🔥 The Beauty Spot of Vermont — A Fire Tower, a Lake, and Fall Colors That Stop Traffic — Elmore State Park on Lake Elmore, Lamoille County, Vermont, 219-acre lake, sandy swimming beach, CCC beach house, fire tower on Elmore Mountain (2,608 ft), 45 campsites, 15 lean-tos, canoe and kayak rentals, fall foliage, Green Mountain views — Lamoille County, VT
The sign at the entrance says “The Beauty Spot of Vermont.” For once, the sign isn’t lying. Lake Elmore sits in a bowl of Green Mountains, 219 acres of clear water with a sandy beach at one end and a 2,608-foot mountain with a fire tower at the other. Swim in the morning. Climb to the fire tower after lunch. Watch the sun set over the mountains from your campsite.
In October, this becomes one of the most photographed places in New England. The hardwood forest on Elmore Mountain turns gold, orange, and crimson — and the lake reflects it all. The fire tower puts you above the canopy, looking out over a hundred miles of Vermont fall color. It’s worth the drive from anywhere.
What to Do
| Activity | Details |
|---|---|
| Swimming Beach | Sandy beach on Lake Elmore with a historic CCC-built beach house — changing rooms, restrooms, and a concession stand. The water is clean, warm by Vermont standards (70°F+ in August), and the sandy bottom slopes gently. A real New England swimming beach |
| Fire Tower Hike | Fire Tower Trail: 1.5 miles to the summit of Elmore Mountain (2,608 ft). Moderate difficulty — steep in sections but manageable. The 1939 fire tower at the top is climbable — 360-degree views of the Green Mountains, Lake Elmore, Mount Mansfield, and the Presidential Range in New Hampshire |
| Camping | 45 tent/RV sites and 15 lean-tos in a hardwood forest. Flush toilets. Token-operated showers. No hookups. The campsites are shaded, private, and steps from the lake. Lean-tos are classic Vermont — three-sided shelters in the woods |
| Paddling | Canoe, kayak, and pedal boat rentals at the beach house. Lake Elmore is small enough to paddle across but interesting enough to explore — wooded shorelines, rocky coves, and mountain reflections. No motorboats over 5 hp — the lake stays quiet |
| Fall Foliage | Late September through mid-October — the hardwood forest erupts in color. The fire tower hike during peak foliage is a bucket-list Vermont experience. The lake reflects the mountain’s autumn dress. Arrive early on October weekends — parking fills |
The Vermont Setting
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Lake Elmore | 219 acres of clean, mountain-ringed water. Fishing for perch, pike, and panfish. The lake’s depth and position create excellent swimming conditions. The surrounding forest is predominantly sugar maple, birch, and beech — the trees that make Vermont’s autumn legendary |
| Near Stowe | 13 miles from Stowe — Vermont’s most famous resort town. But Elmore is the opposite of Stowe’s polish — rustic, affordable, and authentically Vermont. The locals who’ve been coming here for decades like it that way |
| CCC Legacy | The Civilian Conservation Corps built the beach house, trails, and campground in the 1930s. The stonework and log construction are still standing — a testament to Depression-era craftsmanship and the idea that public parks belong to everyone |
| Season | Open Memorial Day weekend through the second Monday in October. Winter closes the park but opens the mountain to snowshoeing and backcountry skiing |
Best Time to Visit
| Season | Best For |
|---|---|
| Fall (Sep–Oct) | 🍂 Peak foliage. Fire tower hike. The lake reflecting autumn color. Vermont at its most iconic. Book camping early |
| Summer (Jul–Aug) | ☀️ Swimming. Paddling. Camping. The lake warmest. Fire tower clear. Long Vermont evenings |
| Spring (May–Jun) | Park opening. Wildflowers. Cool water. The forest greening. Fewer visitors. Blackflies possible |
| Winter (Nov–Apr) | Park closed. Snowshoeing and XC skiing on the mountain. The fire tower in snow — for experienced winter hikers |
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I bring my dog to the beach?
No — pets are not permitted on the day-use beach at any time. Dogs are welcome in the campground and on hiking trails but must be leashed. This rule keeps the beach clean and safe for families.
Is the fire tower open?
Yes — the 1939 fire tower is climbable and open to the public. The cab at the top provides 360-degree views. It’s the highlight of the park. The views on a clear fall day will make you understand why people drive from Boston for this.
Nearby state parks: If you have extra time, Lake Elmore State Park is a short drive away, and Greensboro Reservoir State Park is a short drive away.
Camping reservations: Book campsites and cabins for Vermont state parks online at vtstateparks-visit.com.
🔥 A Fire Tower Above the Foliage. A Lake Below the Mountain. This Is Vermont’s Beauty Spot.
Swim in a mountain lake. Climb a CCC-built trail to a 1939 fire tower. Look out over a hundred miles of Green Mountain fall color. Camp in a lean-to in the hardwood forest. And understand why the sign says “Beauty Spot” without irony.
Wildlife & Nature
Elmore SP — on Lake Elmore at the base of Elmore Mountain (2,608 ft). The summit’s fire tower provides stunning views of Mount Mansfield, Camel’s Hump, and the Worcester Range. The park’s lake, beach, and forest support moose, loons, and black bears.
Nearby Attractions
Elmore — adjacent. Stowe — 15 miles west. Morrisville — 5 miles south.
🐾 Dogs & Pets at Lake Elmore State Park
- Pets allowed? statewide rule
- Pets are allowed at all Vermont State Parks campgrounds and on trails unless otherwise posted, but are not permitted on beaches or in most picnic areas.
- Leash rule statewide rule
- Leash shorter than 10 ft required (or pet safely confined) at all times
- Beaches & swim areas statewide rule
- Pets are not permitted on beaches; limited exceptions let pets use the far side of the beach away from swim areas at Branbury, Lake Shaftsbury and Silver Lake
- Cabins & lodging statewide rule
- Pets are permitted in designated pet-friendly cabins only (full list on the Vermont State Parks cabins page); cottages do not allow pets
- Statewide exceptions statewide rule
- Pets allowed in picnic areas at Allis, Camp Plymouth, Elmore, Kill Kare, Knight Point, Lake Shaftsbury, Mt. Philo, Osmore Pond and Owl's Head; at Camp Plymouth pets may swim only at the cartop boat launch; current rabies vaccination expected
Are dogs allowed at Lake Elmore State Park?
Pets are allowed at all Vermont State Parks campgrounds and on trails unless otherwise posted, but are not permitted on beaches or in most picnic areas. Individual parks can post stricter rules — check signage on arrival.
Rules verified July 2026 via vtstateparks.com. More: Vermont state parks guide · Dog rules in all 50 states compared
Park Location
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