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Nature|Forests

The Ancient Forest In Vermont That’s Right Out Of A Storybook

Willoughby State Forest in Vermont offers a variety of outdoor activities and stunning natural views, making it a perfect destination for nature enthusiasts.

Updated Nov 27, 2020

Written by 

Kristin Grimes

Three towns, two counties and a whopping 7,682 acres make up the lovely Willoughby State Forest in Vermont. This ancient forest in Vermont located in the NEK is a wonderful place for hiking, primitive camping, cross country skiing, snowshoeing, hunting and fishing. If you're looking to unplug and really take advantage of nature, this destination is second to none. Let's take a look at some of the sights you'll find in this stunning area.

The trails are well marked and there are loads of areas to see in the Willoughby State Forest.

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Alltrails/Chris E

Enjoy the many areas to stop and look out over the forest.

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Alltrails/Sandy Johnston

There are unobstructed views for miles and miles.

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Alltrails/Susan Stukas

Hikes such as the Wheeler Mountain Trail will take you to another world.

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Alltrails/Megan Rose LaPorte

Perhaps the most iconic spot in the whole area is Lake Willoughby.

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Alltrails/Edith Ross

Flanked by mountains surrounding the crystal clear lake, this spot is gorgeous any time of year.

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Alltrails/Carly Fredrickson

While this summertime spot is a popular destination, it's so large that there is plenty of room for everyone.

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Alltrails/Melanie Aubé

A trip here in the fall should be on everyone's bucket list!

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Wikipedia.org

Whether you enjoy trekking through the woods...

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Alltrails/Tim Thompson

Or you spend the day relaxing on the beach...

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Alltrails/May Li

The Willoughby State Forest is like something out of a dream.

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Alltrails/Edith Ross

Luckily, the Willoughby State Forest is easy to get to from State Routes 5 and 5A . It's bisected by Lake Willoughby with Mount Hor and Mount Pisgah on either side. The highest peak you'll find here is Bald mountain which is 3315 feet in elevation.

You'll also find two natural areas in the Willoughby State Forest: the Willoughby Cliffs Natural Area in Westmore which is 950 acres, and the Marl Pond and Swamp Natural Area in Sutton which is 30 acres.

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What are your favorite scenic parks in Vermont? Where do you love to do Vermont hiking? Any trails you would like us to feature? Let us know your thoughts and stories in the comments section below. We look forward to reading your responses.

If you love natural spots like this ancient forest in VT, be sure to add these 9 hiking trails in Vermont to your adventure bucket list!

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Nature|Forests

Here Are The Best Times And Places To View Vermont’s Fall Foliage In 2024

Vermont offers stunning fall foliage with prime leaf-peeping season starting in early October.

Updated Sep 4, 2024

Written by 

Marla S.

As I'm sure you know, fall in Vermont is one of the most stunning times of the year to visit the Green Mountain State. Aside from enjoying a delicious cider, going apple picking, taking a hike, and enjoying Halloween, Vermont is the place to be if you're like me and love admiring the fall foliage.

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In this 2024 fall foliage map from the Smoky Mountains, you'll discover the anticipated prime times for leaf-peeping season in Vermont this year. So, before setting off to the Green Mountain State, read on to learn more about the predicted dates to experience the leaves changing their colors in Vermont this fall.

Per the scale of this interactive Smoky Mountain Fall Foliage Prediction Map, the leaves in Vermont will begin to show shades of red, orange, and yellow early, around mid-September.

Vibrant autumn foliage covers a hillside, showcasing shades of orange, red, and yellow against a clear blue sky.
Flickr/Josh Krancer

According to the prediction map, the leaf-peeping season in Vermont is expected to be in its prime starting the beginning of October. At the height of the season, expect to see the leaves at their peak with vibrant colors such as those in this photo taken in Marlboro, Vermont.

