Lowell Lake State Park
A Revolutionary War–Era Lake Loop — 3.5-Mile Forest Trail, Non-Motorized Paddling & Historic Cemetery in Londonderry
Lowell Lake State Park is a day-use park centered on Lowell Lake in Londonderry, Vermont — a quiet, undeveloped lake surrounded by mature white pine stands, mixed hardwood forest, and wetland habitat. The park’s signature feature is a 3.5-mile loop trail that encircles the lake, passing through forest, along shoreline, and past a Revolutionary War–era cemetery that predates Vermont statehood.
Unlike Vermont’s more developed state parks, Lowell Lake is deliberately minimalist — no camping, no formal beach, no motor boats, no facilities beyond a portable toilet in summer. This simplicity is the point: the park preserves a pristine, quiet-water lake for non-motorized paddling, hiking, and nature observation in a setting that has changed little since the 18th century. For visitors seeking a contemplative walk through Vermont history and forest rather than a full-service recreation experience, Lowell Lake delivers an authenticity that more developed parks cannot match.
Things to Do
Hiking — Lowell Lake Trail
The park’s centerpiece — a 3.5-mile loop trail encircling the lake:
- Difficulty: Moderate/easy — generally flat but with some wet sections
- Blazing: Marked with blue paint blazes throughout
- Highlights: Revolutionary War–era cemetery, large white pine stands, scenic lake and wetland views
- Terrain: Forest floor, roots, some boardwalk sections through wet areas
Paddling
- Non-motorized boats only: Kayaks, canoes, and paddleboards welcome; internal combustion engines prohibited
- Car-top boat launch: Informal launch at the southern end of the lake (no trailer ramp)
- Experience: Quiet, pristine paddling on an undeveloped forest lake — loons, beaver, and waterfowl
Swimming
Swimming is allowed but undeveloped — no formal beach, no lifeguard, and water is not tested for bacteria. Enter at your own risk from shoreline access points along the trail.
Nature & Wildlife
- Birds: Loons, great blue herons, wood ducks, and migratory songbirds
- Wildlife: Beaver, otter, deer, moose (occasional), and black bear in surrounding forest
- Wildflowers: Spring ephemeral displays in the hardwood understory
Trails
| Trail | Distance | Difficulty | Highlights |
|---|---|---|---|
| Lowell Lake Loop | 3.5 mi | Easy–Moderate | Full lake circumnavigation; Rev. War cemetery; white pines; wetland views; blue-blazed |
Best Time to Visit
| Season | Highlights | Considerations |
|---|---|---|
| Fall (Sep–Oct) | ⭐ PEAK: Vermont foliage reflected in lake; cool hiking; quiet; photography | Popular; parking lot fills on peak weekends; shorter days |
| Summer (Jun–Aug) | ⭐ Paddling season; warm hiking; loon chicks; longest days; wildflowers | Some wet sections on trail; mosquitoes; portable toilet only |
| Spring (Apr–May) | Spring ephemeral wildflowers; migrating birds; snowmelt filling lake; quiet | Muddy trail sections; cold water; no facilities early season |
| Winter (Dec–Mar) | Snowshoeing the loop; ice fishing; tracking; solitude | No facilities; parking may not be plowed; cold |
Visitor Tips
- No camping: Lowell Lake is day-use only. No overnight camping or campfires are permitted. For nearby camping, check Jamaica State Park or Townshend State Park.
- No motors: Internal combustion engines are prohibited on the lake. This is strictly non-motorized — kayaks, canoes, and paddleboards only. Electric motors may be permitted; check current regulations.
- Revolutionary War cemetery: The historic cemetery along the trail predates Vermont’s 1791 statehood. The weathered headstones are a reminder of the region’s deep history — treat the site with respect.
- Parking: The lot at the end of Ice House Road accommodates approximately 20 vehicles. On peak foliage weekends, arrive early or expect to wait. There is no overflow parking.
- Minimal facilities: A portable toilet is the only facility (summer only). No drinking water, no trash service (carry out everything), no electricity. Come fully self-sufficient.
- Londonderry: The village of Londonderry (5 minutes away) provides basic services, dining, and access to the Stratton Mountain and Magic Mountain ski areas in winter.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Lowell Lake State Park good for kayaking?
Yes — Lowell Lake is an excellent quiet-water paddling destination. Internal combustion engines are prohibited, so the lake remains calm and undisturbed. You can launch canoes, kayaks, and paddleboards from an informal car-top boat launch at the southern end of the lake (no trailer ramp). The undeveloped shoreline, loon sightings, and surrounding forest create a peaceful paddling experience. Bring your own boat — there are no rentals on-site.
How long is the trail around Lowell Lake?
The Lowell Lake Trail is a 3.5-mile loop that encircles the entire lake. It’s rated easy to moderate with generally flat terrain but some wet sections. The trail is marked with blue paint blazes and passes through white pine stands, mixed hardwood forest, and past a Revolutionary War–era cemetery. Allow approximately 1.5 to 2 hours for a leisurely hike with stops for lake views and historical points of interest.
Last updated: April 2026
