Somerset Reservoir

A Remote Wilderness Lake

By Rich Macha

Located in the towns of Somerset and Stratton, the 1,623-acre Somerset Reservoir is a six-mile-long impoundment created by Great River Hydro’s dam on the East Branch of the Deerfield River in southern Vermont. Great River Hydro owns the land around the reservoir and there is no development on that forested land. The area is further surrounded by Green Mountain National Forest lands. It is also the southernmost body of water in Vermont where common loons nest. Small motorboats are allowed but I have never seen more than a handful on my visits – they are limited to a speed of 10 mph, and water skiing and jet skis are not allowed. At an elevation of 2,133 feet, the scenic beauty of this area makes it a very attractive location to paddle. A paddle around most of the circumference of the reservoir can easily add up to 15 miles.

Directions – The adventure starts by just getting there in the first place. Drive west on VT Route 9 for five miles from Wilmington or 16 miles east on VT Route 9 from Bennington, and turn north on Somerset Road, then drive for 10 miles on this mostly good dirt road. An alternate route, from Arlington, entails driving south from Kelley Stand Road (aka Arlington-Stratton Road) on Forest Road 71 past several dispersed camping sites and a large open camping area at a former airfield, then taking a left on Somerset Road for another three miles. Drive past the dam as far as you can go into the far end of the parking area on the southeast side of the reservoir. The canoe/kayak launch is a short carry down to a small beach.

The area is for day-use only, and open from a half an hour before sunrise to half an hour after sunset. No camping is allowed anywhere on the reservoir. There are picnic tables near the parking area and also a gravel boat launch for motorboats – motorboaters are most likely here for the fishing.

The Paddle – As with other larger bodies of water, the wind can play into your paddling experience. Prevailing winds generally come from the southwest or west. Winds of over 10 mph can create waves of up to a foot. Obviously, stronger winds can make for bigger waves, so plan your visit when lower winds are forecasted for a better, less challenging experience. An early morning start can often take advantage of lower winds.

Paddling north along the east shore, you find some coves along the way and Stratton Mountain (3,940 feet in elevation) dominates the view ahead. Glastenbury Mountain (3,748 feet) can be seen to the west. Glastenbury and Stratton mountains are both on the Long Trail and Appalachian Trail which run concurrently in southern Vermont before the trails go their separate ways north of Killington. From the secluded northeastern bay, you can find the Catamount Trail, Vermont’s long trail for cross-country skiers and snowshoers, and walk it to nearby Grout Pond in the national forest (in certain areas and depending on the season, the Catamount Trail is also utilized for hiking).

You can paddle up the northwest arm of the reservoir where the East Branch enters – I have paddled up the shallow and rocky river for about 200 yards before giving up. Halfway down the west shore is a large bay that begs to be explored. Picnic sites, often with a fireplace, can be found along the shoreline and islands, so bring a lunch and/or barbecue items for a deserved break. On the way back to the put-in, Mount Snow (3,585 feet) rises to the southeast, and the Searsburg Wind Farm can be seen to the south.

Wildlife – Loons usually nest in late spring to early summer. Nests are located close to the water so that they can get on and off easily. Both sexes take turns sitting on the eggs. Their legs are situated to the rear of their bodies – good for swimming underwater but not for walking on land. I have to admit to being somewhat of a loonatic and enjoy listening to their variety of calls which can be described as wails, yodels, and tremeloes. Do not attempt to get closer to loons or approach their nests – observe them from a moderate distance with binoculars. I usually bring along a compact monocular that conveniently fits inside a PFD pocket and is easily accessible while on the water.

Besides the common loon, I have observed bald eagle, osprey, Canada goose, common merganser, great blue heron, kingfisher, sandpiper, mallard, beaver, and mink. Moose are in the area but I have yet to see one here, although I have seen their tracks along the shoreline. According to the 2020 Census, the population of the Town of Somerset is six – there are likely more moose living within the town’s 28.1 square miles than there are people. Black bears inhabit the region too.

Fish species found here include smallmouth bass, rainbow trout, brook trout, brown trout, pumpkinseed sunfish, rock bass, yellow perch, and chain pickerel.

The Seasons – Winter stays longer at this elevation but spring wildflowers finally show up in May. I have paddled here in mid-May with sleet being driven horizontally by the wind – the sun did show itself later. Appropriately, snow was seen on the north side of Mount Snow as I returned to the put-in. In late fall, I once broke through thin ice in the northeast bay with my polyethylene 16.5-foot kayak – not recommended for the longevity of the kayak. A swim in the clear mountain water can feel refreshing on a hot summer day. The water level gets drawn down in late summer revealing rocky shores, giving the reservoir a slightly different look. The brilliant fall foliage display in early October is everything that Vermont is noted for and is not to be missed.

More Paddling – Grout Pond, to the north of Somerset Reservoir, is a smaller body of water with camping possibilities for a fee that include lean-to shelters. Harriman Reservoir, lies to the south of VT Route 9 near Wilmington, and is another large body of water on the Deerfield River but it does have more motorboat activity than Somerset.

A lover of wild places, Rich Macha has led many trips for the Adirondack Mountain Club and has spent 20 years in the paddle/snowsport business. For more of Rich’s adventures, visit: northeastwild.blogspot.com.