Spring, Summer, Fall Recreation

Spring, Summer & Fall Recreation at WilloughVale Inn

With so much to see and do here, you need more than just a day or two to explore the Northeast Kingdom of VT  in Spring, Summer & Fall. Visit the Northeast Kingdom Travel & Tourism Association Events and begin planning your adventures.

Enjoy our Lakefront Location on Lake Willoughby in Westmore, VT

Head out on the Lake Willoughby in the Northeast Kingdom of Vermont!  Our Waterfront Activity Area makes lakeside fun easy! A playground for kids... complimentary use of our kayaks and canoes... a fire pit for toasting marshmallows... and lounge chairs to settle into and soak up the sun. Relax on our dock or swim.

Canoeing Couple on Lake Willoughby in Northern Vermont
Beautiful lakeside views of Lake Willoughby in Westmore, Vermont

Swimming in Lake Willoughby

The Inn offers a premier location on the shores of Lake Willoughby in VT- renowned for its crystal-clear waters. Guests may swim right from our shores, or opt to visit the public beaches on the north or south ends of the lake. For further exploration many secluded swimming holes offer an exhilarating experience for visitors and locals alike. 

Innsider's Tip: Take a plunge off "Devil's Rock" or flip from the rope swing at a the South End beaches of Lake Willoughby - fun for all ages!
Family Sitting at Picnic Table next to Lake Willoughby in Vermont
Volleyball Game at the WilloughVale Inn near Lake Willoughby in Vermont
Fly Fishing on the Willoughby River in Vermont

Fishing in Lake Willoughby

In 2003, Shawn Dutil caught a 35 lb, 3.2 oz trout from Lake Willoughby (the Vermont State record). It is no wonder that the area is a mecca for fishing year-round! The pristine waters of Lake Willoughby (up to 300' deep in spots) and the many area streams and ponds are home to many species. Expect to net large trout, salmon, muskellunge and more! 

Innsider's Tip: The Willoughby River is also a "hot spot" for fly-fishing trout. The Barton and Black Rivers are good spots as well and the Clyde River which has an outstanding run of landlocked Atlantic salmon.

Scuba Diving

As a glacial cut lake, Lake Willoughby's cold waters run very deep, making it a unique diving experience.

Willoughby Divers - offer air fills and some rental gear. 

For special diving arrangements contact Tharon Faulkner at 802-467-3104.

Fishing Licenses/Bait & Tackle

The Evansville Store offers all that is needed to get you out fishing, including Vermont licenses - the cost for adults (18+ yrs) is $28.00 for residents and $54.00 for non-residents; youths (15-17 yrs) are $8.00 for residents and $15 for non-residents. Children younger than 15 years fish for free. One-day fishing license for non-residents are $21.00. Fishing licenses may also be purchased online through the Vermont Fish & Wildlife Department.

Canoeing & Kayaking

With 37,575 acres of public lakes and ponds, 3,840 miles of rivers and streams and 50 public boat launches, the area is renowned for flat and high water paddling.


Innsider's Tip: Take a moonlit canoe or kayak trip to experience the wonderment of the mountains reflected on the lake surface. Be sure there is ample moonlight and paddle close to shore!


Canoe/Kayak Rentals:

The WilloughVale Inn has  kayak and  canoes available first-come/first served at no charge with a 2 hr limit.


Clyde River Recreation

Tandem kayaks: $25 per hour/ $60 per day, $175 week plus tax

Single Kayak: $15 per hour/ $35 per day, $120 week plus tax

Paddle Board: $15 hour + tax $35 day +tax $120 week + tax

Will do drop off's for $10 if costs are under $100

Call: 802-895-4333


East Burke Sports - Rents canoes and kayaks for $30 for a full day (starting at 9am) or $20 for a half day (starting at 1pm). Call 802-626-3215 .


Canoeing on Lake Willoughby in Vermont

Hiking

The Northeast Kingdom of Vermont offers spectacular opportunities for adventures on foot! From rambling walks through the woods to challenging trails to mountain peaks - there are options for all abilities, many around Lake Willoughby - and all interesting! En route, you will be blessed with the opportunity to view the area's abundant wildlife - including over 100 bird species and beautiful flora and fauna. We've highlighted a few popular excursions.

 

  • Mt. Pisgah & Mt. Hor - the famous cliffs that tower over Lake Willoughby
  • Wheeler Mountain
  • Bald Mountain
  • Burke Mountain - a new trail system provides solitude and miles of hiking. 

 

Contact East Burke Sports for more information.