A yellow house surrounded by vibrant autumn trees in shades of red, orange, and yellow, set against a scenic landscape.
Flickr/Josh Krancer

This stunning shot of Eden, Vermont is an example of what to expect this year too.

A serene lake reflects a vibrant autumn forest with colorful leaves under a blue sky and fluffy clouds.
Flickr/Richard Ricciardi

In addition to taking a road trip, we recommend getting up close and personal by taking a hike or camping when the leaves in Vermont change their colors.

A scenic pathway lined with tall trees displaying vibrant autumn foliage in shades of yellow and orange.
Flickr/Kimberly Vardeman

We also recommend having a camera on hand that can capture these breathtaking views in their truest form.

One of the best ways to see epic views when the leaves change colors in Vermont is by taking a hike. Feel free to reference our ultimate hiking packing guide for useful tips that'll help you have a memorable adventure in nature. And, if you need suggestions of which trails to hit, check out these fall hiking trails in Vermont.

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Nature|Forests

The Best Times And Places To View Fall Foliage In Vermont

Vermont offers stunning fall foliage with peak colors expected in early October, making it an ideal destination for hiking and leaf-peeping.

Updated Sep 15, 2022

Written by 

Kristin Grimes

When it comes to fall foliage in Vermont, two things are certain. First, we have the best foliage in the whole world. And second, it's next to impossible to figure out when the peak will be too far in advance. To help you with your planning, the folks at Smokymountains.com have put together an interactive map where you scroll through the weeks and see how the foliage changes. Without further ado, let's check out the Vermont fall colors map!

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The experts at The Smoky Mountains have predicted when the U.S. will see those stunning reds, oranges, and greens. And according to the map, the end of September is when our great state will start to see some change.

Vibrant red and orange leaves on branches, capturing the essence of autumn against a blurred golden background.
Kimberly Vardeman/Flickr

For a great foliage drive when the colors start to change, check out the beautiful Route 100 Byway.

A serene autumn landscape featuring colorful trees, a calm lake, and a small cabin nestled among the vibrant foliage.
Flickr/Ken Traub

This stretch is considered the best place to see fall colors in Vermont -- and for good reason. It's absolutely stunning!

Read more about Route 100 in Vermont in this feature article.

Another option is to take this gorgeous road trip to see foliage like never before.

A row of trees displaying vibrant autumn leaves in shades of red, orange, and yellow, with fallen leaves on the ground.
Flickr/mgstanton

If you're wanting to take a road less traveled to see the leaves this season, check out this route through some charming areas of Vermont.

For more information check out this Vermont fall foliage road trip we put together.

Enjoy a drive through the tree tunnel in Smugglers Notch.

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A winding road surrounded by vibrant autumn foliage in shades of orange, yellow, and red.
Flickr/Bre LaRow

This tree tunnel was ranked one of the 15 best in the world! The twists and turns through the mountains are absolutely incredible. When we reach peak foliage in Vermont, this is the place to turn to.

Soak it all in from the mountain top.

A ski resort with a building in the foreground and colorful autumn trees on the hillside, shrouded in mist.
Flickr/Ryan Taylor

Take a gondola ride, toll road, or hike to the top to take in the panoramic views below. There's nothing quite like it!

Spend the day in a charming Vermont town.

A picturesque autumn landscape featuring vibrant foliage, a winding road, and a red barn under a colorful sunset sky.
Flickr/Howard Ignatious

Towns such as Woodstock (pictured at sunrise) are full of quintessential sights and spots, not to mention gorgeous scenery.

Take a hike!

A scenic view of a lake surrounded by colorful autumn foliage and rolling hills under a clear blue sky.
Flickr/Scott McCracken

There are many hikes to appreciate the views in Vermont, but Owl's Head Lookout in the Groton State Forest is one of our favorites!

Where is your favorite place to see Vermont fall foliage? Let us know! Now that you know when to see fall foliage in Vermont thanks to the handy-dandy map, it's time to start leaf-peeping! We hope you'll love it as much as we do.

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