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Hiking at Lake Willoughby

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Trails: In the Lake Willoughby region there are 10 trails that ascend six mountains overlooking the lake. The trails are 1.5 to 2.2 miles in length and are maintained by the Westmore Trail Association.
Wheeler Mountain (elev 2,370 feet), on the west side of the lake, is accessed by a 1.3-mile trail.
Mount Hor (elev 2,648 feet) rises more than 1,000 feet above the south end of the lake in Willoughby State Forest.
Bald Mountain (3,315 feet), Mount Pisgah (2,750 feet), Haystack (2,712 feet) are east of the lake.
Access fee: None
Nearest town: Westmore, VT
Trail map: Waterproof Northeast Kingdom Hiking Trail Map available from the Green Mountain Club and NEK Tourism, $5.
Web site: VT Forest, Parks & Recreation Willoughby State Forest
Points of interest: Views of Lake Willoughby are especially sectacular in the fall.
Other activities: Swimming
Lodging: WilloughVale Inn on Lake Willoughby overlooks the north end of the lake. Several B&Bs and other accommodations are in the region.
Camping: White Caps Campground is located at the south end of the lake.
Weather forecast: Westmore
Tourism info: Barton Area Chamber | Northeast Kingdom Tourism
Getting to the trail: Lake Willoughby is in northeastern Vermont (the "Northeast Kingdom"), about 20 miles north of St Johnsbury. There are several trailheads on the south and east sides of the lake. A parking lot is located near a couple of the trailheads a few hundred feet south of the lake.
Map of local region: Lake Willoughby region

Rate these trails

Number of ratings: 2
Average rating: 4.25  Rating: 4 of 5 stars

2   Top   Down     Rating: 4.5 of 5 stars

Trail Name: Lake Willoughby
I have hiked there: Once
I last hiked there in: August, 2004
Trails that I hiked: Eagle Cliff On Wheeler Mountain
Favorite trails:
Best time to go:
Trail marking: Fair
Trail maintenance: Very good
Rating: 4.5 stars
What I liked: This was a first hike for my 2 girls (5 & 7). The red trail that ascends the tidal wave rock was challenging, some might say a bit dangerous, but within the reach of the young ones with LOTS of parental supervision and guidance. A HUGE confidence builder with exceptional rewards (views) for their accomplishment!
What I disliked: Descent on white trail was a poor choice during (or just after) and wet weather. Stay on the red decent where the skill level is higher, but the trip is less treacherous for young ones.
Additional comments: The views from the top are excellent for new hikers. There is little doubt that if your new hikers loved this trail when they see the bluffs opposite the lake with twice the vertical height, that you will have a hard time denying them the 'upgrade' :-) Well worth the extended drive to reach these areas!.
Submitted by: Alex McCombie
from: Sterling New York
Date submitted: Aug 16, 2004

1   Up   Top     Rating: 4 of 5 stars

Area name: Lake Willoughby
Times hiked: Once
Date last hiked: August, 2002
Trails hiked: Mount Pisgah
Favourite trails:
Best time to go: don't know
Trail marking: Fair
Trail maintenance: Fair
Rating: 4 stars
What I liked: Wonderful views of Mt Hor and Lake Willoughby. Sharp cliffs over 600 ft.
What I disliked: Trail is starting to widen and erode, with some maintenance needed to remove fallen trees.
Comments:
Submitted by: DJW
from: Essex Jct. VT
Date submitted: Aug 7, 2002

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