Lake Willoughby

About the lake

Lake Willoughby is a glacial lake in the town of Westmore, in Vermont's Northeast Kingdom. About five miles long and plunging more than 300 feet deep, it is the deepest lake entirely within Vermont. Its southern end sits in Willoughby Gap, the dramatic notch between Mount Pisgah on the east and Mount Hor on the west, with Willoughby State Forest wrapping the south shore. Designated a National Natural Landmark in 1967, the lake has long been nicknamed the "Lucerne of America."

Come fall, the hillsides ringing the lake light up - peak color usually lands in late September to early October up here, earlier than most of the state. Route 5A runs right along the east shore with pull-offs for photos, and there are public beaches at the north end near the outlet and on the south bay.

Towns nearby

The lake sits entirely in Westmore - the village itself is on the east shore. Close by: Barton and Orleans to the north, Burke and Lyndonville to the south. See the Burke area guide for places to stay and eat, and check the Vermont Foliage Tracker on the homepage for today's color report.