The solar eclipse is coming on April 8th! Learn more about where you can go to view the eclipse and other useful tips.

Willoughby State Forest: Ski Trails

A network of groomed cross country ski trails and backcountry ski runs through the mature forests of Willoughby State Forest
Trail Activity
Groomed cross-country skiing Snowshoeing Backcountry skiing
Length
12.60 miles, Network
Difficulty
Easy, Moderate, Advanced
Towns
Sutton (VT), Westmore (VT)
Surface
Snow, Groomed, Snow, Ungroomed
Pets
Permitted on leash
Fees
No

Description

Willoughby State Forest offers a network of 7.4 miles of groomed cross country ski trails and an additional 5.2 miles of backcountry skin tracks and gladed ski runs.

The nordic trails utilize the CCC and Bartlett Mountain Roads (closed to car traffic in winter) along with connecting ski trails. The trails are generally intermediate with a few sections that are easy and one downhill rated as advanced. The trails are groomed roughly twice a week from mid-December through mid-March. For information about grooming, visit the Northwoods Stewardship Center website

Snowshoers can use the groomed ski trails to access the hiking trail up Mt. Hor as well as trails around Bartlett Mountain. Please walk on the side of the trail and avoid walking on the ski tracks. 

The backcountry skin tracks ascend toward glades on both Mt. Hor and Bartlett Mountain. The backcountry ski terrain has been established through a partnership between the Northeast Kingdom Backcountry Alliance and the Vermont Department of Forests, Parks and Recreation. Although the vegetation in these areas is managed for skiing, it is steep backcountry terrain and skiers should be aware of hazards. Skiers should use designated skin tracks to ascend and should not walk on skin tracks. Unauthorized cutting is prohibited. 

 

Other Information

Important Reminders: 

  • Be courteous to other visitors
  • Maintain control of your speed and direction at all times
  • Do not stop where you obstruct a trail or are not visible to others
  • Obey all signs and posted warnings
  • Dogs must be on leash per Westmore town ordinance. Please clean up after your dog.
  • There is no ski patrol sweep of the trails. Conditions can change abruptly. If you are injured or encounter an injured skier, note your location and call 911. Note that there is limited cell service so you may need to move to find service. 

Trail Manager

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

Northeast Kingdom Backcountry Coalition

Northeast Kingdom Backcountry Coalition
NEKBCVT@gmail.com
View website

NorthWoods Stewardship Center

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

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
Make a Plan B before you head out the door. If the parking lot is full when you arrive at the trailhead, go to your second destination.
Legend
Hide All

Trailhead Information

From Barton, drive east on VT-16 N for 6.9 miles. Turn right onto VT-5A South and continue for 5.7 miles. Turn into the parking area on the right hand side of the road.  

Click on a parking icon to get custom directions
Please Log In or Create Account to add comments.
These awesome businesses support our goal of connecting people to outdoor adventures!
Hang Tight!
Nearby services are loading
No Results
No Services Found
SHARE THIS TRAIL

Add Trail Log

Please wait…
Join In on the Fun!
Log in or create an account below to unlock all the great features of Trail Finder: keep track of trails you want to do, preserve memories of trails you’ve done, earn badges, and more!
Your log in attempt was not successful. Please try again.
    Lost your password? Reset your password
    Don't yet have an account?
    There was an issue with your submission. Please try again.
      * Indicates required field
      Already have an account? Login here
      Enter your username, and we will send you a new, randomly generated password to your email account.
      There was an issue with your submission. Please try again.

        Success! A new password has been emailed to you.

        Log in now

        Please wait…