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Brighton, VT - Island Pond, Vermont
The primary attraction of this general area is its wilderness: mountains with tree-covered slopes, fast running rivers and streams and clear lakes. The land northeast and southeast of Island Pond is especially suited to the fisherman, the hunter, or the outdoor lover and is virtually without roads or towns. Logging roads into the deeper reaches of this area are numerous and offer interesting side trips.
Brighton State Park is a wilderness haven with few roads and plentiful wildlife with numerous cold rivers, streams and lakes. Located in the northeastern area of the state between Island Pond and Spectacle Pond, the park offers day use and overnight facilities. The town of Island Pond had its heyday in the 1800's up until the Depression years, when the railroad from Montreal, Canada to Portland, Maine passed through. The population was much larger than it is today. The streets were lively with railroad men and rugged loggers from around the region, and 13 tracks passed through the town. Only two tracks remain today, and the unique wooden bridge which once traversed all 13 tracks is gone. The heritage of railroading is still evident in the train station and a few other massive structures at the north end of town. Interestingly, Island Pond was the site of the first international railroad junction in the United States.
Brighton State Park sits on 152 acres between Island Pond and Spectacle Pond offering camping, picnicking, hiking, a swimming beach, concession, nature museum, playground, theater, wildlife viewing, fishing and access to hunting grounds. Cross-country skiing permitted in winter by walking around entrance gate; all facilities closed including restrooms.
Nearby attractions include Bald Mountain Fish Hatchery, Newark; Maple Grove Museum, Fairbanks Museum and Planetarium, St. Johnsbury.
Weather - Winter daytime temperatures in the lower half of the Lakes / Kingdom region averages 14 to 16 degrees Fahrenheit (-10 to -9 Celsius). The upper half of this region experiences winter temperatures ranging below 14 degrees Fahrenheit (below -10 Celsius). Summer daytime temperatures are cooler along the western area of Lake Champlain averaging 66 to 70 degrees Fahrenheit (19 to 21 Celsius). The central area of this region expects temperatures from 66 to 68 degrees Fahrenheit (19 to 20 Celsius) with the eastern area of this region experiencing the coolest summer time temperatures of less than 66 degrees Fahrenheit (below 19 Celsius). The yearly precipitation for Lakes and Kingdom Travel Region vary from less than 36 inches (91 centimeters) along the western line to more than 44 inches (112 centimeters) along the eastern border of New Hampshire and Canada.
Where - From Island Pond in the northeastern area of the state, travel 2 miles east on SR 105. Then travel .75 miles south on Lake Shore Drive.
