Summer activities
Paddle challenge
Explore the stunning waters of the Northeast Kingdom. Paddle any 10 lakes, ponds, or rivers in the NEK and earn your badge. The first 50 finishers get a Paddle Challenge sticker. Pick up your sticker at Pond-a-Thon or send a self-addressed stamped envelope to:
Brighton Recreation
2025 Paddle Challenge
PO Box 163 Island Pond VT 05846
the great island pond canoe race
Are you good – or are you GREAT? Come show off your speed, technique, and skill at the annual Great Island Pond Canoe Race! Participants will canoe (in teams of one or two) or kayak (single) from the Town Beach around the island and back. Recreational canoes of any length and recreational kayaks of 12 feet or under may be used.
Every competitor MUST wear a lifejacket.
Sign yourself/your team up now – and get ready to paddle!
full moon paddle
Take in the spectacle of the full moon on Spectacle Pond. We launch at 7:30pm, and for the next 90 minutes, we’ll enjoy the sunset and the “Sturgeon Moon.”
Life jackets are required to be worn, and paddlers must have a headlamp or headlight. Boat lights are also encouraged, though not required. Due to a small parking area, consolidate vehicles as much as possible!
AXE THROWING
Come on… You know you want to! Channel your inner warrior (with fully trained, safety-conscious NorthWoods staff). We’ll cover the skills and form you need to hit your target, and NorthWoods will even let us have a go with atlatls and bows.
This is one of our very few paid activities. $20 for an evening out, trying something different? Sign us up…. and sign YOU up. (Must be 18+)
FAMILY DIRT ROAD RIDE
Ready for a 2.5 mile gravel ride through some beautiful country? Departing from the State Park Beach, we’ll go out to the junction of Head of the Pond Road and return to town. Expect a gradual hill climb of about 300 feet. Water at finish line. Turn around and return to town any time – just make sure to check out so we can account for all participants.
Transportation available from Brighton Town Hall to the State Park Beach for bicycles ONLY. Let us know in registration if you’re meeting us at Town Hall or the State Beach. HELMETS REQUIRED!
