The Green River Reservoir (GRR) is like no other Vermont State Park. Unlike its well-developed and highly tended sister parks, the GRR is a wild, untamed place. The reservoir’s undeveloped shoreline is a rarity in New England, and thanks to the acquisition of the land by the state in 1999, it is now protected as wildlife habitat and a recreation paradise.

These quiet waters hold immeasurable treasures for families: quiet mistymorning paddles, crackling campfires along the shoreline with fresh-caught fish for dinner, loons calling across the water on quiet starry nights.

The reservoir is officially designated as a “quiet lake,” meaning no internal combustion engines, Jet Skis, or float planes are allowed. The effect is clear: no wakes, peaceful paddling, and the immense quiet that descends on a place with no machinery. Kayaks and canoes rule. Children will find it magical; adults simply won’t want to go home. The nearest canoe and kayak rentals are available at outfitters in Stowe and Jeffersonville.

Plan to day-trip and picnic on a small island, or to experience GRR in its fullest, camp at one of the 34 backcountry paddle-in campsites. Once you have set up your “base camp,” explore hidden bays and secret islands by boat, swim, fish, and watch the wildlife that call this place home. We have seen many loons here, and moose love these secluded and quiet bodies of water. Make sure you explore the upper reaches of the Green River as it empties into the reservoir. As you paddle past campsite 13 at the north end, the banks get narrower and narrower, offering an excellent vantage point to spot wildlife onshore or turtles basking in the sun.

If you’re adventurous, plan a multiday expedition, traveling from campsite to campsite.

The nearby Elmore Mountain (Trip 72) is an excellent day hike to a fire tower that has impressive views of this mountainous farm country.

Nearby Morrisville is full of restaurants and stores mostly centered on VT 100, including the Bee’s Knees, which serves locally sourced foods from its own farm, along with live music and children’s sing-a-longs.