Nestled in Southern Vermont, Lake Whitingham sits gracefully near Vermont Route 100, a road celebrated by National Geographic as one of America’s most scenic highways. Throughout the year, this picturesque lake, also known as Harriman Reservoir, offers a mesmerizing backdrop—from the blossoming greenery of spring to the fiery hues of autumn and the pristine white of winter. Created as a hydroelectric reservoir, Lake Whitingham now doubles as a splendid recreational paradise. The Deer River meanders through the Vermont landscape, providing an ideal spot for the hydroelectric dam constructed by New England Power Company in 1923. Named after the company’s engineer, Henry I. Harriman, the Harriman Dam required the relocation of cemeteries and villages before the reservoir was filled. With waters plunging to depths of 185 feet, Lake Whitingham occasionally reveals remnants of a submerged mill and other structures when the water is clear. A distinctive feature of the Harriman Dam is the “Glory Hole,” a unique morning glory-shaped spillway at the reservoir’s southern tip.
Stretching nearly eight miles through its namesake town, Lake Whitingham has been a centerpiece of Whitingham’s history since its grant in 1770. Rich with two villages, Jacksonville and Whitingham, the town houses a blend of old homes and historic sites amidst its pristine surroundings. The undisturbed beauty of Southern Vermont envelops Lake Whitingham with a year-round allure, enhanced by an array of recreational pursuits. Wildlife flourishes, offering glimpses of majestic eagles in flight and serene loons gliding over the water. Open to the public, Lake Whitingham beckons visitors to swim, boat, or partake in a leisurely picnic. Boat launch points line the eastern shore, inviting anglers to peacefully cast their lines for walleye, pike, bass, and lake trout. Preserving its heritage is paramount near Lake Whitingham, with local attractions like the Whitingham-based Green Mountain Hall Museum narrating the town’s story through historical artifacts. The Town Hills Commons, marking the original village site, now hosts a memorial to Brigham Young while offering a stunning panorama of the Green Mountains for picnicking visitors. Down south lies Sadawga Pond, adjacent to Lake Whitingham, famed for its rare floating island and favored as a prime spot for canoeing and fishing. The vast Green Mountain National Forest (GMNF), Vermont’s largest contiguous public land, stands on the lake’s western fringe. Within this natural sanctuary, three national trails meander through verdant landscapes, welcoming hikers, cross-country skiers, cyclists, equestrians, and snowmobilers alike. Despite the undeveloped lakefront, vacation rentals and real estate opportunities abound in Whitingham and Jacksonville, ensuring a tranquil escape for all seasons. Whether tasting freshly tapped maple syrup in the spring or immersing in the autumnal tapestry of hues, visiting Lake Whitingham promises peace and beauty amid Vermont’s natural wonders.