Innsider's Tip: Pack a picnic and hike to the fire tower atop Bald Mountain, offering an incredible 360-degree view! Of course, don't miss a hike up Mt. Pisgah - look for the rare arctic plants that make their home on the rocky walls carved by the glacier, and try to spot the nests of the Peregrine falcons who make their home here.

Rock Climbing

Having been featured on the cover of Rock & Ice Magazine and Vermont Life Magazine, the famed cliffs of Mt. Pisgah and Mt. Hor offer one of the most renowned climbing experiences in the Northeast. Comprised of fractured granite, the famous cliffs rise almost 300 feet high over Lake Willoughby.
Rock Climbing near Lake Willoughby in Vermont
Mountain Biking near Lake Willoughby in Westmore, Vermont

Mountain & Trail Biking Near Lake Willoughby in VT

The Vermont Northeast Kingdom and Lake Willoughby offer mountains and lakeside trails that will challenge and deliver you the ride of a lifetime. The vast wilderness area is perfect for superb off road biking! Willoughby State Park, Crystal Lake Ledges, Big Falls, Wheeler Mountain and Bubbling Springs have abundant trail biking areas. The Northeastern Vermont Development Association provides extraordinary guide maps and tips on their website.


Road Biking -

The Northeast Kingdom is a vast wilderness area with relatively uncrowded roads for superb road biking! A popular route loops around Lake Willoughby - providing exhilaration and beauty.


Bicycle Rentals:

 East Burke Sports , (802-626-3215) and the Village Sports Shop in Lyndonville 802-626-8448 .

Motorcycling

The summer and fall are great for bikers. Motorcycle enthusiasts are always welcome at the Willoughvale Inn. The surrounding mountains and lakeside roads are made for motorcycle day trips. 
Golfing near Lake Willoughby in Westmore, VT
Several picturesque 18-hole courses for golfers of all abilities are available within a 30-minute drive from Lake Willoughby, including:

Orleans Country Club 802-754-2333
St. Johnsbury Country Club 802-748-9894
Barton Golf Club 802-525-1126

Innsider's Tip: For excellent value, golf at the Orleans Country Club and enjoy lunch in the screened porch overlooking the green. Be sure to book your tee-times well in advance!

Nature Exploration

The Lake Willoughby area in Vermont offers a haven for sightseeing, photography, birding and naturalist endeavors of all kinds. In many townships, there are more moose than people!

Birding - over 100 bird species have been seen around the lake - including thrushes, warblers, hummingbirds, jays, finches, loons, herons and gulls. The occasional peregrine falcon and bald eagle may also be glimpsed.

Favorite locales for wildlife viewing - Willoughby State Forest, Big Falls, Willoughby Cliffs on Mt. Pisgah, Crystal Lake Ledges, Wheeler Mountain, Bubbling Spring and Runaway Pond.

On the Lake - quiet early morning or sunset paddle sets the stage for remarkable wildlife viewing.

Northwoods Stewardship Center - Events, workshops, summer camps, outdoor recreation and are located at the Northwoods Center in East Charleston. For information call 802-723-6551, northwoodscenter.org.

Innsider's Tip: The brilliant steelhead run that takes place on the Willoughby River is a rite of Spring each year!
Loons on Lake Willoughby in Westmore, Vermont
Girls Fishing on Lake Willoughby in Westmore, VT

Family Fun Near Lake Willoughby in Westmore, Vermont

There are many activities for families to enjoy - both indoors and outdoors, on and off the lake. From fun in the sun swimming, boating, fishing, hiking and biking to area attractions and special events - the Kingdom offers a wonderful vacation experience for the entire family. Summertime memories of playing cards and board games, completing a puzzle or star-gazing on clear summer skies are the essence of a vacation on the lake!


The Great Vermont Corn Maze in North Danville (opens late July/early Aug - Oct). In addition to the maze itself they have pedal tractors for the kids and a Barnyard Nature Center with 100' of underground "Gopher Tunnels" for kids and "kids at heart" to explore, wildlife displays, a tube slide and Maisy - the corn maze calf.


Attractions - a visit to any one of the area's attractions can add a nice dimension to your family vacation - or a perfect option if the weather is less than ideal for outdoor activities! Visit our Cultural Activities and Attractions page for more information.


Special Events - Experience a down-home country fair! Enjoy such activities as oxen and horse pulling, harness racing, demolition derbies, tractor pulls, country music, pig races, a mud bog, amusement rides and good ole' fashioned fair food! The Orleans County Fair  held in September and Caledonian County Fair  held in August.


Innsider's Tip : Visit our  events page   for up-to-date information on events in the Northeast Kingdom of Vermont!


To know more about Vermont's Northeast Kingdom visit Travel the Kingdom or Scenes of Vermont .

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