Islands in the Clouds at Somerset Reservoir

@benskaar

Vermont

•

Somerset

Vermont is home to beautiful rolling hills that come alive in autumn. The leaves on the maple and oak trees turn a vivid orange upon the hilltops as they capture the morning light with a dreamy glow. Combine that with a layer of fog and you get what appears to be islands protruding from a sea of clouds. Fly your drone up and snap the fog bank roll over the surrounding landscape for a striking image of a foggy morning in Vermont. (before flying a drone, check and follow local drone regulations and permit requirements)

Plan

Overview

Skill level

Moderate

Accessbility

Public Location

Hours

Anytime (avoid driving here at night)

Fee

Free

Pack

Drone
Lens cloth
4-wheel drive
Camera (optional)
Tripod
Jacket
Gloves
Water bottle
Snacks

How to get there

N42° 57' 18.8424"W72° 58' 41.1924"

This drone image of the islands in the clouds was taken at Somerset Reservoir in Somerset, Vermont. To get to this location, it's a bit of a trek. Turning off of Route 9, you'll find Somerset Road (42.889638, -72.952138), which starts with asphalt but quickly becomes a dirt road. Make your way in on the dirt road for approximately 5 miles; careful to watch for potholes or other obstacles. Then, you'll reach a bridge with a pull off to the side. I found this spot to be the perfect take off point for a drone (42.950264, -72.986352) Finally, raise the drone to the desired height and capture the surrounding hills. There's an abundance to choose from, but for a similar perspective, fly your drone to somewhere around these coordinates (42.963162, -72.986603) and orient it southeast.