Townshend Lake Day Use Area

Closed — Closed for the winter season. Typically open May through September with hours of 8am-8pm on Monday, Thursday, Friday, Saturday, and Sunday. Closed to vehicular access on Tuesdays and Wednesdays during the recreational season.

Notify on Availability Reserve

Winter Weather Advisory issued February 11 at 12:32PM EST until February 12 at 1:00AM EST by NWS Albany NY

12:32 PM — February 12th, 1:00 AM

* WHAT...Snow. Additional snow accumulations up to two inches. * WHERE...Herkimer, Hamilton, and northern Fulton counties in eastern New York and Bennington and western Windham counties in southern Vermont. * WHEN...Until 1 AM EST Thursday. * IMPACTS...Roads, and especially bridges and overpasses, will likely become slick and hazardous. Plan on slippery road conditions. The hazardous conditions could impact the Wednesday evening commute. * ADDITIONAL DETAILS...Lake effect snow showers continue to impact the southern Adirondacks and portions of the Mohawk Valley through this evening bringing additional light snowfall amounts. Upslope snow showers re-develop this afternoon into this evening for the southern Greens bringing additional light snowfall amounts.

About

Townshend Lake Day Use Area sits in the West River Valley behind Townshend Dam on the shores of Townshend Lake in Vermont's Green Mountains. The recreation area provides diverse outdoor opportunities including a sandy swimming beach, boat ramp for canoeing, kayaking, and small motorboats (10hp maximum), and excellent fishing for stocked rainbow trout, brown trout, and smallmouth bass. The picnic area offers both shaded spots under large trees and sun-basked open areas, with three group shelters surrounded by individual picnic tables and charcoal BBQ grills. The 1.7-mile Ledges Overlook Trail provides stunning views of the Green Mountains. Additional facilities include drinking water, restrooms, and a ballfield. The nearby Townshend Lake Nature Area, located 2 miles north on Route 30, offers access to the West River Trail. The area operates seasonally from May through September, with 2024 hours being 8am-8pm Monday, Thursday, Friday, Saturday, and Sunday (closed to vehicular access Tuesday and Wednesday during the recreational season). Winter activities like cross-country skiing, snowshoeing, and snowmobiling are popular during the off-season. The facility enforces a carry-in, carry-out trash policy, and pets are not allowed on the swimming beach.

Directions

Located 19 miles north of Brattleboro, Vermont, on Vermont Route 30. From the north, take Route 30 South to the Townshend Lake Recreation Area, turn right over the dam, then left at the T-intersection.