Westmore VermontHIKING TRAILS & PLACES TO HIKE
Listed below are the best hiking trails and places to hike near Westmore, Vermont.
1. Mount Pisgah South Trail
SPECTACULAR LAKE VIEWS
Mount Pisgah South Trail offers hikers a challenging 1480-foot climb with spectacular views of Willoughby Lake below. The trailhead is conveniently located on Route 5A about half a mile south of the southern end of Willoughby Lake. From the summit, hikers can enjoy near views of the Passumpsic Valley, distant views of the Southern White Mountains, and connect to the North Trail or East Trail.
2. Mount Pisgah North Trail
PANORAMIC MOUNTAIN VISTAS
Mount Pisgah North Trail features a moderately difficult 1530-foot climb over 2.2 miles of scenic terrain. The trailhead is located along Route 5A, about 1 mile south of Long Pond Road and 2.5 miles north of Willoughby Lake's southern end. Hikers reaching the summit are rewarded with stunning views and can connect to the South Trail or East Trail for an extended hiking experience.
3. Mount Pisgah East Trail
MOUNTAIN AND LAKE PANORAMAS
Mount Pisgah East Trail provides a moderate 900-foot climb across a 2.2-mile hiking route starting from Long Pond Road. The trail connects to both the North and South Trails of Mount Pisgah, offering various hiking options. From the top, hikers are treated to a stunning vista of mountains and Willoughby Lake below.
4. Haystack Mountain Trail
FAMILY-FRIENDLY MOUNTAIN ADVENTURE
Haystack Mountain Trail is a 1.9-mile network ranging from easy to moderate difficulty levels. The trail features varied surfaces including packed earth, dirt, and rock ledges. Long Pond Road leads to the Haystack Mountain trailhead, making it accessible for hikers exploring the Willoughby State Forest area.
5. Bald Mountain Trail
SCENIC FOREST EXPEDITION
Bald Mountain Trail offers hikers access via multiple routes including the Telegraph Trail from Hinton Hill Road. The trail is part of the extensive network in Willoughby State Forest, which provides dramatic views of the surrounding landscape. Hikers can reach the trailhead from both the east side of the mountains and the Willoughby Lake side.
6. Willoughby State Forest Trails
DIVERSE NATURAL LANDSCAPES
Willoughby State Forest offers over 26 miles of hiking trails with breathtaking views of Willoughby Gap and dramatic cliffs. The forest provides opportunities for hikes to vistas, fire towers, waterfalls, ponds, and swimming areas. Accessed from VT-5A, six miles north of West Burke, the forest features various CCC roads that connect to multiple trailheads.
7. Long Pond Trail
TRANQUIL WOODLAND ESCAPE
Long Pond Trail provides access to the serene Long Pond area within the Willoughby State Forest system. The trail connects with routes to both Haystack and Bald Hill Mountains, offering multiple hiking options. Long Pond Road serves as the main access point, connecting highways on both the east side of the mountains and the Willoughby Lake side.
8. Hedgehog Mountain Trail
HIDDEN FOREST GEM
Hedgehog Mountain Trail connects with the East Trail of Mount Pisgah, offering an alternative hiking route in the Willoughby region. The trail traverses through the diverse ecosystems of the Northeast Kingdom, providing hikers with varied terrain and views. As part of the interconnected trail system, it allows for flexible hiking itineraries through the Willoughby State Forest.
9. Galehead Hut Loop
EXTENDED WILDERNESS ADVENTURE
Galehead Hut Loop is a challenging 28.3-mile loop trail located in White Mountain National Forest near Westmore. This extensive trail is considered the premier hiking option in the Westmore vicinity. The loop offers hikers an immersive multi-day wilderness experience with diverse terrain and spectacular mountain views.
10. Northeast Kingdom Trail System
DIVERSE HIKING EXPERIENCES
The Northeast Kingdom Trail System encompasses a wide range of hiking options from steep mountain treks to leisure family walks. The diverse trail systems welcome hikers of all ages and abilities throughout the region. These interconnected trails showcase the natural beauty of Vermont's Northeast Kingdom, providing access to mountains, forests, and waterways.