★ 4.0Part of the Northeast Kingdom along the northern border.
Glacial lakes, working farms and the Canadian line — the postcard heart of the Northeast Kingdom.
Where to stay in Orleans County
Newport is the county’s only real town and the sensible base if you want supermarkets, a hospital and I-91 at the door, with Lake Memphremagog at the end of Main Street. For scenery over convenience, the Westmore shore of Lake Willoughby, under the cliffs of Mount Pisgah and Mount Hor, is the most dramatic place to sleep in the whole Kingdom, though the options are few and largely seasonal. Craftsbury and Greensboro, in the southwest of the county, suit nordic skiers and lake swimmers who do not mind dirt roads and a half-hour drive to anything. Distances are long and the roads are rural, so pick one base and accept the driving rather than moving on every night.
Hand-checked stays
Stays in Orleans County
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★ 4.0On the ground
Things to do in Orleans County
- Lake MemphremagogWalk the downtown Newport boardwalk along a fjord-like glacial lake that crosses into Quebec.
- Jay Peak ResortVermont’s snowiest mountain — legendary powder in winter and an indoor waterpark all year, minutes from the border.
- Craftsbury Outdoor CenterNordic skiing, sculling and running trails set among some of the Kingdom’s prettiest hills.
- Bread & Puppet MuseumA barn full of the giant papier-mâché puppets of the world-famous Glover theater troupe.
Getting around & the essentials
Transport
I-91 is the county’s spine, running north through Barton and Newport to the border crossing at Derby Line, with VT-100, VT-5, VT-14 and VT-58 over Hazen’s Notch handling the back country. Burlington International (BTV) is the nearest US airport at around two hours and Montreal is a similar distance north; there is no passenger rail service and towns are far apart, so a car is essential.
Good to know
Common questions
Where exactly is Orleans County?
It is the northern middle of the Northeast Kingdom, running from the Quebec border south past Newport, Barton and Glover, with Jay in the west and Westmore and Lake Willoughby to the east. It is one of the least densely populated parts of New England, which is precisely the appeal.
Do I need a passport?
Only if you cross into Quebec, which is easy to do from Derby Line or Jay and worth planning for. Bring a passport if there is any chance you will drive north, and check current requirements before travelling.
Is it worth coming in winter?
Yes, if you ski. Jay Peak’s snowfall is the best in the East, the Craftsbury trails hold a long nordic season, and lodging rates through the Kingdom stay below the Stowe and Sugarbush corridor. Roads are rural and plowing is good but distances are long, so allow extra time.
How far is it from Burlington?
Newport is roughly an hour and a half to two hours from Burlington depending on your route, most of it on I-89 then I-91. From Boston or Montreal, allow around three hours and one and a half hours respectively.
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Nearby towns
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