Lake Raponda is a natural lake that covers 212 acres and has a maximum depth of 12 feet. The lake is popular for fishing, kayaking, sailing, and other recreational activities. The lake has a public boat launch and a small beach and picnic area. 

Occupying a prime spot in the recreational haven of the Southern Vermont Region, Lake Raponda has welcomed generations of visitors to its pleasant shores. The natural lake was entertaining resort-goers by 1890 with the opening of the first Lake Raponda Hotel. Not long after, the Raponda House Hotel ushered in the new century with a dance pavilion on the island off the peninsula where it stood. Over the years, Lake Raponda entertained such famous guests as F. Scott Fitzgerald, Rudyard Kipling, President Rutherford B. Hayes, and President Theodore Roosevelt. Long before air conditioning, the wealthy escaped the hot cities to the cool breezes blowing across Lake Raponda. A small dam was installed at some point, although history doesn’t tell us when. Apparently, the dam simply stabilizes water levels.

Lake Raponda (121 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.