Harriman Reservoir
Harriman Reservoir
4.6
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Detailed Reviews: Reviews ordered by recency and descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as wait time, length of visit, general tips, and location information.
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4.6
82 reviews
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Lindager
Grand Island, NY22 contributions
Sep 2020
I love this place. I definitely prefer it on weekdays and in slightly off season. It is beautiful, quiet, and uncrowded then. It can be very loud, crowded and busy in season. Everything you need is there, a place to launch a boat, a place to picnic, a place to swim or hike, even a place to just sit. This is one of my favorite places in Vermont. I have been here spring summer and fall and loved it.
Written April 27, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Jan
Royal Oak, MI3 contributions
Aug 2022 • Family
It is a gorgeous area. We swam, had a picnic and watched eagles soaring above! After that we had a fabulous dinner at Folly in Wilmington. It is a superb little restaurant. The ambiance was wonderful as were the hostess and chef. It felt as if they were our personal chefs! The food was Devine. I have never tasted a steak as delicious as theirs.
Written August 11, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
fearanti
Boston, MA110 contributions
Jul 2019
we spent a very fun morning on the reservoir in a rented boat. we added a floatation 'ring' (wasn't quite a ring) much to the amusement of our two kids. Note that we did this in July and the water was actually pretty warm.
Written October 7, 2019
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
santanesia
florida158 contributions
If you're spending time in the Wilmington area you really should try to get some enjoyment from the Harriman Reservoir. We rented kayaks one morning at the shop just across from the Mtn. Mills boat and enjoyed a two-hour paddle up the river toward town and back. The same shop is where you go for the boat tour, which I believe costs about $14 for a 90-minute trip. There aren't any houses built right on the lake so it's quite natural and scenic.
We also found a beautiful picnic area complete with grills where we cooked our dinner two nights. To get there, go east on Route 9 leaving town for a mile or two until you get to a bridge crossing the river. After crossing there's an antiques store on the right; go left for about a mile and you'll be there. It was a perfect spot to relax. We were there in early July and, while there was some boat traffic on the lake, it wasn't all that crowded. One can only imagine how beautiful it must be in autumn.
We also found a beautiful picnic area complete with grills where we cooked our dinner two nights. To get there, go east on Route 9 leaving town for a mile or two until you get to a bridge crossing the river. After crossing there's an antiques store on the right; go left for about a mile and you'll be there. It was a perfect spot to relax. We were there in early July and, while there was some boat traffic on the lake, it wasn't all that crowded. One can only imagine how beautiful it must be in autumn.
Written July 18, 2008
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Ed W
Massachusetts275 contributions
May 2015 • Couples
(AKA Lake Whitingham). While there are lakes closer to us, the Harriman Reservoir is worth the hour or so drive for a nice outing. There are several picnic areas that are well maintained, boating/kayaking/canoeing, a Meadow Wildlife area, and hiking areas. There are some private houses abutting, but few are visible from the lake. Our focus this trip was Kayaking.
We went up 91 to Route 9 and down 100 for a scenic drive, but the exit on 91 is being worked on and you have to be careful to watch for Route 9W. We returned via 100 / 112 into Greenfield which ended up being a bit more direct.
The reservoir borders the very extensive Green Mountain National Forest.
The lake is 8-9 miles long and near Wilmington at the top is the only place I am aware of that you can launch motor boats, but you can launch Kayaks from several places if you're willing to lug them a few feet. We entered at Wards Cover Beach, about 3 Miles south of Wilmington on 100. The lower parking lot is small and you have to carry the kayaks/canoes down a small hill. There is a parking lot a little higher up that is larger where you can park after you unload if needed.
There are picnic tables in several areas along the waterline.
Porto-potties are reasonable.
The water is clear and the wind can wipe up a little current. Large power boats are present, so best to trend toward an edge. They try to be considerate, but a small kayak in the middle will get some wave action. We went up the east side about 2.5 miles, so not quite to the Mount Mills launch at the top.
Note, that there is concern in this forum over a clothing optional area, dubbed "the ledges". You can "google" it under this name. It is about 1/4 mile up on the same side as Wards Cover beach just past a small inlet. There is a foot path from the parking lot, so you may see fully clothed people carrying chairs/bags into the woods. The "ledges" area is fairly obvious from the water, people or not, because of the 'arranged rocks' making seats/terraces. The area is well managed and regulars help police it. If you're not aware of clothing optional areas, all I can say is that here, as in other sanctioned places, other than nudity, the atmosphere is very congenial and the clientele friendly and polite. I only discuss it in this detail if one, you are looking for it, or if two you heard about it and you want to avoid it. Please don't ding the entire 8 Mile lake, and extensive recreational opportunities over this small section if you view this negatively, simply work your way around it, and keep the binoculars away from the smaller kids if you pass by or be ready to answer questions! :) If you use the Ward's Hill area you wouldn't know it was there unless you went out to check the connecting trail.
The cleanliness of the lake, picnic areas, and the water are outstanding. The opportunities for biking/hiking/kayaking plentiful. Note also the water level can be a little erratic in the hot summer period when air conditioners are in full throttle, but it shouldn't affect you activities, just noting you may see some variation in the shoreline.
We went up 91 to Route 9 and down 100 for a scenic drive, but the exit on 91 is being worked on and you have to be careful to watch for Route 9W. We returned via 100 / 112 into Greenfield which ended up being a bit more direct.
The reservoir borders the very extensive Green Mountain National Forest.
