There is something magical about the serene and peaceful landscape throughout the Northeast Kingdom, and Lake Willoughby just may be the crown jewel. A stunning lake surrounded by staggering mountains and forests, this lake is something that must be seen to be believed. And when you see it, you’ll likely fall in love.
Lake Willoughby is a lake in the town of Westmore.
Flickr/Brandi Willoughby is a glacial lake over 320 feet deep in places, the deepest lake entirely contained in the state and second to only Lake Champlain whose deepest point reaches 400 feet.
The southern end is surrounded by the Willoughby State Forest.
Flickr/Brandi This state forest includes Mount Pisgah, Mount Hor and Bartlett Mountain.
Outstanding sunsets await.
Flickr/Brandi While in this secluded and desolate area, you’ll love watching the sky light up with spectacular sunsets.
Who can resist a stop at the Farmer’s Daughter Gift Barn on the way?
Flickr/Brandi After all, they have Deerskin Gloves, Moccasins, Home-Made Fudge and Vermont Cheese and Maple Products. Time to stock up!
The lake is known for its clarity and chilly temperature.
Flickr/Brandi Because of its depth, it freezes later than other lakes in the Northeast Kingdom.
Willoughby is listed as a National Natural Landmark.
Flickr/Brandi Not to mention, a natural treasure.
Flickr/Ben Perry
A wonderful place for fishing.
Flickr/Brandi Willoughby contains rainbow trout, Lake Trout, landlocked Atlantic salmon, rainbow smelt, burbot, yellow perch, longnose sucker, white sucker, lake chub, common shiner, and round whitefish which is a native species of extremely limited distribution in Vermont.
Outstanding views of Lake Willoughby from the Mount Pisgah Summit.
Flickr/jps246 The cliffs of Mount Pisgah and Mount Hor provide an environment conducive for arctic and cliff-alpine plants, as well as ideal nesting areas for the rare peregrine falcon.
Check out one of the two sandy beaches….
Flickr/Kim Woodbridge But beware - while North Beach is family friendly, South Beach is a nude beach. It even has a rope swing… Talk about letting it all hang out!
A gorgeous view of Lake Willoughby and Mt. Hor from Pulpit Rock.
Flickr/Charles Wohlers Hiking through the forest and on the adjacent mountains provide for fabulous views of the lake.
Pulpit Rock panorama.
Flickr/Charles Wohlers A panoramic view of Mt. Hor & the south end of Lake Willoughby from Pulpit Rock - about halfway up the mountain.
Along the eastern shore, there are a series of natural waterslides that flow into Lake Willoughby.
Flickr/Ben Perry In the winter, these turn into an ice wall which is used by ice climbers.
You’ll never run out of scenic views of Lake Willoughby.
Flickr/Charles Wohlers We’ll leave you with this one of the north end of Lake Willoughby, from a location a little south of the North Overlook.
Check out more of Vermont’s magical lakes here!
Flickr/Brandi
Willoughby is a glacial lake over 320 feet deep in places, the deepest lake entirely contained in the state and second to only Lake Champlain whose deepest point reaches 400 feet.
This state forest includes Mount Pisgah, Mount Hor and Bartlett Mountain.
While in this secluded and desolate area, you’ll love watching the sky light up with spectacular sunsets.
After all, they have Deerskin Gloves, Moccasins, Home-Made Fudge and Vermont Cheese and Maple Products. Time to stock up!
Because of its depth, it freezes later than other lakes in the Northeast Kingdom.
Not to mention, a natural treasure.
Flickr/Ben Perry
Willoughby contains rainbow trout, Lake Trout, landlocked Atlantic salmon, rainbow smelt, burbot, yellow perch, longnose sucker, white sucker, lake chub, common shiner, and round whitefish which is a native species of extremely limited distribution in Vermont.
Flickr/jps246
The cliffs of Mount Pisgah and Mount Hor provide an environment conducive for arctic and cliff-alpine plants, as well as ideal nesting areas for the rare peregrine falcon.
Flickr/Kim Woodbridge
But beware - while North Beach is family friendly, South Beach is a nude beach. It even has a rope swing… Talk about letting it all hang out!
Flickr/Charles Wohlers
Hiking through the forest and on the adjacent mountains provide for fabulous views of the lake.
A panoramic view of Mt. Hor & the south end of Lake Willoughby from Pulpit Rock - about halfway up the mountain.
In the winter, these turn into an ice wall which is used by ice climbers.
We’ll leave you with this one of the north end of Lake Willoughby, from a location a little south of the North Overlook.
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