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Route 5A: Lake Willoughby, Northeast Kingdom, Vermont
Photo: King of Hearts · CC BY-SA 4.0

Drives Vermont Vermont

Route 5A: Lake Willoughby

VT 5A · West Burke → North end of the lake

Leisurely11 mi15 min900 ft climbHigh point ≈ 1,300 ftOne way
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The drive

Vermont Route 5A follows the eastern edge of Lake Willoughby, in the Northeast Kingdom. This short drive runs 11 miles north from West Burke on US 5 to the north end of the lake at Route 16 and takes about 15 minutes, with gentle curves.

Lake Willoughby is a glacial lake, over 300 feet deep in places. An ancient valley ice lobe wore away the rock between Mount Pisgah and Mount Hor, which together are called Willoughby Gap, and left a shoreline that Wikipedia says almost resembles a Norwegian fjord. The cliffs are habitat for nesting peregrine falcons and arctic and cliff-alpine plants. Willoughby State Forest surrounds the southern end of the lake and includes both mountains.

A public beach lies on the north shore near the outlet, close to where the drive ends, and another is at the bottom of the South Bay.

Along the way

  1. West Burke (US-5)
  2. Lake Willoughby
  3. North end of the lake (VT-16)
Elevation
900 ft of climbing · high point ≈ 1,300 ft
West BurkeNorth end of the lake
Curves
Mostly gentle curves
West BurkeNorth end of the lake
GentleHairpins

Good to know

  • This is an 11-mile drive, so it pairs well with time at the lake.
  • There is a public beach on the north shore near the outlet.
  • Check New England 511 for closures and roadwork before you go.

Open all year, weather permitting. Roads close for snow, fire, storms and repairs: before you set off, check New England 511: Vermont road conditions.

Questions about this drive

How long is the Lake Willoughby drive on Route 5A?

From West Burke to the north end of the lake is 11 miles and takes about 15 minutes.

What are the cliffs at Lake Willoughby?

They are on Mount Pisgah and Mount Hor, which together form Willoughby Gap. The cliffs are habitat for nesting peregrine falcons.

How deep is Lake Willoughby?

It is over 300 feet deep in places, with an average depth of 185 feet.

Is there a public beach on Lake Willoughby?

Yes. There is a public beach on the north shore near the outlet and another at the bottom of the South Bay.

What you get in the app

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More drives near here

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Distance, time, elevation, curves and intensity are from Carve's route. Checked 2026-10-28.

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Map of Route 5A: Lake Willoughby, from West Burke to North end of the lake