Lake Willoughby
Locations
USA > New England > Vermont
Lake Willoughby: Description
Lake Willoughby, believed by some to be the most beautiful lake in Vermont, resembles a Norwegian fjord due to its unique U-shaped valleys and granite cliffs, formed over 12,000 years ago by glaciers. The lake boasts 1,692 acres and a maximum depth of 312 feet, making it the deepest lake in Vermont's Northeast Kingdom.
Known for its clear and sparkling waters, superb fishing, and natural sand beaches, Lake Willoughby is a beautiful destination. The 7300-acre Willoughby State Forest occupies much of the land surrounding the lake. About one-third of the lakefront property is privately owned. There are public beaches and public boat access. Warm months are spent climbing the steep Mount Pisgah and Mount Hor, biking, jet skiing, hiking the area's nature trails, boating, scuba diving, windsurfing, and, of course, cooling off in the lake's blue waters. Anglers can expect catches of rainbow trout, lake trout, brown trout, landlocked salmon, and yellow perch.
The cold winter months greet you with a white blanket of snow and plenty of cold-weather activities. Ice fishing is a favorite for year-round anglers who can't get enough of the summer catches. Ice climbing around Lake Willoughby is said to the be some of the best in all of North America. Nordic and alpine skiing are ever-popular at nearby Burke Mountain. And, of course, sledding, snowman-building, and snowball fights are a perennial favorite for adults and children alike.
Lake Willoughby: Statistics
- Type: Natural Freshwater Lake, Dammed
- Water level control: Vermont Department of Environmental Conservation
- Area: 1,692 acres
- Normal elevation: 1,169 feet
- Mean depth: 120 feet
- Maximum depth: 312 feet
