Lake Willoughby Travel Guide
Lake Willoughby South Beach
A Leaf Peeper’s Paradise in Vermont’s Northeast Kingdom
I grew up in Connecticut, lived in Colorado for three years, and now live in Vermont, and I think it’s safe to say you cannot beat fall in New England. It’s no wonder people from all over the world flock to the Northeast to witness fall foliage in its full glory. In the fall of 2020, my husband and I traveled to Lake Willoughby, located in Vermont’s Northeast Kingdom. It’s less than a two-hour drive from Burlington, and just over three hours from Boston. For the best leaf peeping, one of the most beautiful hikes in Vermont, and a cozy autumn weekend away, be sure to add Lake Willoughby to your fall bucket list.
A Few Things to Note
We spent two nights and two full days here and felt like that was plenty of time to see and do what we wanted
This area of Vermont is pretty rural and there aren’t many hotels or restaurants around. I personally love that about Lake Willoughby, but remember that you go here to unplug and enjoy the peace of nature!
If you’re not coming from Vermont/New England, it’s not a bad idea to include Lake Willoughby as one stop on a Northeast fall foliage road trip; this part of the country is gorgeous and there are so many amazing places to stop off to leaf peep and enjoy the best the season has to offer (like cider donuts *drool*)
Best Time to Visit Lake Willoughby
The best time to see peak foliage varies every year depending on many factors including temperature and moisture. That can make it hard to decide when to plan a fall getaway, especially because many accommodations book up a year in advance. With that being said, the first weekend in October is usually a safe bet. I love this Fall Foliage Prediction Map and reference it every year when planning trips or day hikes.
My husband and I visited Lake Willoughby October 2-4. Had we come much later (even by a few days), we would have been past peak foliage and the leaves would have started to brown. If you’re worried about missing peak in this particular area, you could also aim for the last weekend in September as it’s farther north (less than 30 minutes from the Canadian border!)
Lake Willoughby is gorgeous year-round. In the summer, the lake is crystal clear and a beautiful place to swim, canoe, hike, etc.
Boris enjoying Lake Willoughby with a friend in early June
How to Get to Lake Willoughby
The only way to get here is by car. The closest airport (Burlington International Airport) is 1 hour and 45 minutes away. Driving times:
Burlington, VT: <2 hours
Boston, MA: ~3 hours
New York, NY: 6 hours
Manchester, NH: 2.5 hours (there’s a small airport here, too)
Fly into Burlington International Airport (BTV) and rent a car. The airport is adorable (be sure to check out the Skinny Pancake for delicious crepes, burgers, salads, and more) and easy to get in and out of. As I mentioned above, it’s less than a two-hour drive from BTV to Lake Willoughby.
Wine on WilloughVale's front porch
Where to Stay on Lake Willoughby
We stayed at the WilloughVale Inn & Cottages in Westmore, which is the only lakefront hotel on Lake Willoughby. Robert Frost even camped on the inn’s grounds before it was built, and his love of Vermont’s natural beauty is evident in his writing. Though their rates are incredibly reasonable (and they even have dog-friendly accommodations!), WilloughVale can book up really far in advance. Sometimes you can get lucky though and find some last-minute rooms during peak foliage. The rooms are cozy with rustic decor (ours had fly fishing wall paper which my husband loved) and the inn’s front porch is a beautiful spot to unwind with a glass of wine after a day of outdoor activities.
If there’s no room at the inn (literally), you can look for rentals through Airbnb, cottages through The Notch House (when it’s not booked for weddings or large family vacations), or camp. I have friends that rent a house on the lake every year.
Where to Eat and Drink Near Lake Willoughby
Remember, this is a very rural area. Don’t come here expecting fine dining or a plethora of food options. But do get excited for dive bars, good pub food, and eating a packed lunch while looking at the most beautiful view!
The Gap Pub & Grill ($) There are few things I love more than drinking a Vermont IPA with some warm fried food after a day of hiking, fishing, and adventuring outdoors. The Gap is basically the only restaurant in the area, so if you’re looking to have a sit-down meal, check it out! The poutine is delicious and the staff is incredibly friendly. We ate here twice during our short trip to Willoughby. Be sure to visit their website for up to date hours.
Willoughby Lake Store ($) Grab a sandwich to go to enjoy on a hike or stock up on some local craft beers, wine, and other Vermont goodies. The deli also has breakfast (sandwich, burrito, bagels, and hash browns), various fried appetizers, salads, and pizza. Check their Facebook page for up to date hours.
Things to Do Near Lake Willoughby
Hike to the Top of Mount Pisgah - This might be my favorite hike in all of Vermont. It’s less than five miles roundtrip, 1600+ feet of elevation gain, and you’re rewarded with a breathtaking view of Lake Willoughby and the Green Mountains beyond. I’m a strong hiker/in good shape and the trail is steep at times, but for the most part I’d say it’s moderate and most fitness levels can handle the hike. You can approach the top from either the North or South Trail, but I prefer the North Trail (to access the trailhead, park along the side of route 5A; use the AllTrails directions to find it!) There’s no actual view from the summit but rather the three lookout points along the way (I find the middle one to be the best). The trail can be muddy with small stream crossings at times, so wear hiking boots/sneakers you don’t mind getting dirty.
Mount Pisgah, October 2020
Mount Pisgah, June 2024
Fly Fish for Landlocked Atlantic Salmon on the Clyde River - My husband is an avid fly fisherman and you could say he made a fly fisherwoman outta me! There’s a 1.5-mile stretch of water on the Clyde River between Lake Memphremagog and the Clyde Pond Dam where you can fish for landlocked Atlantic salmon. Your best chance at catching one is in October, but you can fish for brook trout and brown trout throughout the season (mid-April to end of October). If you’ve never fly fished before, hire a guide and they’ll take you to the best spots, teach you casting techniques, tie your flies on for you, etc. Think it’s not for you? You’d be surprised! It’s quite therapeutic, you fish in beautiful places, and you can always crack a beer if you get tired or frustrated. Note: You must have a fishing license, and salmon fishing is all catch and release.
Canoe or Kayak on Lake Willoughby - While the views from above may seem hard to beat, the views on the lake are just as stunning. The iconic/most photographed view is from Lake Willoughby’s South Beach. The WilloughVale Inn has kayaks and canoes available for guests to use free of charge on a first-come, first-served basis. Or, check out rentals from a local outfitter like Clyde River Recreation.
I feel truly lucky to call Vermont home and to have off-the-beaten-path destinations like this nearby. Whether you visit in the fall or the summer, be sure to check out Lake Willoughby for a beautiful year-round vacation! Here are a few more favorite photos from Lake Willoughby throughout the seasons:
Lake Willoughby South Beach, October 2020
Lake Willoughby North Beach, October 2020
A fall-lover's dream in Westmore, VT
Mount Pisgah, October 2020 (and very gross sneakers)
The same lookout, June 2024 (and a very happy Boris)
