This Underrated Trail At Emerald State Park In Vermont Leads To A Hidden Emerald Lake
Though the temperatures may start to drop, fall is still a great time to go hiking. Enjoy cool weather and beat some of the summer crowds, by venturing to Emerald Lake State Park this fall. From the roadside, you may not notice its beautiful lake hiding in plain sight, but get closer and you’ll be able to see what this natural wonder is all about.
The 430-acre park is a favorite destination amongst hikers, due to the Long Trail and Appalachian Trail being nearby, along with the trails on Dorset Mountain. But with a few smaller trails near the lake, it's also popular for families and casual hikers.
In the summer, it's a favorite spot for locals and out-of-town visitors to take a dip in its crystal clear waters.
The Lake Trail begins at the beach and follows along the shore of Emerald Lake to its southern end. It's only .5 miles long, so a relatively easy hike!
Plenty of amazing views here and fishing is also popular along this trail.
It may not look as emerald as it does in the summer, but the fall views are still pretty fantastic.
During different times of the day and during the summer season, the water may appear more turquoise than emerald.
In addition to the Lake Trail, the Vista Trail is also popular and offers amazing views of both Emerald Lake and the Taconic Mountains. For those who want to stay the night, there are 66 tent and RV sites as well as 37 lean-to sites.
Have you been to this state park before? Is the short hike worth the beautiful views? We’d love to hear from you in the comments!
Address: 65 Emerald Lake Ln, East Dorset, VT 05253, USA