Things to Do in Willoughby State Forest
Willoughby State Forest is a state forest in Vermont's Northeast Kingdom, characterized by its dramatic glacial landscape and diverse ecosystems. Flanked by Mount Hor and Mount Pisgah, the forest features varied terrain, from steep cliffs to dense woodlands and numerous ponds. This environment provides a setting for several outdoor activities, including hiking, road cycling, touring cycling, jogging, and gravel biking. The forest's unique geography, including the deep Lake Willoughby, contributes to its appeal for outdoor enthusiasts.
Things to Do in…
37
Routes
4.8
(24)
Average rating
581
People visited
6
hikers
5.21km
01:46
240m
270m
Easy hike. Great for any fitness level. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.
3
hikers
3.70km
01:15
280m
40m
Easy hike. Great for any fitness level. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.
2
hikers
3.63km
01:28
440m
0m
Moderate hike. Good fitness required. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.
4.25km
01:29
370m
20m
Moderate hike. Good fitness required. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.
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5.0
(1)
16
riders
Moderate road ride. Good fitness required. Some segments of this route may be unpaved and difficult to ride.
16
riders
56.9km
02:28
480m
480m
Moderate road ride. Good fitness required. Mostly well-paved surfaces and easy to ride.
3
riders
75.0km
03:28
780m
780m
Moderate road ride. Good fitness required. Mostly well-paved surfaces and easy to ride.
5.0
(1)
2
riders
67.9km
03:03
620m
620m
Moderate road ride. Good fitness required. Mostly well-paved surfaces and easy to ride.
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15
runners
8.13km
01:19
480m
480m
Hard run. Very good fitness required. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels.
10
runners
11.5km
01:19
160m
160m
Moderate run. Good fitness required. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels.
8
runners
8.87km
01:05
130m
130m
Moderate run. Good fitness required. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels.
3
runners
9.15km
00:58
90m
100m
Moderate run. Good fitness required. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels.
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5.0
(1)
7
riders
Moderate bike ride. Good fitness required. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels.
5.0
(1)
3
riders
28.5km
02:17
410m
410m
Moderate bike ride. Good fitness required. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels.
2
riders
47.7km
03:45
760m
760m
Hard bike ride. Very good fitness required. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels.
5.0
(1)
2
riders
Moderate bike ride. Good fitness required. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels.
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2
riders
34.9km
02:50
500m
500m
Hard gravel ride. Very good fitness required. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels.
1
riders
21.7km
01:50
380m
380m
Moderate gravel ride. Good fitness required. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels.
2
riders
22.2km
01:52
420m
420m
Moderate gravel ride. Good fitness required. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels.
2
riders
26.1km
02:03
460m
460m
Hard gravel ride. Very good fitness required. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels.
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Explore the region
Most popular attractions in Willoughby State Forest
Nearby adventure guides
Natural areas to explore nearby
Frequently asked questions
What outdoor activities are available in Willoughby State Forest?
Willoughby State Forest offers a range of outdoor activities including Hiking, Road cycling, Touring cycling, Jogging, and Gravel biking. The forest features 18 routes across these sports, with an average rating of 4.8 stars from more than 1,700 visitors.
What are the best hiking trails in Willoughby State Forest?
The forest provides over 12 miles (19 km) of hiking trails on mountains such as Mount Hor, Mount Pisgah, and Bald Mountain. These trails lead to vistas, fire towers, and waterfalls. More details can be found in the Hiking in Willoughby State Forest guide.
Are there easy or family-friendly hikes in Willoughby State Forest?
Yes, Willoughby State Forest offers trails suitable for novice users and families. These paths provide accessible options for exploring the forest's natural beauty. Specific routes are detailed in the Easy hikes in Willoughby State Forest and Family-friendly hikes in Willoughby State Forest guides.
Can I go road cycling or touring cycling in Willoughby State Forest?
Bicycles are restricted to gravel-surfaced roads like CCC Road and Duck Pond Road within the State Forest. However, the surrounding area, including Vermont Route 5A along Lake Willoughby, offers scenic paved routes for road and touring cycling. Explore options in the Road Cycling Routes in Willoughby State Forest and Cycling in Willoughby State Forest guides.
Are there gravel biking opportunities in Willoughby State Forest?
Gravel biking is permitted on designated gravel roads within Willoughby State Forest, such as CCC Road and Duck Pond Road. These routes provide opportunities for off-road cycling experiences. Refer to the Gravel biking in Willoughby State Forest guide for more information.
What are the main natural features and landmarks in Willoughby State Forest?
Key natural features include Lake Willoughby, a deep glacial lake flanked by Mount Hor (2,648 feet / 807 m) and Mount Pisgah (2,751 feet / 838 m). The forest also contains Bald Mountain (3,315 feet / 1,010 m), the Willoughby Cliffs Natural Area, and the Peter Gilman Waterfall.
Where can I find viewpoints in Willoughby State Forest?
Viewpoints are available from the summits of mountains like Mount Hor, Mount Pisgah, and Bald Mountain, offering expansive vistas of Lake Willoughby and the surrounding landscape. These locations are popular for scenic overlooks.
Are dogs allowed on trails in Willoughby State Forest?
Willoughby State Forest generally permits dogs on trails, but they must be kept on a leash. Visitors should always practice Leave No Trace principles and clean up after their pets.
What komoot guides are available for Willoughby State Forest?
Komoot offers several guides for the area, including Hiking in Willoughby State Forest, Road Cycling Routes in Willoughby State Forest, and Running Trails in Willoughby State Forest. Additional guides cover easy hikes, family-friendly options, cycling, and gravel biking.
How can I contact Willoughby State Forest or find its official website?
Willoughby State Forest is managed by the Vermont Department of Forests, Parks, and Recreation. The official website is fpr.vermont.gov/places/state-forests/willoughby-state-forest. For inquiries, contact the VT Dept. Forests, Parks & Recreation District 5: St. Johnsbury District at +1-802-751-0136.
What is the average rating for routes in Willoughby State Forest on komoot?
Routes in Willoughby State Forest have an average rating of 4.8 out of 5 stars on komoot. This rating is based on feedback from more than 60 users who have explored the 18 available routes.
Are there opportunities for jogging in Willoughby State Forest?
Yes, the well-maintained hiking trails and gravel roads within Willoughby State Forest are suitable for jogging. These paths offer varied terrain for runners. Specific options are highlighted in the Running Trails in Willoughby State Forest guide.
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