Meeting Time: 10:00 AM

Max # People: 30

Trip Guiding / Event Fee: No, I will not be asking participants for money

Difficulty Level: Moderate

This outing is for paddlers who already feel steady on a board and want to spend more time on the water with like-minded folks. There’s no formal instruction, just relaxed paddling, scenic views, and good company.

Not into paddleboarding? Bring or rent a canoe, kayak, or rowboat and come along anyway. This day is open to anyone who enjoys being on the water and wants a social, easygoing paddle.

Lake Groton offers plenty of room to spread out, explore the shoreline, and settle into a comfortable rhythm. With forested surroundings, open water, and a quieter feel than more developed lakes, it’s a great setting for an unhurried group paddle.

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Boulder Beach State Park sits on the eastern shore of Lake Groton, a 423-acre lake surrounded by forested hills and protected public land. The beach is named for the glacier-smoothed boulders scattered along its sandy shoreline, giving the area a rugged, distinctly Vermont feel.

The park is part of Groton State Forest, which spans over 26,000 acres of lakes, trails, and undeveloped woodland. While the setting feels remote and quiet, Boulder Beach offers excellent amenities, making it an ideal launch point for group paddling. Facilities include restrooms, changing rooms, a picnic pavilion, and a small concession stand.

One of the biggest advantages of this location is on-site rentals, which makes these events accessible even if you don’t own your own gear.

Rentals (begin at 10:00 AM):

• Paddleboards: $20 per hour
• Canoes, kayaks, and rowboats: $10 per hour

Arriving early is strongly recommended, rentals can fill up and waitlists do happen on busy days.

Park Details:

• Open: Friday of Memorial Day Weekend through Labor Day Weekend

• Park entry fee: $5 (cash or card)

• Day use hours: 10:00 AM to official sunset

More Information: https://www.vtstateparks.com/parks/boulder-beach

Directions:

From I-91 (from New Hampshire or southern Vermont):
Take I-91 to Exit 18 (Barnet). Follow VT-18 west toward Groton. Turn right onto VT-232 south, then turn left onto Boulder Beach Road. Follow signs to the state park.

From Montpelier, VT:
Take US-2 east to Marshfield, then turn right onto VT-232 north. Follow VT-232 into Groton and turn right onto Boulder Beach Road. Continue to the park entrance.

From Littleton, NH:
Take NH-18 west into Vermont, where it becomes VT-18. Continue toward Groton, then turn left onto VT-232 south. Turn left onto Boulder Beach Road and follow signs to the park.

Get driving directions from Google Maps