Willoughby State Forest includes over 7000 gorgeous acres in northern Vermont. Lake Willoughby offers over 1600 acres containing rainbow trout, lake trout, brown trout, landlocked salmon and yellow perch. The South Trail is well known, offering sweeping views from Mt. Pisgah over to Mt. Hor and beyond. Viewing the nesting peregrine falcons and alpine plant life is enjoyed along the Willoughby Cliffs. Vermont foliage season offers spectacular colors from the tops of Mt. Pisgah and Mt. Hor hiking trails.
Lake Willoughby snakes through the state forest offering a variety of fishing, boating and hiking opportunities. Many great fishing ponds including Newark Pond and Bald Hill Pond are just east of the Forest while Crystal Lake and Crystal Lake State Park are located just west of the Forest. Natural areas are located within the State Forest including Willoughby Cliffs Natural Area. The vertical cliffs of Mt. Pisgah and Mt. Hor which provide an environment conducive for arctic and cliff-alpine plants. The sheer cliffs also offer natural nesting habitat for peregrine falcon. Marl Pond is also known for being surrounded by a beautiful white cedar swamp. The historic Boulders dance casino and Tea Room was a major area attraction during its heyday but is now decaying into history.
Things to do
Boating, hunting, fishing, hiking and swimming are a few activities enjoyed in the Willoughby State Forest. Fishing opportunities are popular in the 1,653 acre Lake Willoughby. The lake is a wonderful example of glacial scouring in the Northeast. It is the deepest lake in the state with depths in excess of 300 feet. The lake is listed as a National Natural Landmark with catches that include rainbow trout, lake trout, brown trout, landlocked salmon and yellow perch.
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