13 Dec Colchester Pond in Vermont: Hiking, Fishing, and More!

Colchester Pond is a serene and beautiful location for hiking, fishing, kayaking, canoeing, and birdwatching in northwestern Vermont. What more could you want? My partner and I visited on a brisk Sunday in late October, and we enjoyed strolling around the pond on the loop trail. Moreover, we were able to view the autumn foliage. While it was slightly past peak foliage time, the colors of red, green, orange, yellow, and more still lit up the trees along the shoreline of the pond.

Contents:

1) Location

2) Opening Hours and Entrance Fee

3) Best Time to Visit

4) Quick Facts and FAQs

5) Background

6) Activities

7) Trail Information

8) Recommended Items to Bring

9) Optional: Additional Attractions Nearby

1) Location of Colchester Pond, VT

Colchester Pond is located in Colchester, VT. For reference, it is approximately 30 minutes northeast of the city of Burlington. On the other hand, it is only 45 minutes south of the Canadian border or one hour and 15 minutes east of the New York border. What does this mean? You can easily visit Vermont, New York, and Canada all within the same day (or weekend).

Colchester Pond Directions

If you are driving from downtown Burlington, the directions to Colchester Pond include a few steps. First, drive east along Main Street until you can then merge onto I-89 North. Second, continue for approximately three miles (~4.8 kilometers) and take exit 16 to turn right onto US-2/US-7. Third, continue for another three miles (~4.8 kilometers) and then turn right into VT-2A S / Main Street.

Fourth, turn left onto E Road after one mile (~1.6 kilometers) Fifth, take the next right into Depot Road. Sixth, keep left onto Colchester Pond Road after 0.6 miles (~one kilometer). Seventh, bear left to stay on Colchester Pond Road when there is a fork in the road. Eighth, take a slight right onto the dirt road that leads to the Colchester Pond parking lot.

Colchester Pond Parking

There is a dedicated parking lot for Colchester Pond titled “Colchester Pond, Parking Lot, & Canoe Launch” on google maps. Moreover, there is no parking fee. However, the parking lot is fairly small. There is only room for around 10 to 20 cars. When my partner and I arrived in the late morning on a Sunday in October, we managed to grab a spot just as another car was leaving.

A few vehicles arrived just after us, and they turned around to park on the side of the dirt road. However, I am not sure if this is actually allowed. I recommend checking the posted signs to see where you can park if the lot is full.

Autumn foliage around the pond in late October

Nearby Airports to Colchester, VT

Burlington International Airport is the closest airport if you need to fly into the area. My partner and I flew in/out of here, and it was a good experience. I was a bit surprised at first that the airport was so small, but that just makes it easier to navigate. For reference, Burlington International Airport is a 25-minute drive south of Colchester Pond.

The next closest airport to Colchester is the Plattsburgh International Airport at one hour and 15 minutes northwest. Keep in mind the airport is located in New York, and you have to drive across Lake Champlain to cross between New York and Vermont.

Additionally, check out Expedia if you need a rental car. My partner and I booked a rental car for our weekend in Vermont for under $200.

Lodging in Colchester, VT

Unfortunately there are not too many lodging options within the small town of Colchester. For example, booking.com only shows a handful of results within Colchester.

However, do not fear as Burlington is near. Burlington is only a 30-minute drive from Colchester, and it has plenty of lodging options available. For a budget-friendly hotel, check out La Quinta Inn & Suites by Wyndham Williston Burlington. For a more luxury experience, check out Green Mountain Suites Hotel where you can book a premium fireplace jacuzzi suite.

Having a fun little photoshoot along the shoreline

2) Opening Hours and Entrance Fee

First, Colchester Pond is open from dawn to dusk. There is a short, dirt road stemming from Colchester Pond Road that leads to the parking lot. There is a small sign at the entrance for the dirt road that says the park closes at dusk. The sign also mentions the gate for the dirt road closes at dusk, so be sure to leave at the appropriate time so your car does not become trapped for the night.

Second, Colchester Pond has no entrance fee. Woohoo – we love free attractions! However, some activities at the pond can cost you money. For example, a three-day fishing license costs $11 for residents and $23 for non-residents.

3) Best Time to Visit 

The best time to visit Colchester Pond in Vermont is during the autumn season. Come on, how could I not say autumn is the best season to visit a pond in Vermont? If you have been to Vermont in autumn, then you know exactly what I am talking about. If you have not yet been to Vermont in autumn, then you will understand once you lay your eyes on the vibrant colors of the changing leaves.

