Lake Iroquois - Hinesburg (243 acres)

Lake Iroquois - Hinesburg (243 acres)

Hinesburg, Vermont 05461

Official Website
Lake Iroquois map

Tips for Birding

On Oak Hill Road at the north end of Lake Iroquois, take a left on Beebe Lane and proceed to the public beach area. Across from the beach house find a trailhead marked with yellow LIRD markers. This proceeds along a wetland where you may see Wood Ducks in the water or perched on tree branches. The trail then loops through a mixed hardwood forest of beech, birch, maple, cherry, and ash. Many of the trees are dead, attracting woodpeckers. Look for Yellow-bellied Sapsucker and the large oval holes of the Pileated Woodpecker. Along the trail, you may find Blue-headed Vireo, Veery, Hermit Thrush, and a variety of warblers. In the spring look for wet depressions with standing water. These are vernal pools, important reproductive habitat for frogs and salamanders, as they are protected from fish predation. Treat these delicate areas with respect by observing them only from a distance. To the northeast lies the Richmond Ridge which is contiguous with the foothills of the Green Mountains. This is the area where large mammals may enter Williston, as moose, black bear, and bobcat have been spotted nearby.

Back near the beach, poke along the wetlands adjacent to the entry road. Look for Mallard, Wood Duck, Belted Kingfisher, Great Blue Heron, and redwing. The lake itself can be viewed from the beach or the boat landing. In various seasons you may see Spotted Sandpiper, Canada Goose, Common Merganser, Bufflehead, Ring-necked Duck, Ruddy Duck, Black Scoter, and cormorant.

About this Location

Nestled amid the rolling hills of mid-Chittenden County, Lake Iroquois is a 237-acre spring and tributary-fed body of water surrounded by the towns of Williston, Hinesburg, Richmond, and St. George. The Lake Iroquois Association is a steward of this haven for recreation and wildlife and the surrounding ecosystem.

People enjoy the lake throughout the year. Swimming, kayaking, canoeing, sailing, waterskiing, and fishing are some of the summer activities while in the winter when the lake freezes people will out ice fishing, playing hockey, skating, and skiing.

At the north end is a public beach, managed by the Lake Iroquois Recreation District (LIRD), a district formed by the four towns with representatives from each town sitting on its board. The LIRD also owns a 380-acre forested parcel at the north end where several walking trails lure visitors into the beauties of the surrounding woods. There is a restroom at the beach. There is a fee to enter the LIRD facilities.

The Vermont State Department of Fish and Wildlife operates a public boat and fishing access on the northwestern shore.

Lake Iroquois (243 acres) is a site for the Vermont LoonWatch annual survey. Birders are encouraged to volunteer as often and whenever they are able. See Join LoonWatch for details.

Features

  • Restrooms on site

  • Entrance fee

  • Wheelchair accessible trail

Content from Official Website and Carl Runge, Green Mountain Audubon Society

Last updated October 13, 2023