Lake Willoughby Area Events and Attractions

Lake Willoughby

The Northeast Kingdom of Vermont is a haven for tourists spring, summer, winter and fall.

Summer visitors enjoy the pristing lakes and natural beauty of th reagion. Parking is free.

Lake Willoughby is, by far, the most strikingly beautiful glacial lake in the Northeast Kingdom. The lake resembles a Norwegian fjord with its length extending between two mountain ranges. Lake Willoughby is also the deepest lake in Vermont, with its depths exceeding 300 feet. Waterfalls, cradled in rock formations, empty into the lake at various points from surrounding mountains. Known as the Lucerne of America, lake willoughby is a natural national landmark.

The lake is also home to Loon and Peregrine Falcon. The cliffs of Mount Psgah and Mount Hor provide a natural habitat for the rare falcon while the Loon find private nesting places along the remote shoreline.

Lake Willoughby held the World's Record for the largest trout caught through the ice. The fish weighed in at 39 punds. Lake Willoughby contains Rainbow Trout (wild and stocked), landlocked Salmon, Rainbow Smelt, Burbot, Yellow Perch, and other varieties of fish native to the area.

Visitors and locals enjoy the North and South beaches of this glacial lake. Parking is free and available at both

Biking, Hiking, and Fall Foliage

Willoughby State Forest

The Willoughby State forest is found at the southern end of Lake Willoughby and comprised of 7,757 acres of woodlands and hiking trails that will bring hikers to elevations of over 2000 feet to enjoy the breathtaking views of the lake and surrounding mountain ranges.

Seven trails are available at the southern end of Lake WIlloughby that extend cumulatively for over 20 miles in and around Willoughby State Forest. Most of the trails offer a mild to moderate climb for the novice or intermediate hiker.

Westmore Town Forest

The Westmore Town Forest is one mile from the north end of Lake Willoughby off Town Road No. 4 on the west side of the lake. The trails are marked. Bridges should be tested and crossed with care.

The Kingdom Bike Trail

Throughout the spring, summer, and fall visitors enjoy the outdoors for their wilderness, wildlife, and foliage.
If you are here during the warmer seasons, don't miss the Kingdom Bike Trails, a multi-use trail system unlike any other and voted the Best Mountain Bike Trail Network by BIke Magazine in their Annual Reader's Poll. The Kingdom Bike Trails was also
the Editor's Choice in Yankee Magazine's Travel Guide to New England.

Enjoy this pastoral setting along the rolling hills of Vermont's Northeast Kingdom while you are mountain biking, hiking, trail running, Nordic skiing and snowshoeing.

Visit the Kingdom Bike Trails Visitor Center located behind the Northeast Kingdom Country Store in the Village of East Burke for trail passes and more information.

Willoughby Annual 5K Walk/Run Race

The annual Walk/Run Race is a mainstay in Wetmore, VT. Walkers/Runners compete in a short mid-summer race on Route 5A in Westmore, VT. The race begins at the Westmore Community Church on Hilton Hill Road in Westmore, VT. Proceeds are donated to the Ladies Aid Scholarship Fund. To reigster visit the Westmore Community Church or call 802-525-3689.

Orleans Country Club

The Orleans Country Club, home to a superb golf course that is complete with rolling lush lawns and sand traps, is just a short drive from Lake Willoughby and worth the trip. DOn't miss the 19th Green Restaurant and Pub, conveniently located at the very end of the 18th Green.

"Prepare yourself for an unparalleled golfing experinece. The Orleans Country Club's course is a pleasure for golfers of any skill level to play." -Orleans Country Club, Orleans, VT.