If Harriman Reservoir is the popular local lake, Somerset Reservoir is its quieter, wilder sibling. Tucked deep in the Green Mountain National Forest at 2,100 feet of elevation, Somerset is one of the most pristine paddling destinations in southern Vermont – and one of the least crowded. There are no houses on its shores, no jet skis on the water, and on a weekday you might have the entire 8.5-mile lake to yourself.
Getting There
Somerset is about 30-40 minutes from Valley View Villa. Head west on Route 9 from Wilmington for about 5 miles, then turn right onto Somerset Road (USFS Road 71). The turnoff from Route 9 is easy to miss – it’s unmarked, so look for a small “Apples for Wildlife” sign near the final turn. From there it’s roughly 9-10 miles on a well-maintained dirt road to the boat launch and recreation area at the south end near the dam.
The drive itself is part of the experience. The road winds through dense forest with no cell service, and by the time you reach the water, the outside world feels very far away.
What to Do
Kayaking and canoeing are the main draw. The reservoir stretches 8.5 miles north with six islands to explore, including the aptly named Street Car Island. The shoreline is entirely undeveloped – just forest, rock, and water. On clear days you can see Stratton Mountain and Mount Snow from the reservoir, and the southern end offers open views of the surrounding ridgeline.
Fishing is excellent. Vermont Fish & Wildlife stocks rainbow trout regularly, and the lake holds brook trout, brown trout, smallmouth bass, black crappie, yellow perch, chain pickerel, and pumpkinseed sunfish. A Vermont fishing license is required.
The Somerset Reservoir Trail runs 9.6 miles along the eastern shore – a moderate hike with about 460 feet of elevation gain and a good chance of spotting moose, deer, or black bears. Shorter walks from the boat launch area are also rewarding, especially for birding. Somerset is the southernmost lake in Vermont where common loons nest.
Camping Nearby
The reservoir itself is day-use only – no overnight camping at the shoreline. But Grout Pond Recreation Area, a nearby USFS campground, has about 12 primitive sites (some drive-in, some hike-in) with trails that connect to the Somerset trail system. It’s a solid base camp if you want to spend a full weekend exploring the area.
Important Details
📍 Boat launch: 1863 Somerset Road (end of USFS Road 71)
🚗 ~30-40 min from Valley View Villa via Route 9 West
🛶 Motors allowed but 10 mph max – no waterskiing, no jet skis
🎣 Vermont fishing license required
📱 No cell service on the access road or at the reservoir
🐻 Bear country – store food properly if camping at Grout Pond
The dirt access road is typically open from late May through hunting season in November. It’s not maintained in winter, though cross-country skiers and snowmobilers use the Catamount Trail section along the eastern shore.
Somerset vs. Harriman
Harriman Reservoir is bigger, easier to access, allows motorboats, and has beaches and a marina. Somerset is smaller, more remote, non-motorized only, and feels genuinely wild. If you want convenience and a full day at the beach, go to Harriman. If you want solitude and a real backcountry paddling experience, Somerset is the move.
Both lakes are worth visiting during a stay at Valley View Villa, and they offer completely different experiences. For more outdoor options in the area, check our hiking guide or the summer adventure guide.
