Branbury State Park
🏖️ Vermont’s Best Swimming Beach on a Mountain Lake — Where the Green Mountains Meet Lake Dunmore — Branbury State Park on the eastern shore of Lake Dunmore in Salisbury, Vermont, 69 acres on a 987-acre mountain lake, sandy swimming beach, 43 campsites, hiking to the Falls of Lana and Silver Lake, boating, fishing, Green Mountain National Forest gateway, family-friendly — Addison County, VT
Lake Dunmore sits in a valley between the Green Mountains and the Hogback Range — a 987-acre mountain lake with water so clear you can see the bottom at 15 feet. Branbury State Park occupies the eastern shore, where a sandy beach slopes into the lake and the mountains rise behind the campground.
This is Vermont summer the way people imagine it: swimming in a mountain lake, hiking to waterfalls, camping under white pines, and watching the sun set behind the Green Mountains. The Falls of Lana — a dramatic cascade dropping 100+ feet through a narrow gorge — is a short hike from the park.
What to Do
| Activity | Details |
|---|---|
| Swimming | Sandy beach on Lake Dunmore — one of the best swimming beaches in Vermont. Warm shallow water near shore (the lake warms to the mid-70s in summer). Lifeguards on duty seasonally. Grassy picnic area behind the beach |
| Camping | 43 campsites (tent and RV) in a mixed forest of white pine, hemlock, and hardwoods near the lakeshore. Reservations through Vermont State Parks. Lean-to shelters also available. Hot showers and flush toilets |
| Falls of Lana | A spectacular 100+ foot waterfall cascading through a narrow gorge in the Green Mountain National Forest. Accessible via the Falls of Lana Trail from the park — about 1.5 miles one way, moderate difficulty. One of Vermont’s most photogenic waterfalls |
| Silver Lake | A remote mountain lake accessible by trail from the Falls of Lana. The Silver Lake Trail continues beyond the falls to this pristine alpine pond surrounded by forest. Rustic camping available at Silver Lake |
| Boating | Lake Dunmore allows motorboats, canoes, kayaks, and sailboats. Boat launch at the park. The lake is big enough for sailing but small enough to feel intimate. Rentals available nearby |
| Fishing | Lake Dunmore holds largemouth and smallmouth bass, perch, pickerel, and stocked rainbow trout. Fish from shore, canoe, or kayak. Vermont fishing license required |
Lake Dunmore & Surroundings
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| The Lake | 987 acres, maximum depth ~75 feet. One of the largest natural lakes in Vermont. Fed by mountain streams from the Green Mountains. Crystal clear water from glacial origins |
| Green Mountain NF | The park borders the Green Mountain National Forest — 400,000+ acres of protected forest spanning the spine of Vermont. The Long Trail and Appalachian Trail pass through nearby |
| Brandon Gap | Route 73 crosses the Green Mountains through Brandon Gap — a dramatic mountain pass just south of the park. The Long Trail crosses the road at the gap. Fall foliage driving at its finest |
| Middlebury | The charming college town of Middlebury (Middlebury College) is 15 minutes north. Farm-to-table restaurants, craft breweries, bookstores, and the marble-rich Otter Creek valley |
Best Time to Visit
| Season | Best For |
|---|---|
| Summer (Jun–Aug) | ☀️ THE season. Lake swimming at its best. Camping under the pines. Waterfall hikes. Boating. Vermont at its warmest and most welcoming |
| Fall (Sep–Oct) | 🍂 Vermont foliage — the Green Mountains and Hogback Range blazing with color, reflected in Lake Dunmore. One of the most beautiful fall settings in New England |
| Spring (May–Jun) | Falls of Lana at peak flow from snowmelt. Wildflowers. Lake still cold. Park opening for the season. The Green Mountains greening up |
| Winter | Park closed for the season. The surrounding Green Mountain National Forest offers cross-country skiing and snowshoeing |
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the lake warm enough for swimming?
Yes — Lake Dunmore warms to the mid-70s°F by mid-summer. The sandy, shallow beach area warms up faster than the deeper water. It’s one of Vermont’s warmest and most pleasant swimming lakes.
Can I hike to the Falls of Lana from the campground?
Yes — the trailhead is accessible from the park. The Falls of Lana Trail is about 1.5 miles one way with moderate elevation gain. You can continue past the falls to Silver Lake for a longer hike (about 3 miles total one way).
🏖️ A Mountain Lake. A 100-Foot Waterfall. A Sandy Beach. Vermont.
Swim in a crystal-clear lake between the Green Mountains and the Hogback Range. Hike to the Falls of Lana. Camp under white pines. And watch the sun set behind 400,000 acres of national forest.
