Elmore

Granted in 1781, Elmore occupies a mountainous corner of Lamoille County between Morrisville and Hardwick. The town takes its name from Colonel Samuel Elmore, and its landscape is defined by Elmore Mountain, which rises to over 2,600 feet and forms the centerpiece of Elmore State Park. Lake Elmore, at the mountain's base, has been a local swimming and fishing spot for generations.

With about 940 residents, Elmore is one of Lamoille County's smaller communities. The town has no commercial center to speak of — residents drive to Morrisville or Hardwick for groceries and services — but it has a strong sense of identity rooted in its natural setting and close-knit community. The fire tower atop Elmore Mountain offers one of the finest panoramic views in northern Vermont. Town governance runs through a selectboard, and the annual Town Meeting each March gives every voter a direct say in how tax dollars are spent and what priorities the town will pursue for the coming year.