Things to do at Lake Willoughby

Kayak, canoe, or paddleboat your way around Lake Willoughby and the Northeast Kingdom. The lake is ringed by rugged mountains and dense forest, and you'll often spot loons and the bald eagles that live on the lake.

Explore the lake's two basins, separated by a narrow channel known as The Gap. The northern basin is deeper and colder; the southern basin is shallower and warmer. At about five miles long, the lake rewards an unhurried afternoon of paddling.

With clear waters and a diverse fish population, Lake Willoughby is a memorable place to cast a line.

Rainbow and lake trout are the most sought-after species and are most active in spring and fall — try early morning or late afternoon. Landlocked salmon are abundant and best caught in shallower waters in spring and fall. Smallmouth bass and perch are most active in summer in deeper water.

For shore fishing, try the south end near the state park or the northeast end near the dam. By boat, fish the drop-off near the dam or the deeper water mid-lake. We offer guests basic spinning rods, reels, nets, and pliers on an honor-system basis; additional tackle is available at the Willoughby Lake Store just down the road.

The Lake Willoughby area is a haven for cyclists of every level. Burke Mountain offers a lift-served downhill park with singletrack and slopestyle trails, plus a full-service demo center at the Sherburne Base Lodge.

The Kingdom Trails network in East Burke is a must-ride — over 100 miles of well-maintained trail spanning flowy singletrack, technical terrain, and jump lines. For gravel riders, NEK Gravel covers more than 1,000 miles of routes.

Prefer something flat and scenic? The 93-mile Lamoille Valley Rail Trail runs from St. Johnsbury to Swanton, and the 26-mile Missisquoi Valley Rail Trail follows its namesake river — both family-friendly. Rentals available at East Burke Sports, about 20 minutes away.

Mount Pisgah, at the southern end of the lake, climbs to stunning summit views over Willoughby's fjord-like cliffs. Willoughby State Forest holds 26.3 miles of trails ranging from easy to advanced, with dramatic overlooks along the way.

Nearby Sentinel Rock State Park is a quieter gem with picnic areas and gentle scenic trails.

Lake Willoughby is one of Vermont's most stunning natural attractions — 320 feet deep and often compared to a Norwegian fjord. Swim, paddle, or cliff-jump at Devil's Rock, and watch for peregrine falcons overhead. North Beach is two miles away and South Beach three.

Beyond the lake: the Bread and Puppet Theater and its Barn Museum, the Old Stone House Museum & Historic Village, Rainbows Edge Farm (sleigh and wagon rides, petting zoo), and the Vermont Reindeer Farm — home to the state's only live reindeer.

Right here in Westmore, the Willoughby Lake Store sits less than half a mile away — your spot for groceries, supplies, and a friendly hello. The Gap Pub & Grill, two miles down the road, is the closest sit-down meal, and the WilloBarn Snack Bar is a casual three miles off for a quick bite.

For the freshest of the Kingdom, two family farm stands are worth the stop. Butterfield Farm Stand, just over in Brownington, looks straight down the Willoughby Gap and overflows with just-picked vegetables, fresh eggs, Black Angus beef, maple syrup, and flowers. A little farther, Devaney Farm Stand in West Charleston offers homegrown produce, eggs, maple syrup, and garden plants — and is locally famous for its thick, homemade ice-cream sandwiches.

The Northeast Kingdom is a pilgrimage for beer lovers. Hill Farmstead Brewery in Greensboro is regularly ranked among the best breweries in the world, and the winding drive through the hills to reach it is half the pleasure. Pair it with a pie from the legendary Parker Pie Co. in West Glover — a little pizza shop in the back of a country store, with Hill Farmstead often on tap. Closer to home, Next Trick Brewing and Kingdom Brewing round out the local pours.

When you're ready to sit down and linger, the Village Inn in East Burke pours some of Vermont's best beers alongside wood-fired pizza, steps from Kingdom Trails. The Wildflower Restaurant & Pub in Lyndonville serves farm-to-table fare with a full bar, and Le Belvedere brings upscale dining and tapas to the Newport waterfront. For baked goods and a casual bite, the Carriage House Café & Grill and Barton Baking Company are local favorites.