[Champ le monstre du lac]

I planned on heading to North Beach park in Burlington this weekend, but heard yesterday that the beaches on Burlington Bay (and several others all around Lake Champlain) are closed due to cynobacteria. I'm a new arrival here, but I remember being able to swim in Lake Champlain in August in years past as a repeat visitor without these kind of worries. Is this the new normal?

Been meaning to check out Lake Carmi but I think it has the same problem. Today I'm scoping out Lakes in the Northeast Kingdom, but was wondering what other lakes in northern VT I can get in the water and swim throughout the summer without having to worry about the algae.

[bkwriter]

Crystal Lake State Park in Barton has a small, pleasant sand beach with picnic tables and lots of shade. It closed for a couple days last year because of bacteria. You can call first or check the website first to confirm that it's open.

[harry chickpea]

I don't remember swimming in the lakes and ponds ever being a big thing in Vermont. Perhaps stepping over pasture patties to get to some of them was a turn-off. Half Moon Pond and Metcalf Pond used to have some swimming, but I'm not sure there is public access or how the ponds have changed over the years. Waterbury Reservoir had some swimming. There is a reason Huntington Gorge attracted (and killed) so many people. With access to a boat, there are parts of the lake that might not be affected. FWIW, I seem to remember that as kids we often got earaches after swimming. YMMV

[Riley.]

Originally Posted by harry chickpea

I don't remember swimming in the lakes and ponds ever being a big thing in Vermont. Perhaps stepping over pasture patties to get to some of them was a turn-off. Half Moon Pond and Metcalf Pond used to have some swimming, but I'm not sure there is public access or how the ponds have changed over the years. Waterbury Reservoir had some swimming. There is a reason Huntington Gorge attracted (and killed) so many people. With access to a boat, there are parts of the lake that might not be affected. FWIW, I seem to remember that as kids we often got earaches after swimming. YMMV

Half Moon Pond is on private property, to my knowledge; I live down the road from there. Metcalf Pond ain't what it used to be either, although full disclosure, I haven't been there in awhile, ever since I had the displeasure of observing a very old hippy wading there in his dirty underwear (no lie). Access was only off the road that passed by, again, to my knowledge. I did go paddling there, once, though and it was nice, if small.

Out on the Champlain Islands you can find nice places to swim, although it's a trek. There's a very nice beach near St Anne's Shrine (which is practically in another country!! ) but it's worth the drive. I'd recommend going during the week when it's less crowded.

[harry chickpea]

I'd forgotten the Islands. Lots of shallow water and more sand up there. After a bad experience as a kid, our family avoided it because of the huge chigger and mosquito populations. I wonder how much the area is impacted by the seaweed and stuff now.

[vter]

Waterbury Reservoir. Joe's Pond. Lake Dunmore.

[arctichomesteader]

Great Averill Pond.

[Phorlan]

In the 1990s I remember swimming in Lake Memphremagog and that was great. Didn't see anything wrong at that time!

[gf2020]

I just spent a week in North Hero, the water around the Champlain Islands is crystal clear. You should try Alburg Dunes State Park.