Willoughby State Forest - Wheeler Mountain

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This hike climbs Wheeler Mountain to cliffs that offer spectacular views of Lake Willoughby, the cliffs of Mount Pisgah, and the surrounding mountains. 
Trail Activity
Hiking Snowshoeing
Length
2.10 miles, Network
Difficulty
Moderate
Town
Sutton (VT)
Surface
Packed Earth/Dirt, Rock/Ledge, Grass/Meadow
Pets
Permitted on leash
Fees
No

Description

The trail leaves the parking lot from the opening near the large kiosk, enters the forest and quickly reaches the Wheeler Mountain Road. After crossing the road, the trail climbs past a number of large boulders and soon turns north paralleling a series of ledges and outcroppings on the left. Keeping to a generally sidehill course, the trail winds its way past a small vista and gradually climbs through an open forest where there are many scenic rocks and outcroppings. After reaching a second vista, which is accessed by a short spur, the trail turns to the east and begins to descend through a talus area before it eventually regains its upward climb. It emerges onto the mountain’s recognizable open ledges. From the first opening, the trail briefly re-enters the forest and then emerges onto a series of open bedrock vistas before terminating at Eagle Rock, all of which have excellent views of the surrounding landscape.

Trail Manager

For more information about the trails, visit the Northwoods Stewardship Center or the Vermont Department of Forests, Parks, and Recreation online or contact:

Westmore Trails Committee
Town of Westmore
54 Hinton Hill Road
Orleans, VT 05860
Phone: (802) 525-3007
clerk@westmoreonline.org
View website
NorthWoods Stewardship Center
154 Leadership Drive/PO Box 220
East Charleston, Vermont 05833
Phone: (802) 723-6551
info@northwoodscenter.org
View website
VT Dept. Forests, Parks & Recreation District 5: St. Johnsbury District
374 Emerson Falls Road
St. Johnsbury, VT 05819
Phone: (802) 751-0136
Luke.OBrien@vermont.gov
View website

Trail Tips

Plan Ahead and Prepare
Know your limits – it’s okay to turn back. Your home is the ultimate destination, not the summit.

Trailhead Information

From Barton, drive south on VT-5/Lake Street for 4.5 miles. Turn right onto Wheeler Mountain Road and continue for 1.4 miles. Pull off to the right into the parking lot. The trail leaves from the parking lot then crosses the road to head west. 

The parking area is not plowed in the winter.

 

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