Lake Willoughby

Lake Willoughby, in Westmore in Vermont's Northeast Kingdom, is the state's most dramatic lake: a deep, glacier-carved lake framed by the cliffs of Mount Pisgah and Mount Hor. Route 5A follows the east shore, there are public beaches at the north and south ends, and Willoughby State Forest has more than 12 miles of hiking trails. The classic visit is a morning hike up Mount Pisgah to Pulpit Rock, then an afternoon swim in the lake's cold, clear water.

By Vermont Lake Collection · Last reviewed: October 2026

The Short Answer

What is the best hike at Lake Willoughby?

Mount Pisgah. From the South Trail parking area on Route 5A, it's about a mile to Pulpit Rock, a ledge high above the lake, and about 2.5 miles to the summit, with roughly 1,600 feet of climbing.

Where can you swim in Lake Willoughby?

At the public beaches at the north end of the lake and at South Bay. The water is deep and cold, even in midsummer.

Can you camp at Lake Willoughby?

Not by car. Willoughby State Forest allows only primitive camping, and camping near the lake is not permitted. Look for nearby inns, rentals or campgrounds instead.

Hike Mount Pisgah

Mount Pisgah rises straight out of the east shore, and its trails are the best way to understand the lake's shape. The South Trail starts from a parking area on Route 5A; about a mile up, Pulpit Rock gives a bird's-eye view straight down the length of the lake, and the trail continues past more lookouts to the summit, about 2.5 miles with roughly 1,600 feet of climbing. A North Trail starts from a pull-off farther north on 5A.

Good to know: the trails are busy on summer and fall weekends, especially mid-day. Parts cross private land, so stay on the marked trail. The cliffs are a peregrine falcon nesting area, and some cliff areas may be closed during nesting season.

Swim and Paddle

Public beaches sit at the north end of the lake and at South Bay. Because the lake averages about 185 feet deep, the water stays cold and very clear. Paddling the length of the lake under the cliffs is one of the best ways to see Willoughby Gap.

On the Mount Pisgah side, about half a mile from the south end, Devil's Rock is marked by a painted red devil that has been touched up for generations. Today it's a popular spot for jumping into the lake. The water is deep and very cold, so use your own judgment.

Willoughby State Forest

The lake is surrounded by Willoughby State Forest: 7,682 acres with more than 12 miles of trails, most suited to beginner and intermediate hikers. Access is from Routes 5 and 5A, with portable toilets at the South End in summer and at the CCC Road trailhead year-round. Car and RV camping are not allowed; only primitive camping is permitted, and not near the lake.

Where to Stay

The WilloughVale Inn, on the lakeshore along Route 5A, sits on land where Robert Frost camped with his family in 1909. Westmore and the surrounding Northeast Kingdom towns also have rentals and small inns. Book early for fall foliage weekends.

When to Go

Summer is for swimming and paddling. Fall is the showstopper, when maples on the cliffs turn and the color reflects in the water; late September into early October is usually the window (see best Vermont lakes for fall foliage). In winter, frozen waterfalls on the cliffs draw experienced ice climbers.

Frequently Asked Questions

Where is Lake Willoughby?
In Westmore, Vermont, in Orleans County in the Northeast Kingdom, along Route 5A.

How long is the Mount Pisgah hike?
About 1 mile to Pulpit Rock and about 2.5 miles to the summit on the South Trail, with roughly 1,600 feet of elevation gain.

Is Lake Willoughby good for swimming?
Yes, at the north beach and South Bay, but the water is deep and stays cold all summer.

When is fall foliage at Lake Willoughby?
Usually from late September into the first week of October, a bit earlier than lower-elevation parts of Vermont.

What fish are in Lake Willoughby?
Lake trout, rainbow trout, landlocked Atlantic salmon, burbot, yellow perch and rainbow smelt. See our Lake Willoughby Wildlife & Fish page.