Orleans County: Lakes, Forests and Unusual Culture

A glacial lake, forest trails and a barn full of puppets reveal the variety of Orleans County. Outdoor activities include swimming, hiking and winter sports, alongside historic routes and scenic viewpoints; museums, theaters and a regional market add their own highlights. The experiences you choose to focus on can also help you select the right location for your vacation rental.

Lakes, Forests and Trails

Lake Willoughby is five miles long and was formed by glaciers. At its deepest point, it measures 328 feet. At the north end, there is a free public beach for sunbathing and swimming; local seasonal rules apply. If you make the lake a focus of your trip, you’ll find a clear contrast here with the region’s forested trails and historic sites.

Willoughby State Forest is suitable for backcountry camping, cross-country skiing and snowshoeing. These activities are subject to state land regulations. The grounds at Hazen’s Notch State Park mark the end of the Hazen Military Road, built in 1779; the Long Trail also passes through sections of the park. A historic road route and a modern long-distance hiking trail meet here, though they are not the same route.

Jay State Forest covers 8,242 acres in Jay, Montgomery, Richford and Westfield. It offers downhill skiing in both developed and backcountry terrain. The forest includes nine miles of the Long Trail, including its northern terminus at Journey’s End. Sentinel Rock State Park is in Westmore, covers 356 acres and offers sweeping views of Westmore and the Green Mountains. Trails start at the park’s historic homestead and lead through meadows and forest to the rock.

For day access to the Craftsbury Outdoor Center trail network, you can hike, mountain bike or ski; access and trail conditions vary by season. Willoughby Falls Wildlife Management Area is open for regulated hunting and trapping, fishing, hiking and wildlife observation. With these different options, it makes sense to decide first whether the lake, forest trails or a particular outdoor activity is your priority when planning your trip.

Puppets, Museums and History

In Glover, Bread & Puppet Theater has staged circuses and pageants since 1975; performances take place from June through October. Bread & Puppet Farm includes a 140-year-old barn that has been converted into a puppet museum. The puppets are spread across two floors, with particularly large figures on the second floor. The theater and museum offer two different ways to experience the puppets: through performances and through the figures on display.

The Museum of Everyday Life turns its attention to ordinary things. Its exhibition topics include pencils, safety pins, mirrors, toothbrushes, matches, locks, keys, scissors and dust. It is a self-service museum open daily from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m.; check the hours before your visit. Another kind of historical curiosity is the Haskell Free Library & Opera House: founded in 1901, it spans Canada and the United States and houses a theater.

The Orleans County Historical Society cares for the museum collections and Brownington’s Historic District and interprets the county’s history. Those interested in the region’s past can connect this institutional perspective with traces of the Hazen Military Road and the cross-border Haskell Free Library & Opera House, while keeping in mind that these places do not tell the same story.

Seasonal Experiences and Trip Planning

Jay Peak also offers a range of options: the resort is open year-round and has a year-round indoor water park, an ice arena, a recreation center and a golf course; skiing and snowboarding are also available. Hikes range from easy and family-friendly to challenging. Access and trail conditions can vary by season, and resort offerings may change. Check current conditions before your visit.

At the Newport Farmers Market, an outdoor market, you’ll find regional produce and local crafts. Operating dates and schedules may vary by season. The Orleans County Fair Association plans three annual events at Roaring Brook Park: the Orleans County Fair and celebrations for Memorial Day and Independence Day. It’s worth checking the current event calendar for these dates.

When choosing a vacation rental, it can help to weigh the experiences you’re interested in: if water and the beach are your priority, the seasonal rules at Lake Willoughby are relevant; for theater performances, the June-to-October season matters. If you’re planning more around hiking, skiing or museum visits, you can use these interests to help guide your choice of location. Jay and Westmore are also part of Orleans County: Jay, Westmore.

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Discover more destinations: Franklin County, Caledonia, Rutland County, Essex County, Washington, Addison County.

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