Westmore and Willoughby Lake
9/18/2025
This is a fun quick ride along the western hills of Westmore and Lake Willoughby that gives you many different views of the lake and of the land formations surrounding it. Lake Willoughby itself is an amazing geological feature – a deep cleft surrounded by mountains – colder and deeper than most lakes in Vermont, with a large public beach access to the north and an abundance of hiking trails to the south.
We parked at the public beach landing, which is located at the corner of Route 5A. The ride heads off to the right and starts out going up, up, up at a pretty series slope. It is worth the short climb, though, since it affords you some great views.
This ride is suprisingly rural – with plenty of livestock and open fields along the way. There were also several expensive “vacation” homes along this route, but other more modest homes as well.
After gentle ups and downs for about a mile and a half, there is another set of hills to climb before you get the the halfway point of this ride.
After that, it is essentially all down hill, mostly on gravel, but on some pavement after you turn onto Cooks Road, heading back into the village.
From the public beach parking area, you can see the Route 5A corner and an amazing hillside cemetery.
The south end of Lake Willoughby is surrounded by the Willoughby state forest, with a plethera of hiking and camping opportunities.
Heading down 5A, you can find the Willoughby Lake Store, which has a little something for everyone.
It sells groceries, beach supplies, beer and local crafts. It boasts a deli, and even has a small liquor store. In the back, in season, it offers the Cowboy Outdoor Bar, with a play exploration space for kids while their parents relax.
We also heard about another ride from Lake Willoughby to Newark on Long Pond Road, which is supposed to be an excellent 10 mile ride, and would make a good 20 mile out and back. We left that for another day’s adventure.