The pond is surrounded by trees on almost all sides, which means you can enjoy a full autumn spectacular. However, be sure to keep an eye on the forecast for peak foliage times. The weeks / days of peak foliage change from year to year, though they are generally around mid-October for northwestern Vermont.

Moreover, the average temperature in Vermont is around 58 degrees Fahrenheit (~14.4 Celsius) during October. I prefer slightly cooler temperatures paired with a beautiful, sunny day when walking on a trail around a pond.

However, I also have to note that spring is a delightful time to visit as there are often fields of wildflowers on the loop trail around the pond.

Exploring the shoreline along the Colchester Pond hike

4) Quick Facts and FAQs

1. Colchester Pond is located in Colchester, VT approximately 30 minutes northeast of Burlington.

2. Colchester Pond is open from dawn to dusk, and there is no entrance fee.

3. The best time to visit Colchester Pond is during the autumn season in order to enjoy the changing colors of the leaves.

4. Colchester Pond Trail is a three mile (~4.8 kilometer) loop trail with approximately 310 feet (~94 meters) in elevation gain.

5. Some of the most popular activities at Colchester Pond include hiking, fishing, kayaking, canoeing, and birdwatching.

FAQs

Can you swim in Colchester Pond? Yes, visitors can take a dip in the pond. Some even say there is a rope swing about halfway around the loop trail. Moreover, it is generally not recommended to swim near the boat launch due to hooks and other fishing gear possibly left behind.

Can you fish at Colchester Pond? Yes, visitors can enjoy fishing for smallmouth bass, northern pike, and yellow perch. Colchester Pond fishing is possible from the shoreline as well as from a canoe or kayak.

How deep is Colchester Pond? At its deepest, the pond reaches a depth of 45 feet (~14 meters).

Are motorized boats permitted at Colchester Pond? No, unfortunately no motorized boats are permitted. Only non-motorized vessels, for example canoes and kayaks, are authorized for use in the pond.

Can I bring my pet to Colchester Pond? Yes, you may bring your pet, but they must remain on leash. The leash rule is for your pet’s safety as well as the preservation of the surrounding area.

Is there a bathroom available at the Colchester Pond parking lot? Unfortunately, there is no bathroom available. Plan ahead, or nature shall be your bathroom in an emergency situation.

Enjoying the autumn foliage around the pond

5) Background of Colchester Pond

Colchester Pond covers just over 180 acres of the Colchester Pond Natural Area. The pond was naturally formed yet enlarged by human efforts when building a nearby dam.

For a fun (or maybe scary) fact, both bobcat and moose sightings have been reported. I definitely would not mind seeing a moose wading in the water just off the shore. However, I would not want to come face to face with a moose while hiking along the loop trail. I will just completely skip the bobcat, thank you.

6) Activities at Colchester Pond

Visitors can enjoy hiking, fishing, swimming, canoeing, kayaking, and birdwatching at Colchester Pond in Vermont. While it is possible to fill up an entire day with all of the activities available, most people spend between 30 minutes to two hours at the pond.

Hiking

First, the loop trail around the pond extends for three miles (~4.8 kilometers). More detailed information on the trail is in section seven below!

Additionally, just a couple of minutes down the road is Indian Brook Park. There is a two mile (~3.2 kilometer) trail around Indian Brook Reservoir with approximately 165 feet (~50 meters) of elevation gain. An average hiker can complete the trail in 45 minutes. Since neither the Colchester Pond hike nor the Indian Brook Reservoir hike are too challenging, you might be able to complete both within the same day if you want.

Fishing

Second, there are multiple fishing spots along the shoreline of Colchester Pond, including a few spots accessible directly from the loop trail. Additionally, you can fish from a kayak or canoe if you want some more peace and quiet out in the middle of the pond. Some of the most commonly caught fish include smallmouth bass, northern pike, and yellow perch.

More autumn foliage around the pond

Swimming

Third, you can go swimming in Colchester Pond. However, I do not recommend swimming right by the boat launch or shoreline fishing areas because those areas tend to be a bit muddier and could have loose fishing hooks laying around. Previously there was a rope swing along the loop trail, so why not explore and try to find that for a fun little adventure.

Canoeing / Kayaking

Fourth, there is a boat launch right by the parking lot for the pond. However, please note that the boat launch is for non-motorized vessels only. Motorized boats are not permitted. Therefore, pack up only your canoe and/or kayak for this trip.

The boat launch is essentially a few wooden planks leading to the water. You will have to carry (or drag) your canoe / kayak from the parking lot to the wooden planks, and then you can drag it along the planks out into the water.

