Vermont's Deepest Inland Lake Boasts Sandy Beaches And Pristine Water For Swimming

Vermont is the perfect destination for travelers who prefer spending time surrounded by nature instead of other people. It's located in the northeastern part of the United States and has stunning natural scenery, including several mountain ranges. It has been nicknamed the "Green Mountain State" and there are over 1,300 named mountains throughout the relatively small state. It's also home to some pristine inland lakes that are perfect destinations for outdoor recreation enthusiasts. There are more than 800 different lakes to choose from in Vermont, but Lake Willoughby is one of the best.

Despite Vermont's natural beauty, it is one of the least populated states in the entire country. According to population estimates from 2025, only 644,663 people call Vermont home. The only state with fewer inhabitants is Wyoming. If you love lake life, but hate the crowds, it's definitely a state worth exploring. Winters in Vermont can be brutal, but during the summertime the weather is gorgeous. The warmer months are perfect for enjoying the beautiful Lake Willoughby.

Lake Willoughby, the deepest lake in the state of Vermont, is an ideal spot for swimming, paddling, and soaking up the warmth of the summer on its sandy beaches. It is surrounded by stunning mountains where visitors can enjoy activities like hiking and mountain biking. The views are epic, the water is pristine, and the opportunities for outdoor recreation are endless.

Lake Willoughby is one of Vermont's crown jewels. It's located in Northern Vermont and it's only about a half hour away from the Canadian border. The lake is all-natural and was formed around 12,000 years ago when glaciers carved their way through the rocks between two majestic mountains. When the glaciers finally melted, they left behind a deep lake that is about 5 miles long and 1 mile wide. It covers around 1,653 acres and has an average depth of about 185 feet. Its deepest point is around 308 feet, which makes it the deepest lake that is located entirely in the state of Vermont. Lake Champlain is slightly deeper, but Vermont shares the lake with the state of New York and with Canada.

Lake Willoughby is fed by melted glaciers and spring water. The water is extremely clean and clear, so it's one of the best East Coast lakes for swimming, with easy access from the public beach on its north end, or the nude beach on its south end. In addition to being one of the cleanest lakes in Vermont, it's considered by many to be one of the most beautiful lakes in the United States. Lake Willoughby's beauty has inspired countless visitors over the years, and it was even immortalized in a poem called "A Servant to Servants," written by the iconic poet Robert Frost in 1915. It's often compared to Lake Lucerne, a charming European destination in Switzerland.

Lake Willoughby is flanked by two mountains: Mount Pisgah and Mount Hor. Views of both mountains can be enjoyed from the lake. If you're interested in working up a sweat before swimming in the invigorating water of Lake Willoughby, check out the hiking trails located in the mountains and around the lake. The Mount Pisgah Trail and the Mount Hor Trail are both worth the trip.

Burlington International Airport (BTV) is the closest airport if you're planning on flying to Lake Willoughby. It's about 1 hour and 51 minutes from the lake. Burlington is the largest city in Vermont, and it's a beautiful budget-friendly destination that is worth exploring for a day or two before or after you visit the lake. Car rentals in Burlington usually cost around $48 per day. Montréal-Pierre Elliott Trudeau International Airport (YUL) in the Canadian city of Montreal is also an option if you're planning on traveling by plane. It's about 2 hours and 20 minutes from Lake Willoughby. Montreal is a popular Canadian city and is home to one of the largest nature museums in the world. It's also a great spot for a couples vacation.

There are all sorts of wonderful places to stay around Lake Willoughby. Options include private short-term vacation rentals, luxurious hotels, and picturesque bed and breakfasts. Mountain Lake Cottages offers lovely cabins right on the water. Each cottage has two bedrooms and sleeps up to five guests, so they're perfect for families or groups of friends. Prices start at around $250 per night. WilloughVale Inn is another lovely place to stay on the lake. You can choose between cottage rentals and classic rooms within the inn. Prices for basic rooms at the inn start at around $155 per night. Suites start around $200 per night. If you'd rather have a cottage to yourself, expect to pay between $300 and $400 per night.

It's possible to visit Lake Willoughby throughout the year, but winters are extremely cold. If you want to swim and sunbathe, it's best to visit after the temperatures warm up. July and August offer the warmest weather with average daily temperatures ranging from 75 to 85 degrees Fahrenheit. Spring and fall offer beautiful scenery, but it will most likely be too cold to enjoy the water.