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South Beach, Lake Willoughby – Lake Willoughby Scenic Drive loop from Glover

South Beach, Lake Willoughby – Lake Willoughby Scenic Drive loop from Glover

Moderate

4.7

(1176)

11,518

riders

South Beach, Lake Willoughby – Lake Willoughby Scenic Drive loop from Glover

02:28

56.9km

480m

Road cycling

Moderate road ride. Good fitness required. Mostly well-paved surfaces and easy to ride. The starting point of the route is right next to a parking lot.

Last updated: May 17, 2026

Waypoints

Start point

Parking

Get Directions

12.8 km

Bean Pond

Highlight • Lake

This picturesque 30-acre pond rests on the edge of Willoughby State Forest, known for its crystal clear waters and abundant trout population. The serene surroundings make it a perfect spot …

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34.2 km

South Beach, Lake Willoughby

Highlight • Beach

Many say that South Beach is more picturesque than North Beach on Lake Willoughby, but both offer up great views of this glacial lake and the surrounding peaks. The water …

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36.0 km

Lake Willoughby Scenic Drive

Highlight • Trail

The Vermont Route 5a runs along the western shore of Lake Willoughby. It is likened to a Norwegian fjord with its high sided mountains that rise directly out of the …

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36.7 km

Peter Gilman Waterfall

Highlight • Waterfall

A very beautiful waterfall right on the road. Easy to reach on foot and with all mobile sub-seats. You can also stop in front of it with 3-4 cars.

Translated by Google •

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42.5 km

North Beach, Lake Willoughby

Highlight • Beach

This is a beautiful place to stop right by the road with views right along the length of Lake Willoughby's. The water is shallow so it's great for swimming in …

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56.9 km

End point

Parking

Way Types & Surfaces

Way Types

32.7 km

24.0 km

264 m

Surfaces

56.0 km

885 m

< 100 m

Elevation

Nothing selected – click and drag below to see the stats for a specific part of the route.

Highest point (430 m)

Lowest point (260 m)

Weather

Today

Tuesday 14 July

32°C

17°C

53 %

Additional weather tips

Max wind speed: 23.0 km/h

to get more detailed weather forecasts along your route

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Description

If you're looking for a road cycling route that truly earns its views, the South Beach, Lake Willoughby – Lake Willoughby Scenic Drive loop from Glover is a fantastic choice. This moderate 35.4-mile (56.9 km) ride packs in 1565 feet (477 metres) of climbing over roughly 2 hours and 27 minutes, making it ideal for cyclists with good fitness who appreciate dramatic lake scenery.

What to expect on South Beach, Lake Willoughby – Lake Willoughby Scenic Drive loop from Glover

Expect a journey through Vermont's stunning 'Northeast Kingdom' where the scenery is the main event. The route winds around Lake Willoughby, often compared to a Norwegian fjord, with Mount Hor and Mount Pisgah rising dramatically from its waters. You'll encounter rolling to hilly terrain with frequent short climbs and descents, some reaching over 10 percent grades. While mostly paved, be prepared for a workout; this route is best suited for cyclists with good fitness who are ready for a challenging yet incredibly rewarding ride, especially as you pass picturesque South Beach and take in views towards Bald Mountain.

Planning your visit

This Lake Willoughby Scenic Drive cycling loop is generally considered moderate to hard, requiring good to very good fitness. While the main roads are paved, some longer loops in the Willoughby State Forest might include unpaved or rough dirt segments, so consider your tire choice. The best time to visit is typically during warmer months when roads are clear of snow and ice, allowing you to fully enjoy the stunning lake views and forested areas.

Trail details