This section of the NFCT crosses Lake Memphremagog (beginning in Québec) and follows the Clyde and Nulhegan Rivers to the Connecticut River. The Northeast Kingdom is a high, cold, corner of Vermont whose granite hills remain sparsely settled. The Clyde River wetlands support rare natural communities, where paddlers might hear the courtship calls of pied-billed grebes or catch glimpses of northern harriers among the sedge and bog willow. Vermont's most wild river, the Nulhegan River drops through a basin of thick forests and boreal wetlands (home to Vermont’s largest population of moose and largest deer yard) and protected through the Nulhegan Basin Division of the Silvio O.Conte National Fish and Wildlife Refuge.
The lower Nulhegan has a challenging Class III rapid run that should only be attempted with appropriate skills and equipment. During the summer, these rapids are usually too low to run. Both the Clyde and the Nulhegan Rivers can be narrow. Paddlers should watch for blowdowns and be prepared to drag their boats if necessary.
In order to safely experience the Northern Forest Canoe Trail in this region, please bring the NFCT Section 6 map with you on your trip. Trail Finder is not intended to be a comprehensive resource along this trail.
To learn more about this region and plan your trip, visit the Northern Forest Canoe Trail website. There you can:
INTERNATIONAL BORDER: The NFCT cross the US-Canada border on Lake Memphremagog. All paddlers must register at waterfront customs in Leadville (when entering Quebec) or Newport (when entering the US). For more information: US Customs and Border Protection - www.cbp.gov, 802-873-3219; or Canada Border Services Agency- https://www.cbsa-asfc.gc.ca, 450-292-5995.
AQUATIC NUISANCE STICKERS: All boats must display an aquatic nuisance inspection sticker while on the Canadian side of Lake Memphremagog. Stickers can be acquired at the Newport City Dock or at Perkins Landing.
WATER CONSUMPTION: The Clyde River passes through active agricultural land. The NFCT recommends bringing water from known safe sources for your trip.
CAMPING RESERVATIONS: Camping is available on a first-come, first-serve basis at most campsites on this section. Reservations are required at Brighton State Park.
This section of the NFCT goes through a patchwork of public and private lands. Camping and access sites along this section of trail are a result of NFCT collaboration with the partners and landowners. Please respect landowners and use only designated access points and campgrounds.
PRIVATE LAND CONSIDERATION: Many trails are comprised of both public and private land. Trail organizations work to secure landowner agreements and maintain public use through stewardship and maintenance efforts. Each campsite, trail, and access point may have a different code of conduct required by trail users. More information about specific user requirements and guidelines can be found in the resources -- website, map, or guidebook -- provided by the trail manager. As a trail user it is important to understand and uphold these codes of conduct to allow future use of these locations.
Visit Northern Forest Canoe Trail online for more information or contact:
There are many access points to the NFCT in Vermont. Parking areas are marked by icons on the map. For more information, visit the Northern Forest Canoe Trail website.
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