Lake Willoughby - where do we even start!? This place is truly the gem of the Northeast Kingdom! Lake Willoughby is a stunning glacial lake located a mere 25-minute drive from East Burke. Looking more like Norwegian Fjord than a New England lake, this iconic body of water boasts a public beach access on both the north and south shores. For the wild child amongst us, the south shore beach is clothing-optional, if thats your thing! With a number of hiking trails feating stunning views and vantages of the lake, a trip to Lake Willoughby will not disappoint.
On the way to the lake, stop at the Willoughby Gap Farmstand, stocked with seasonal fruits and veggies. Pop in and fill up your picnic basket before heading to The Southwest Cove at Lake Willoughby.
If you are up for more of an adventure…head to Mount Pisgah Trail North. The Mount Pisgah Trail North is a 4.8 mile out and back hike. The trail leads to the Mount Pisgah North Overlook with 360 views of the lake. While it’s a highly frequented trail, the elevation gain is no joke! Be warned - the summit is at 2,700 ft! Looking to plan the perfect hike? A list of routes,
distances and elevations can be found here.
For those looking for a more leisurely endeavor, check out Sentinel Rock! It is perfect for an Instagram moment, family photo, or a summit view without the hike. The Rock has wonderful views of the lake and is accessible by a short gravel path from the parking lot.
While experiencing Lake Willoughby by foot is a great way to enjoy the views, we think the best vantage is by boat. Rent a kayak or paddle board for the half day or day. Chris, the owner of Clyde River Recreation, will even deliver the kayaks and paddle boards! Count us in.
On the way back to East Burke, stop at Next Trick Brewing, a family run brewery in the Northeast Kingdom. Allan started brewing beer in the 1980’s and turned a hobby into his second passion and “next trick.” They have some delicious beers on tap like the Willoughby White or NEKIPA. It’s truly a family run brewery and you’ll get to meet the whole crew!
We hope you enjoy an afternoon of adventuring in and around Lake Willoughby!
