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.
Honest Access Guide
Somerset is hard to get to, and that’s the whole point. From VVV it’s about 30 minutes total, but the last 9-10 miles are on Somerset Road / USFS Forest Service Road 71 – a rough dirt road that varies in condition by season. High clearance is recommended for the final few miles, especially after rain or in spring mud season; passenger sedans can usually make it slowly when the road is dry, but you’ll feel every washboard.
There are no kayak rentals at Somerset. None. The closest rental options are at Lake Whitingham (Harriman), so plan to bring your own boat or rent a roof-top setup elsewhere. There are also no facilities at the put-in – no flush toilets, no concessions, no cell service, no help if a kid melts down.
The trade-off: silence and isolation that are unmatched in southern Vermont. Loons, wind in the spruces, and that’s it. If you’re willing to absorb the slow drive and the no-frills logistics, the payoff is a wilderness paddling experience 30 minutes from a comfortable house.
Getting There
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 the 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 real 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. Sites at Grout Pond are first-come, first-served with no reservation system – arrive early on summer weekends. There are no hookups, but each site has a fire ring and picnic table. Vault toilets are available.
What to Bring
Somerset is remote, so come prepared. There are no services, no stores, and no cell signal once you turn off Route 9. Pack water, food, sunscreen, and bug spray (the mosquitoes near the shore can be aggressive in June and July). If you’re fishing, bring your own gear – there’s no rental outfitter at the reservoir. Kayaks and canoes need to be car-topped; there’s no marina or boat rental on site. Guests at Valley View Villa can load up gear at the house and make the 30-minute drive with everything they need.
Important Details
📍 Boat launch: 1863 Somerset Road (end of USFS Road 71)
🚗 ~30 min from Valley View Villa via Route 9 west, then 9-10 miles of dirt road
🛶 Motors allowed but 10 mph max – no waterskiing, no jet skis
🎣 Vermont fishing license required ($29/day for non-residents, $56 for a season)
📱 No cell service on the access road or at the reservoir
🐻 Bear country – store food properly if camping at Grout Pond
🅿️ Free parking at the boat launch with room for about 20–30 vehicles with trailers
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, check our hiking guide or the summer adventure guide.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Do You Need a Boat to Visit Somerset Reservoir?
No. The boat launch area and dam overlook are accessible on foot, and the Somerset Reservoir Trail offers 9.6 miles of shoreline hiking. That said, a kayak or canoe is the best way to experience the reservoir – the islands and remote northern end are only reachable from the water.
Can You Swim in Somerset Reservoir?
Swimming is allowed but there are no designated beaches or lifeguards. The shoreline near the boat launch has some rocky areas that work for wading. The water is cold even in summer – expect 55–65°F depending on the time of year. Most visitors who want a swimming-focused lake day head to Harriman Reservoir instead.
When Is the Best Time to Visit Somerset Reservoir?
Late June through September offers the best conditions for paddling and fishing. July and August have the warmest water and longest days, but also the most mosquitoes. September brings cooler temperatures, fewer bugs, and sharp fall foliage reflected on the water. The access road typically opens in late May and closes after hunting season in November.
Is Somerset Reservoir Safe for Beginners?
The southern end near the boat launch is calm and protected, making it suitable for beginner paddlers. However, the reservoir stretches 8.5 miles and conditions can change quickly – afternoon winds are common, and the northern end is exposed. Beginners should stay near the southern half, check weather forecasts before launching, and always wear a life jacket. There is no cell service for emergencies, so let someone at home know your plan.
