermont Fish & Wildlife rules before you go.

Planning Your Outdoor Adventure

Bootlegger Bikes offers rentals, sales, and can point you toward the best trails and routes. Rail City Market is the perfect spot for stocking up on trail snacks and drinks before you head out. After your adventure, you'll have your pick of restaurants in Downtown St. Albans where you can get a good meal without having to clean up first.