The lake is 8-9 miles long and near Wilmington at the top is the only place I am aware of that you can launch motor boats, but you can launch Kayaks from several places if you're willing to lug them a few feet. We entered at Wards Cover Beach, about 3 Miles south of Wilmington on 100. The lower parking lot is small and you have to carry the kayaks/canoes down a small hill. There is a parking lot a little higher up that is larger where you can park after you unload if needed.
There are picnic tables in several areas along the waterline.
Porto-potties are reasonable.
The water is clear and the wind can wipe up a little current. Large power boats are present, so best to trend toward an edge. They try to be considerate, but a small kayak in the middle will get some wave action. We went up the east side about 2.5 miles, so not quite to the Mount Mills launch at the top.
Note, that there is concern in this forum over a clothing optional area, dubbed "the ledges". You can "google" it under this name. It is about 1/4 mile up on the same side as Wards Cover beach just past a small inlet. There is a foot path from the parking lot, so you may see fully clothed people carrying chairs/bags into the woods. The "ledges" area is fairly obvious from the water, people or not, because of the 'arranged rocks' making seats/terraces. The area is well managed and regulars help police it. If you're not aware of clothing optional areas, all I can say is that here, as in other sanctioned places, other than nudity, the atmosphere is very congenial and the clientele friendly and polite. I only discuss it in this detail if one, you are looking for it, or if two you heard about it and you want to avoid it. Please don't ding the entire 8 Mile lake, and extensive recreational opportunities over this small section if you view this negatively, simply work your way around it, and keep the binoculars away from the smaller kids if you pass by or be ready to answer questions! :) If you use the Ward's Hill area you wouldn't know it was there unless you went out to check the connecting trail.
The cleanliness of the lake, picnic areas, and the water are outstanding. The opportunities for biking/hiking/kayaking plentiful. Note also the water level can be a little erratic in the hot summer period when air conditioners are in full throttle, but it shouldn't affect you activities, just noting you may see some variation in the shoreline.
Written June 4, 2015
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Kay T
New England158 contributions
Jul 2018 • Couples
Peace and quiet are the words I would use to describe this spot. We drove here and found a small park with picnic tables, grills, and a parking area where you could launch boats and kayaks. There was a dock, families with children, and senior couples enjoying the afternoon. I walked out on the dock and took several photos. Several kayaks were enjoying the lake, and they made perfect foreground interest for the photos I took of the clean "lake" and mountains. All of the people who were enjoying the picnic spot and swimming were quiet, even the children. It was relaxing and peaceful, and only a few miles from the inn where we were staying. A very pretty spot.
Written July 16, 2018
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
kmdinny
Setauket, NY120 contributions
Sep 2014 • Couples
This is my favorite lake for kayaking and picnicking. With the restriction of no homes along the shoreline, it is a pristinely beautiful lake where one can enjoy nature and quintessential Vermont outdoor activities. There are a few public boat ramps for launching power boats and access points for canoes and kayaks by the public beaches as well. Beaches have public barbecue stands and picnic benches. I love spending the day exploring the islands and coves of this beautiful lake. Highly recommend!
Written July 10, 2015
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Amanda H
Blackstone, Massachusetts, United States62 contributions
Jul 2014 • Family
I planned a little Vermont weekend vacation for my family and in-laws-to-be last summer. We went to the reservoir on a gorgeous day and took advantage of the picnic tables and grills. We also enjoyed swimming there. It was a nice little spot to end our weekend!
Written March 17, 2015
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
lisielou
Vermont15 contributions
Sep 2012 • Family
Harriman Reservoir is very well maintained, clean (both the grounds and the water... amazingly crystal clear!). Good place for dogs, just be sure to bring baggies to clean up after them :) The picnic tables are spaced out enough to give privacy. Terrific place for a leisurely cookout, picnic, and swim! We visit at least once a month during the nice weather.
Written September 25, 2012
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Kristen F
Manchester, NH10 contributions
Jul 2012 • Couples
This reservoir was lovely. It took us a while to find a good spot to swim but eventually we found one. If you go down Wards Access Road it will lead you to a nice spot with picnic tables, fire pits, BBQs, a portapotty and a changing room for bathing suits with a rock stair case down to the water. There's a beautiful view of the mountains and I intend to go back to this area. We went when it was raining and the place still had a few die hard adventurers enjoying the scene.
Written July 29, 2012
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Is there any camping directly on the lake?
Written August 20, 2019
Not that I know of and I asked around a bit.There is camping at Molly Stark State Park or down the road at Woodford state Park.Woodford has a lake.Really nice sites too.
Written August 20, 2019
I didn't see any dogs while I was there on two different days, but that might not mean anything. Perhaps it's website may have an answer.
Written July 6, 2016
There is a boat launch about 1/2 way down the east side of the reservoir. It is public and I don't think there is any fee. There is also a launch at the top of the reservoir on Route 9. I don't know if that is public.
Written May 2, 2016
hi do they have a boat ride in warmer time of the year
Written November 10, 2015
Green Mountain Flagship Company use to operate a tour boat, (Mt. Mills Steamship) the 10 miles on the lake. you can see it in some pictures or referenced in some older comments. The nudies over on the bluff that I referenced in my review use to "moon it".
I don't know what year it stopped, I think around 2009, but it's gone now.
They now offer Canoes and kayaks.
There is a 12 mile Connecticut river cruise if you go down to northfield ma.
Google Quinnetukut II, riverboat,
Written November 11, 2015
There is a boat sales/rental place right on the lake on Rt. 9
Written July 2, 2016
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