Moreover, you are not limited to just a canoe or kayak – you can bring any other non-motorized vessel. For example, you can also bring a paddleboard!

Birdwatching

Fifth, bird watchers should be on the lookout for Canada geese, mallards, and American bitterns (in addition to many others). The pond is a well-known location for bird watchers, and you can even find it listed on bird watching websites. Do a quick google search to see exactly what kinds of birds have been seen before. Hint – there have been reports of bald eagle sightings.

For a fun fact, beavers are sometimes also spotted in the pond.

Walking along the boat launch towards the water

7) Colchester Pond Trail Information

Colchester Pond Trail is a three mile (~4.8 kilometer) loop trail with approximately 310 feet (~94 meters) in elevation gain. An average hiker can complete the trail in one hour and 15 minutes.

The trail loops around the pond (hence its name), offering stunning views of the water as well as the foliage if you visit in autumn. Moreover, the trail winds through forests as well as open fields.

If you do not have enough time to hike the entire length of the trail, you can always walk 15 minutes before turning around. That way you can still experience the trail without having to commit over an hour of time if you have too many other places you also want to visit.

Description of the Colchester Pond Trail

In terms of the actual trail, it varies between wooden planks and a grassy path. Honestly, I love wooden planks along a trail. Not only do they keep you from getting all muddy if it rained recently, but they are also kind of fun.

Along the Colchester Pond hike, there are various points where you can walk to the shore and appreciate the view. Or you can take advantage of the scenery and have a little photoshoot. The trail is right along the shoreline for the vast majority of the western side of the pond. However, the trail is a bit removed from the shoreline on the eastern side of the pond as it travels through the forest. Nevertheless, there are spur trails that lead to the shoreline now and then.

Walking along the Colchester Pond Trail

8) Recommended Items to Bring

Headed on a road trip anytime soon and need additional packing recommendations?: Summer Road Trip Packing List and Winter Road Trip Packing List.

1. Reusable water bottle: No matter the length of a trail, I always carry a water bottle with me. Better to be safe than sorry and to stay hydrated. Even if you are visiting in autumn, you can still become dehydrated – do not let the cooler air fool you.

2. Bathing suit + travel towel: Swimming is allowed at the pond, so pack your suit if you want to take a dip. I have jumped into a few lakes myself after hiking, for example at Snow Lake in Seattle, WA. Nothing is more refreshing than a chilly (sometimes downright cold) swim in a lake after a good hike.

Hygiene Items

3. Sunscreen: Skin protection is always important, so wear sunscreen! While walking around the pond might not have you in the sun long enough to get burnt, the sun can still damage your skin.

4. Bug spray: Swatting flies out of your face for the entire duration of a trail? Not so fun. Hate bug spray? Then opt for a mosquito repellent bracelet. 

Hiking Items

5. Bear spray: Surprise – turns out Vermont has bears if you did not know that. Be prepared with a can of bear spray, and keep it in an easily accessible location while hiking. For example, put it in one of the outside pockets of your backpack. 

6. Hiking shoes: I LOVE my hiking shoes. They have taken me across all kinds of trails, for example the stunning yet rocky Avalanche Lake Trail in Glacier National Park.

7. Hiking poles: If you want or need extra support on the trail around the pond, then carry a set of hiking poles.

8. Optional – crampons: Crampons are spikes that attach to the bottom of your shoes. These are only necessary if there is snow and/or ice on the trail.

More photoshoots along the pond trail

9) Optional: Additional Attractions Nearby 

There are plenty of attractions in the nearby area, so it will be all too easy to fill up your weekend itinerary. First, head into the city of Burlington to walk through town and along Waterfront Park. Look across the lake to see the Adirondack Mountains in New York. My partner and I visited at sunset, and the view was unbelievable.

Second, drive along Smuggler’s Notch towards Stowe to experience a windy road with beautiful views. Be sure to stop at an overlook or two along the way. Once in Stowe, head to the Gondola SkyRide to soar above the treetops and have a bird’s eye view of the area atop Mount Mansfield. If you enjoy skiing or snowboarding, visit in the winter season to take full advantage of Stowe Mountain Resort.

Third, head to Ben and Jerry’s for a tour of their factory and a stroll through their flavor graveyard. Oh, and did I mention the tour comes with free samples?! My partner and I enjoyed cookie dough chunks as well as a sample-size cup of one of their ice cream flavors. I will not say which flavor just in case you receive the same one – it is no fun to spoil the surprise.

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