Willoughby State Forest in Northern Vermont offers stunning backcountry skiing for all ability levels. The CCC Road to Bartlett Mountain Road Loop is suitable for beginners, while there are also numerous challenging glades that can be accessed from this area. The trails are well marked with trail maps posted at most junctions, including side trails off of these roads such as Small Loop, Middle Loop, and the Bartlett Mountain Loop. While Lake Willoughby has become a well-known destination and attracts large crowds in summer months, the extensive backcountry ski network in the Northeast Kingdom is a lesser-known Vermont secret that should not be missed.
The loop starts at a parking lot just South of Lake Willoughby up Route 5A. Skiers will come to two overflow lots for the beach; the third lot up the road is for this trail network, just across from the parking for the Mount Pisgah hike. The CCC Road begins with a steep climb, but skiers are quickly rewarded with a stunning view of Mount Pisgah at an overlook. The road continues with rolling hills, and is wide enough for skate, classic, or backcountry skiing. When conditions allow the road is rolled by a groomer.
At mile 1.7 on this route, skiers pass the Herbert Hawkes Trail to Mount Hor, which adds about 0.9 miles in each direction to see a stunning view of Lake Willoughby and Mount Pisgah. This trail is steeper and more narrow than the CCC and Bartlett Mountain Roads, and features two expert-difficulty glades, Knee Deep and Deep End, on the southeastern aspect.
After passing the Herbert Hawkes Trail, skiers will continue to the Connector Trail, which leads to the Bartlett Mountain Road. This section of the trail is short, but it is rated as a black diamond and is much more narrow than the two roads. The Bartlett Mountain Road loop back to the parking is similar to the CCC Road and is wide with rolling hills.
The Willoughby State Forest truly offers trails for skiers of all levels, along with amazing views, low crowds, and excellent snowfall.
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