Elmore State Park
🔥 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.
🔥 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.
Park Location
Top Tours & Activities Near Stowe
from $359
from $359
from $20