Spring, Summer & Fall Recreation at WilloughVale Inn

Enjoy our Lakefront Location

Head out on the lake with one of our canoes, kayaks, Sunfish sailboat or motor boat! Our Waterfront Activity Area makes lakeside fun easy! A playground for kids... a fire pit for toasting marshmallows... and lounge chairs to settle into and soak up the sun. Relax on our floating dock, swim out to our Rave water trampoline or play badmitton by the water.

Swimming

The Inn offers a premier location on the shores of Lake Willoughby - 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 a the South End beaches of Lake Willoughby - fun for all ages!

More Inn Activities

There are two bicycles at the Inn available for guests to enoy touring around the lake. The Inn has a gameroom which includes Air Hockey, a pool table and ping pong. Also a large selection of DVD's are available for guest's to rent when it's time to relax.

Fishing

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, muscolunge 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 at the Northern Exposure store. For special diving arrangements contact Tharon Faulkner at 802-467-3104.

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 1 double kayak, 2 single kayaks, 3 canoes and one small sailfish, available first-come/first served at no charge with a 2 hr limit. A motor boat is also available to rent for $40 hr.
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.

Hiking

The Northeast Kingdom 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 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.

Mountain & Trail Biking

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:
Off road bike rentals are available a East Burke Sports (802-626-3215) and the Village Sports Shop in Lyndonville (802-626-8448). The Inn offers 2 bicycles for guest's use (first come, first served ). Other options include 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 and motorcycle enthusiasts are always welcome at the Willoughvale Inn.  The surrounding mountains and lakeside roads are made for motorcycle day trips. 

Horseback Riding & Hayrides

Enjoy the beauty of the landscape on horseback! Galloping Acres in Brownington (802-754-2337) offers trail, pony and wagon rides. The Mountain View Creamery in East Burke (802-626-9924) offers hayrides.

Golf

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 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, 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 rite of Spring each year!

Family Fun

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. And 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 and Caledonian County Fair are held in August.

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

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

Information for Canadian Tourists
Information pour les touristes canadien