Emerald Lake State Park

Located conveniently between Manchester and Rutland, the park is popular for its wooded hillside campground, beach and swimming area, and nearby attractions and tourist destinations. The park surrounds 20-acre Emerald Lake, named for the emerald green color of its waters when viewed from above. Restricted to non-motorized watercraft, the lake is ideal for swimming and paddling. The lake also offers anglers an opportunity to catch yellow perch, small mouth bass, northern pike and other warm-water species. The park is a favorite destination of hikers, with the Long Trail and Appalachian Trail nearby, and trails on Dorset Mountain.

Facilities / Amenities:

The park, located on a heavily wooded ridge above Emerald Lake, has 66 campsites and 37 lean-tos. Flush toilets, coin-operated hot showers, and a dump station are provided. There is a small beach with a snack bar and boat rental facilities (canoes, kayaks, row and pedal boats). A hillside picnic area, as well as lakeside picnic tables are available. Trails throughout the park and in the surrounding area provide great hiking opportunities. Swimming, fishing, and boating (no motors) are popular in the lake.

Acitvities

Camping: There are 66 tent/RV sites and 37 lean-to sites at the park.
Hiking: There are a number of easy-to-moderate trails throughout the park.
Swimming: There is a beach with great swimming areas at the park.
Boating: Kayaks, canoes, pedal boats and a row boat can be rented through the park. Note: Emerald Lake is restricted to non-motorized watercraft.
Fishing: Perch, pike, small-mouth bass, bullhead and panfish swim in the waters of Emerald Lake. This park also participates in the Reel Fun Program. Click here to learn more about Reel Fun fishing at the park (PDF)
Picnicking: There is a hillside picnic area as well as lakeside picnic tables. There is also a picnic pavilion that can be rented for group use.
Stand-up Padding Boarding: SUP's are available to rent at the park.
Nature Programs: This park offers nature programs. Please call the park directly for more information.
Mountain Biking: There are great mountain biking trails in the area. Click here for more information.
Horseshoes: There is a horseshoe pit at the park.
Volleyball: There is a volleyball net in the day use field.