★ 4.0A five-mile-long glacial lake wedged between two cliff-faced mountains in the Northeast Kingdom — closest thing to a fjord east of the Rockies.
A five-mile-long glacial lake wedged between two cliff-faced mountains in the Northeast Kingdom — closest thing to a fjord east of the Rockies.
Where to stay in Lake Willoughby
Almost everything sits on VT-5A along the east shore in Westmore, split between the north end near the beach and boat access and the narrow south end directly under the Mount Pisgah and Mount Hor cliffs, which is the dramatic side and the darkest at night. Supply is tiny and made up of camps and lakeside rentals rather than anything like a hotel strip, so July, August and the first half of October need booking far ahead. If nothing is free on the water, Barton and Orleans are ten to fifteen minutes away by I-91, Newport about half an hour north and St. Johnsbury roughly 35 minutes south, all with year-round rooms and shops. East Burke, around half an hour off, is worth a thought if you want to ride the Kingdom Trails on the same trip.
Hand-checked stays
Stays in Lake Willoughby
★ 4.0
★ 4.0
★ 4.0
★ 4.0On the ground
Things to do in Lake Willoughby
- Climb Mount Pisgah for the cliff viewThe trail from the parking area on VT-5A near the south end climbs to ledges above the lake at about 2,750 feet, looking straight down the water between the two cliff faces. It is a couple of hours up and back and the single best thing to do here.
- Hike Mount Hor for the other sideHor faces Pisgah across the narrows and its overlooks give the view back at the more famous cliffs. Both mountains sit in Willoughby State Forest, and sections of the Pisgah cliffs may close in spring to protect nesting peregrine falcons.
- Swim at the north and south beachesThere are public beaches at either end of the lake off VT-5A and VT-16, with cold, remarkably clear water that stays swimmable from roughly late June into September. The lake is deep, over 300 feet in the narrows, so it warms slowly.
- Fish or paddle the length of the lakeWilloughby is a coldwater lake known for lake trout and landlocked salmon, and it is a striking paddle when the water is calm in the morning. Winds funnel hard between the mountains by afternoon, so start early in a canoe or kayak.
- Ride the Kingdom Trails at East BurkeAbout twenty-five minutes south, East Burke has one of the best-regarded mountain-bike networks in the country, spread over private land with a day-pass system. Burke Mountain above it runs lifts in winter and is far quieter than the resorts to the west.
- Climb Bald Mountain’s fire towerThe trail from Westmore or from the Long Pond side reaches a restored tower with a view over Willoughby, Burke and much of the Northeast Kingdom. It is a longer, steadier climb than Pisgah and usually far emptier.
Getting around & the essentials
Transport
Lake Willoughby lies on VT-5A in Westmore, roughly ten minutes east of I-91 at the Barton and Orleans exits and about 35 minutes north of St. Johnsbury. Burlington International (BTV) is around two hours west and Montreal about two and a half hours north; there is no rail or bus service to the lake. A car is essential, and mobile coverage through the notch is patchy, so download directions before you go.
Good to know
Common questions
When is the best time to visit Lake Willoughby?
July and August for swimming and paddling, and late September into early October for foliage on the cliffs, which is spectacular and much less trafficked than central Vermont. Winter brings ice fishing and ice climbing on the Pisgah cliffs, but most seasonal lodging and food closes.
Is there a town here?
Not really. Westmore on the east shore is a scattering of houses and a small store, and the nearest real services are in Barton and Orleans, ten to fifteen minutes away by road, or St. Johnsbury and Newport for anything larger. Plan on buying groceries before you arrive.
Can you drive around the whole lake?
VT-5A runs the length of the east shore with the cliffs directly above it, which is the drive worth doing. The west side has no continuous shore road, so a full loop means going around by VT-16 and the surrounding country roads.
Why do people call it fjord-like?
Glacial ice gouged a deep, narrow trench and left Mount Pisgah and Mount Hor rising as sheer cliffs directly out of the water on either side of the narrows. The proportions genuinely do not look like the rest of New England.
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