Lowell Lake, Vermont, USA

Also known as:  Great Pond

One of Vermont’s newest state parks is the home of Lowell Lake. The small 102-acre lake has been a silent observer to the entire history of the town of Londonderry and the Southern Vermont region. Although dammed at some point, apparently to power a sawmill, it is suspected that a smaller natural lake existed here prior to European settlement. When the first recorded settlers arrived here, a…
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    • All About Lowell Lake, VT

    Lake Locations: USA - US New England Region - Vermont - Southern Vermont -

    One of Vermont’s newest state parks is the home of Lowell Lake. The small 102-acre lake has been a silent observer to the entire history of the town of Londonderry and the Southern Vermont region. Although dammed at some point, apparently to power a sawmill, it is suspected that a smaller natural lake existed here prior to European settlement. When the first recorded settlers arrived here, a small community named Kent was formed; the first town meeting was held at Great Pond, as Lowell Lake was then called. Londonderry’s first cemetery, dating to the Revolutionary War, is located near the dam. Although little development occurred at the lake itself, the former Great Pond was a quiet oasis for fishing, boating and swimming among the townspeople. At one time in its history, two resort camps owned property along the western shoreline and welcomed hundreds of visitors.

    The State of Vermont was lucky enough to be gifted a portion of the southern shore, including the dam, in the late 1970s. Recently, the shoreline at the northern end of the pond was purchased, giving the new state park an expanded area in which to plan. A small car-top boat launch area with a picnic table or two already exists near the dam. The additional property adds nearly the entire shoreline to the park, along with four of the five small islands on the lake. Along with that property comes the two unused camps, which will be refurbished and re-purposed. One main building is slated to become a community meeting room with kitchen. Several of the old campers’ cabins that are in reasonable shape may be refurbished as rentals for visitors to use overnight. A three-and-a-half mile path has already been blazed around the lake, skirting wetlands and fragile bogs. Plans call for additional walking trails, a park ranger in residence, and possibly nature seminars and guided tours. Already locals find the gravel access roads ideal for bicycling and nature observation. The local area supports deer, bear, bobcat, moose, turkey, ducks, geese, rugged grouse, woodcock, otter and beaver, although not all of them will be regularly seen.

    The clean waters of Lowell Lake hold largemouth bass, yellow perch and pickerel. More species may be stocked in the future once studies determine what kinds of fish would thrive in the lake. The lake contains no invasive species, and concerted efforts are planned to keep it from being infested. Native clams and crustaceans attest to its purity. Local anglers have been coming to Lowell Lake to fish for many years and enjoy the solitude and uncrowded lake, whether they catch anything or not. The State has designated Lowell Lake a ‘quiet’ lake; only electric motors are allowed. Most visitors show up with a canoe or kayak to paddle the serene shoreline and commune with nature. Since the Londonderry area is already a well-known outdoor sports destination, it is expected that the young park will receive plenty of visitors. Parking areas and access are being carefully planned to assure the park remains an uncongested refuge.

    The area around Lowell Lake developed a reputation for outdoor fun early. Besides the two resort properties that once graced its shores, nearby Bromley Ski Area opened for business in 1936, with Magic Mountain and Stratton Mountain ski areas following in the early 1960s. A number of outdoor activities became popular in the area, and services to the tourism trade now contribute a large portion of the area business revenue. The vast Vermont snowmobile trail network passes very close to Lowell Lake, and the growing networks of trails and hiking paths in the area already draw cross-country skiers, snowshoe hikers and hunters. Less than ten miles from Lowell Lake, the Hapgood State Forest offers myriad camping, fly fishing and hiking opportunities. Part of the Green Mountain National Forest, the famed Appalachian Trail crosses the Hapgood area. It is only fitting that the Trail cross near Londonderry, as the original ‘Long Trail’ was first envisioned at nearby Stratton Mountain. Numerous small hiking groups access the Trail regularly for a short distance. Lowell Lake State Park is yet another destination they can add to their itinerary.

    The region near Lowell Lake isn’t just for active outdoor lovers; a number of country inns, craft shops, art galleries and farmers markets will delight those who would prefer shopping to bird-watching. The Londonderry area has a number of summer residents, and there are a variety of resorts and rental cottages to suit every taste. Day trips around the area often include a visit to the world-famous Vermont Country Store in nearby Weston. Other visitors enjoy attending the 75-year old Weston Playhouse where performances are produced several nights a week in summer. As the area is a popular location for children’s summer camps, many parents drop children off at camp and then enjoy an adults-only couple’s retreat at one of the local bed-and-breakfasts or even one of the luxury resorts. The several historical societies in the area welcome many visitors to tour historic homes, research early colonial family records, and marvel at antique tools and household items. There are plenty of golf courses, unusual restaurants and eclectic music venues to suit every taste, making the area popular with all age groups.

    Finding vacation lodgings is as simple as a call to the local Chamber of Commerce. A large number of private cottages and guest cabins join the hotels and campgrounds in the area. Real estate is available in the neighborhood of Lowell Lake, although not on the lakefront itself. Only a couple of hours from Springfield, Massachusetts and even closer to Albany, New York, Lowell Lake State Park is convenient for a weekend spent hiking and kayaking. Come visit the little park that’s been hiding in plain sight for all of these years. You’ll never forget the experience.

    Things to Do at Lowell Lake

    These are some activities in the Lowell Lake, VT area visitors can enjoy:

    • Vacation Rentals
    • Fishing
    • Boating
    • Swimming
    • Canoeing
    • Kayaking
    • Golf
    • Camping
    • Campground
    • Picnicking
    • Cabin Rentals
    • Hiking
    • Biking
    • Cross-Country Skiing
    • Snowmobiling
    • Hunting
    • Wildlife Viewing
    • Birding
    • State Park
    • State Forest
    • National Forest
    • Antiquing
    • Shopping

    What Kind of Fish Are in Lowell Lake?

    Lowell Lake has been known to have the following fish species:

    • Bass
    • Black Bass
    • Largemouth Bass
    • Perch
    • Pickerel
    • Pike
    • Yellow Perch
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    Find Places to Stay at Lowell Lake

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    More Sites to Book a Lowell Lake Vacation

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    Lowell Lake Statistics & Helpful Links

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    Lake Type: Natural Freshwater Lake, Dammed

    Water Level Control: Vermont Department of Forests, Parks & Recreation

    Surface Area: 102 acres

    Shoreline Length: 2 miles

    Normal Elevation (Full Pond): 1,353 feet

    Maximum Depth: 20 feet

    Water Volume: 615 acre-feet

    Completion Year: 1850

    Drainage Area: 3 sq. miles

    Trophic State: Mesotrophic

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