The Lake
At over 5 miles long and 328 feet deep, Willoughby Lake is a unique geological gem similar to the fjords of Scandinavia. The lake offers swimming, fishing, boating, kayaking & paddle boarding.
Public beaches with limited parking are located on both the North and South shores.
The boat launch off Route 5A is sponsored by the Town of Westmore and is staffed by a greeter. The Westmore Association supports the greeter program to ensure that craft are inspected for invasive species before launch and upon return to the launch. Jet skis are prohibited.
A reminder to all motor boaters, sailors and paddlers: Regardless of where you launch from, your craft must be cleaned before and after each use to protect not only Willoughby, but also other waterways from invasive species.
Long Pond is a short ride up the hill from the lake on Long Pond Road, and provides a quiet, contemplative environment. The Willoughby River in Brownington offers a challenging fishing experience for the most seasoned angler.
The Land
Westmore is situated in Orleans County, one of the three counties in the far corner of Vermont that make up the Northeast Kingdom. With its distinctive peaks and spectacular Willoughby Lake, Westmore is considered the “Jewel of the Kingdom.”
The view of the lake looking through Mt. Pisgah and Mt. Hor is called “Willoughby Gap” and is one of the most photographed spots in Vermont.
A small town of fewer than 400 year-round residents, Westmore retains its charm even when bustling like a tourist destination during the summer, when the population swells to about 1,000.
The Association, as stewards of the land, ask that all visitors be respectful of the natural environment and the citizens. Please don’t litter, and please carry out what you carry in. Observe the local speed limit and watch for hikers and cyclists in the roadways. Please follow the guidelines of the public beaches that include no alcohol or animals.
As partners in stewardship we can maintain the beauty of this area for generations to come.
The Beaches
Willoughby Lake offers two public beaches, located on the North and South shores.
These swimming spots are popular with residents and day visitors. On busy days, the parking areas can fill up quickly, so plan ahead.
Westmore has a strict no dog ordinance in effect on the North Beach from the Saturday before Memorial Day to Labor Day. We ask your cooperation in keeping both beaches clean and free of animal waste.
The North Beach belongs to the Town of Westmore; the South Beach is owned by the State of Vermont. Ordinances concerning the North Beach are posted on the Town’s website.
Winter in Westmore
Life doesn’t stop on the lake during the long winter season. Ice fishing, ice climbing and snowmobiling draw a dedicated group of winter enthusiasts. Many trails can be used for snow-shoeing and back-country and cross-country skiing.
The VAST (Vermont Association of Snow Travelers) trail has many points of entry in Westmore and leads deep into the woods as well as to some popular watering holes for poker runs and the like.
Westmore has two top quality ski resorts, Burke Mountain and Jay Peak, within a 30 minute drive away.
- Willoughby Lake Depth Chart
- Westmore Area Maps
- Northwoods Stewardship Center
- VAST Trails
- Ice Climbing
- NEK Bike Routes
The hiking trails of the northeastern region of Vermont are challenging, beautiful and remote, offering views of dramatic landscapes, beautiful lakes, and abundant wildlife habitat.
The NorthWoods Conservation Corps was established in 1995, and since then has worked with local youth each summer to repair and restore historic trails, and build new routes across public and private lands.
Vermont Association of Snow Travelers
Founded fifty years ago, VAST is responsible for the organization of the sport of snowmobiling, maintaining and grooming over 5,000 miles of trails.
One of the oldest snowmobiling organizations in the U.S., VAST is a non-profit, private group that includes 127 clubs statewide, with over 24,000 members combined.
Westmore is a popular ice climbing venue. Information about ice climbing in Vermont is available at the link below.
- Westmore Area Mountains
- Mt Pisgah Hiking Map
- Mt Hor Hiking Map
- Bald Mountain Hiking Map
- Green Mountain Club
The Green Mountain Club has two cabins on the shore of Wheeler Pond located in Barton, Vermont. The cabins are nearby Lake Willoughby, which is the center of the Northeast Kingdom hiking trails that cover nearly 40 miles in the area. The hiking trails offer unique cliffs and vistas, and Green Mountain Club volunteers maintain the cabins and even stock the firewood.
These cabins are for rent year-round. For reservations, please use our online reservation system.