Willoughby State Forest
VT · Westmore / Barton
CCC Rd Access, Westmore, VT 05860
Willoughby State Forest brings drama to the ride, pairing strong equestrian access with one of Vermont’s most striking lake-and-mountain backdrops. In Westmore / Barton, it feels less like checking off a trail and more like stepping into a ride with real atmosphere. What makes it memorable is the balance between beauty and utility. The arrival feels straightforward, the landscape quickly opens up, and the route delivers a satisfying sense of movement rather than a flat, one-note outing.
Riding guide
Highlights
For riders who love Vermont drama, Willoughby offers a more emerging equestrian opportunity set against some of the state’s most memorable scenery.
Riding
Willoughby pairs scenic drama with usable mileage, making the ride feel more memorable than the average forest outing. A scenic Northeast Kingdom forest with newly authorized equestrian access on roughly 14.5 miles of roads and trails in a dramatic lake-and-mountain setting. Depending on your route, the day can feel meditative, athletic, or a little of both. It rewards riders who enjoy moving through a landscape that changes as they go—wooded corridors, openings, elevation shifts, and those classic Vermont transitions between road, trail, and forest edge.
Rideable terrain
14.5 miles
Trailer parking
Trailer staging is limited and evolving; riders have historically used pull-offs near CCC Road and related access points, with newer planning focused on a southern overnight parking area.
Horse regulations
Use only routes currently open to horses, respect private-land boundaries, and be especially attentive to changing management guidance as equestrian access develops.
Getting here
Willoughby’s access feels more purposeful now that equestrian use is clearly recognized, though it still benefits from a little pre-ride planning. Trailer staging is limited and evolving; riders have historically used pull-offs near CCC Road and related access points, with newer planning focused on a southern overnight parking area. For riders traveling with their own horses, a little pre-trip route planning goes a long way. This is one of those Vermont destinations where arriving prepared makes the whole day feel smoother—especially if you are hauling a larger rig or visiting in shoulder-season conditions.
Planning your visit
A strong destination for riders comfortable with a little ambiguity and willing to verify current conditions before making the trip. Trail maps and current conditions are worth checking before you leave home.
Where to stay
This is best paired with inn or cabin lodging in the Northeast Kingdom rather than viewed as a full-service equestrian base. The reward is the landscape itself.
Trails
No trails synced for this park yet.
Campgrounds
No campgrounds listed for this park.
Photos
Stay near this park
No horse-friendly stays listed near Willoughby State Forest yet. Know a great barn or property? Help fellow riders by listing it.
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