Wrightsville Reservoir Middlesex
A serene Vermont reservoir offering stunning sunsets, wildlife, and peaceful paddling on clear waters.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Peaceful paddling, best light
Wrightsville Reservoir Middlesex
Best Time
Peaceful paddling, best light
Highlights
Must-see attractions
A serene Vermont reservoir offering stunning sunsets, wildlife, and peaceful paddling on clear waters.
"Beautiful spot with great views off the water, perfect for watching the sunset or sunrise."
🛶 Paddle Power Only
Motorboats are discouraged; enjoy the peace with kayaks & canoes. :kayak:
🌅 Golden Hour Magic
Catch stunning sunsets and sunrises from the overlook. :sunrise:
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Sunset & Sunrise Views
Overlook near the CCC dam
Witness breathtaking sunsets and sunrises over the water, with occasional Northern Lights sightings.
CCC Dam Overlook
Near the dam
Admire the classic Civilian Conservation Corps dam, a historic landmark offering scenic water views.
Sandy Beach Launch Point
Picnic area by the beach
A perfect spot for launching kayaks and canoes, with easy access to the water for paddling adventures.
Wildlife Watching
North Branch Winooski River inlet
Spot ducks, turtles, and herons as you paddle into the narrower inlets of the reservoir.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Embrace the Calm: Best Times to Visit
Paddling Paradise: Kayak & Canoe Focus
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🛶 Paddle Power Only
Motorboats are discouraged; enjoy the peace with kayaks & canoes. :kayak:
🌅 Golden Hour Magic
Catch stunning sunsets and sunrises from the overlook. :sunrise:
🍂 Fall Foliage Spectacle
Experience vibrant colors during autumn. :maple_leaf:
🎣 Fishing from Boat
Fishing is best from a boat; shore access is limited. :fishingpoleand_line:
Tips
from all over the internet
🛶 Paddle Power Only
Motorboats are discouraged; enjoy the peace with kayaks & canoes. :kayak:
🌅 Golden Hour Magic
Catch stunning sunsets and sunrises from the overlook. :sunrise:
🍂 Fall Foliage Spectacle
Experience vibrant colors during autumn. :maple_leaf:
🎣 Fishing from Boat
Fishing is best from a boat; shore access is limited. :fishingpoleand_line:
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors praise Wrightsville Reservoir for its beautiful scenery, especially during sunrise and sunset, and its tranquil atmosphere ideal for paddling. The historic CCC dam and opportunities for wildlife spotting are also highlights. Some note that accessibility has decreased and fishing is best from a boat.
"Beautiful spot in Montpelier with great views off the water. Quiet place to watch the sunset or sunrise. Gorgeous foliage views during the fall."
Robert Rapatski (Robert Jay)
"Beautiful overlook from a classic CCC dam built during FDR's administration. Great sunsets, and occasional Northern Lights!"
Deb F
"Pretty area. Picnic area by the beach. Nice sandy beach from which to launch kayaks. We paddled left off the beach and the reservoir eventually tapered as we went up, eventually becoming a narrow inlet of the North Branch Winooski River where waterfalls are at the end! Saw ducks, turtles, and herons."
MaryBeth Peterson
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
Wrightsville Reservoir is located near Middlesex, Vermont. Access is typically via local roads from Route 2. It's a scenic drive, and signage should guide you to the main access points and parking areas.
Yes, there are parking areas available, particularly near the picnic area and beach launch point. Arrive early on busy days to secure a spot.
Public transport options to Wrightsville Reservoir are very limited. It's best accessed by private vehicle.
From Montpelier, take US-2 East towards Middlesex. Turn onto Reservoir Road, which will lead you to the reservoir area.
Typically, there are no entrance fees for Wrightsville Reservoir, making it a free natural attraction.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
No tickets are required to visit Wrightsville Reservoir. It's a public access area for recreation.
The reservoir is generally accessible during daylight hours. There are no strict opening or closing times, but it's advisable to visit during safe daylight hours.
Unfortunately, some visitors have noted that the reservoir is not as handicapped accessible as it used to be.
Yes, swimming is a popular activity at Wrightsville Reservoir, especially during warmer months. The sandy beach area is a good spot.
Motorboats and waterskiing are discouraged to maintain a peaceful environment for paddlers and nature lovers.
🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience
Kayaking, canoeing, swimming, picnicking, and wildlife watching are popular activities. The reservoir offers a tranquil setting for outdoor enjoyment.
Fishing is permitted, but it's recommended to have a boat for better access. Shore fishing can be challenging.
Yes, there is a picnic area located by the sandy beach, providing a pleasant spot for meals with a view.
You can often spot ducks, turtles, and herons, especially when paddling into the narrower inlets.
Paddling is generally safe, especially with non-motorized boats. Be aware of your surroundings and weather conditions. Motorboat wakes can be disruptive.
📸 📸 Photography
Early mornings for sunrise and late afternoons for sunset offer the best light for photography, capturing the reservoir's beauty.
The CCC dam overlook provides a classic view, while the sandy beach and the tranquil inlets are great for capturing nature and wildlife.
Yes, on clear nights with sufficient solar activity, Northern Lights have been spotted and can be photographed from the reservoir.
The main challenge can be the presence of motorboats, whose wakes can disrupt calm water shots. Visiting during quieter times helps.
The reservoir offers opportunities for landscape photography, particularly during sunrise, sunset, and fall foliage.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
Encourage kids to explore the natural world by paddling a kayak or canoe into the calmer inlets, where they might spot ducks, turtles, and herons. It's a great opportunity for them to learn about local wildlife in a relaxed setting.
🛶 Paddlers and Nature Lovers
Nature lovers will appreciate the abundant wildlife and the stunning fall foliage. The reservoir is a peaceful escape, ideal for photography, birdwatching, and simply enjoying the beauty of Vermont's natural landscapes.
🌅 Sunset & Sunrise Chasers
On clear nights, keep an eye out for the Northern Lights. While not guaranteed, the reservoir's open skies offer a fantastic vantage point for celestial photography and viewing.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
Paddling and Water Activities
While motorboats are discouraged due to noise and wake disruption, the reservoir is popular for swimming, especially during the summer months. The clear waters and sandy beach make it an inviting spot for a refreshing dip. Remember to be mindful of other users and enjoy the natural tranquility.
For those interested in fishing, it's recommended to have a boat for better access to fishing spots. While shore fishing is possible, the reservoir's layout and the presence of inlets might make it more challenging compared to fishing from a kayak or canoe.
Scenic Beauty and Wildlife
Nature enthusiasts will appreciate the wildlife viewing opportunities. As you paddle through the quieter inlets, keep an eye out for ducks, turtles, and herons. The natural habitat provides a sanctuary for these creatures, offering a chance to connect with nature.
Occasionally, visitors have even reported sightings of the Northern Lights, adding a touch of magic to the reservoir's already captivating scenery. These celestial displays are a rare but unforgettable bonus for those lucky enough to witness them.
History and Accessibility
Regarding accessibility, some recent feedback suggests that the reservoir may not be as handicapped accessible as it once was. Visitors planning to access specific areas or facilities should verify current conditions if accessibility is a primary concern.
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from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit