One of the simplest pleasures of visiting southern Vermont is packing a picnic and heading outdoors. The Deerfield Valley is full of scenic places where you can spread out a blanket, enjoy fresh mountain air, and take in the views.
Many guests staying at Valley View Villa like to stop by a local market, grab sandwiches or snacks, and head out to one of the nearby lakes, parks, or scenic overlooks for lunch. It’s an easy way to experience the beauty of the area while slowing down and enjoying the moment.
If you’re looking for a perfect picnic setting near West Dover or Wilmington, here are some of our favorite spots.
Lake Raponda
📍 Wilmington – about 10 minutes from West Dover
Lake Raponda is one of the most peaceful lakes in the Deerfield Valley. Surrounded by forested hills, it offers a beautiful setting for a quiet picnic by the water.
There are several small shoreline areas where visitors can sit, relax, and enjoy the view of the lake. Many people bring kayaks or paddleboards and turn their picnic stop into a full afternoon on the water.
The calm setting and reflective water make this spot especially beautiful in the early morning or late afternoon.
Molly Stark State Park
📍 Route 9 – just east of Wilmington
Molly Stark State Park offers a classic Vermont picnic experience. The park has picnic tables, open grassy areas, and shaded forest spots perfect for a relaxed outdoor meal.
After lunch, many visitors take the short hike to the Mount Olga fire tower. The view from the top stretches across the Green Mountains and is one of the best panoramas in the region.
This combination of great picnic areas and scenic hiking makes Molly Stark State Park a favorite for families.
Lake Whitingham (Harriman Reservoir)
📍 Wilmington – about 15 minutes from West Dover
Lake Whitingham is the largest lake entirely within Vermont and one of the most scenic picnic destinations in southern Vermont.
The lake has multiple shoreline access points where visitors can enjoy a picnic while watching boats, kayaks, and paddleboarders pass by. The water stretches for miles and is framed by forested mountains on all sides.
Many people pack a cooler, spend the afternoon relaxing along the shore, and finish the day with a swim or paddle.
Hogback Mountain Overlook
📍 Route 9 – about 20 minutes from West Dover
If you’re looking for a picnic with a view, Hogback Mountain is hard to beat.
The overlook provides sweeping views across southern Vermont, western Massachusetts, and even into New Hampshire on clear days. While it’s a more casual picnic setting, many visitors bring sandwiches or snacks and sit on the grassy areas around the viewpoint.
Sunset is particularly spectacular here when the sky lights up over the mountains.
The Lawn at Mount Snow
📍 West Dover – about 5 minutes away
During the summer and fall, Mount Snow opens up its base area lawns, which make for a surprisingly great picnic spot.
There are wide open grassy areas with mountain views where families can relax, toss a frisbee, or simply enjoy lunch outside. Depending on the time of year, there are often events, live music, or outdoor activities happening nearby.
It’s also a great location if you want to combine a picnic with hiking, scenic lift rides, or mountain biking.
Bonus: Picnic Right at the Villa
Sometimes the best picnic spot is right outside your door.
Valley View Villa sits on five private acres with a beautiful spring-fed pond and a quiet walking trail that circles the property. Many guests enjoy picking up takeout or packing a picnic lunch and eating outside while taking in the mountain views.
It’s one of the easiest ways to enjoy the peaceful setting without even leaving the property.
From lakeside lunches to mountaintop views, the Wilmington and West Dover area offers plenty of beautiful places to enjoy a picnic.
Pack a blanket, grab some local food, and head out to explore — you’ll quickly discover that outdoor dining tastes even better with Vermont scenery all around you.
🗺️ More to Explore Near Mount Snow
- Best Restaurants Near Mount Snow — Our guide to the best local dining
- Dot’s Restaurant: Beloved Diner for All-Day Breakfast & Comfort Food in Wilmington — Great dining near Mount Snow
- Guide to Eating at Mount Snow Base Lodges: Where to Lunch on the Mountain — On-mountain dining options and tips
- Top Things to Do Near Mount Snow — Top activities and attractions in the area
