During our ten years in New York City, Chris and I often sought escapes that offered both tranquility and adventure. Burke, Vermont, nestled in the state's Northeast Kingdom, became one of those cherished retreats. Our visits, spanning from the budding days of spring to the snow-laden depths of winter, revealed a town rich in natural beauty and understated charm. Whether we were hiking the Kingdom Trails, savoring a maple latte at Café Lotti, or skiing down Burke Mountain, Burke provided the perfect backdrop for reconnecting with nature and each other.
Best Things to Do in Burke, VT
Riding into stillness on Kingdom Trails
Riding into spring on the Kingdom Trails
The Kingdom Trails were waking up after winter—muddy in patches, pine-scented, alive with birdsong. We didn’t bring bikes this time, but we hiked along open stretches lined with maple and birch, watching mountain bikers weave joyfully through the switchbacks. I remember thinking, “This is what it looks like when people fall in love with where they live.”
What I Loved Most: Pausing on the Heaven’s Bench overlook, staring out over the sleepy ridgelines, feeling completely unhurried.
My highlights? Post-hike trail mix and a flask of tea on a sun-drenched boulder—simple, satisfying, sacred.
Plan your day trip:
- Trail Access: Start at Kingdom Trails Welcome Center
- Vibe: Adventurous, outdoorsy, community-powered
- Highlights: 100+ miles of trails for biking and walking
- Best Time to Visit: Late spring through fall; fall colors are exceptional
- Cost: Day pass ~$15 for bikers; hiking is free
- Hours: Dawn to dusk
- Address: 478 VT-114, East Burke, VT 05832
Climbing skyward on Mount Pisgah
We hiked Mount Pisgah on a crisp morning when the trail still held the memory of snow. The climb was steady, forested, and quiet—but when we reached the lookout over Lake Willoughby, the view stopped us cold. The lake stretched long and narrow like a flooded fjord, flanked by dramatic cliffs. I remember thinking, “This is what awe feels like—it doesn't need words.”
What I Loved Most: Sitting with our backs against a sun-warmed rock ledge, letting the view and the stillness soak in.
My highlights? Warm blueberry muffins and thermos coffee we’d packed from Café Lotti—crumbly, sweet, and perfectly earned.
Plan your day trip:
- Trailhead: North Trailhead parking off Route 5A
- Vibe: Majestic, peaceful, photogenic
- Highlights: South/North Lookouts, cliffs over Lake Willoughby
- Best Time to Visit: May–October for clear trail conditions
- Cost: Free
- Hours: Dawn to dusk
- Address: Mt Pisgah North Trailhead, W.more, VT 05860
Chasing snow and sky at Burke Mountain Resort
We came back to Burke a second time—deep in winter...to see the same mountains wrapped in snow. Burke Mountain Resort felt like Vermont’s best-kept ski secret: uncrowded, honest, and quietly thrilling. Chris and I rode the Mid-Burke Express in silence, watching snow swirl over evergreens and rooftops below. I remember thinking, “This place doesn’t try to impress—it just shows up as it is.” We spent the day carving long, winding trails and ended with hot drinks, wind-chapped cheeks, and legs that had earned every turn.
What I Loved Most: Pausing halfway down Willoughby Trail and seeing the entire lake frozen over below us—blue sky, white snow, absolute stillness.
My highlights? Après-ski chili and cornbread at Gap Pub in the Burke Mountain Hotel—warm, filling, and shared between smiles.
Plan your day trip:
- Drive Time from East Burke: 10 minutes up Mountain Rd
- Vibe: Low-key, snowy, satisfying
- Highlights: Alpine skiing, Nordic trails, scenic lift rides (seasonal)
- Best Time to Visit: December–March for skiing; summer for mountain biking and views
- Cost: Lift tickets ~$70–$90 adults (seasonal rates)
- Hours: 9 am–4 pm in winter season
- Address: 223 Sherburne Lodge Rd, East Burke, VT 05832
Waking up slow at Cafe Lotti
Café Lotti was our morning ritual—a warm, artful little place tucked into East Burke. Local artwork lined the walls, indie music floated through the air, and everyone inside seemed to know each other by name. Chris and I found a corner table and didn’t speak for ten minutes, just sipped and exhaled. I remember thinking, “This is the kind of calm you can taste.”
What I Loved Most: Watching skiers and bikers alike file in with muddy boots and wind-kissed cheeks—it felt like the town’s beating heart.
My highlights? Their maple latte with oat milk and a flaky ham-and-cheddar scone, fresh from the oven. Vermont in a cup and a pastry.
Plan your day trip:
- Drive Time from Burke Mountain: 5 minutes
- Vibe: Cozy, artistic, community-driven
- Highlights: Handcrafted drinks, fresh pastries, local art
- Best Time to Visit: Mornings for the freshest bakes
- Cost: $3–$10 per item
- Hours: 7 am–2 pm, closed Mondays
- Address: 603 VT-114, East Burke, VT 05832
Reflecting on glacier time at Lake Willoughby
Lake Willoughby didn’t feel real. As we pulled up, the cliffs of Mount Hor and Mount Pisgah rose like silent guardians over water still cold from winter. The lake shimmered blue-green and empty, save for a few loons. I remember thinking, “This place was carved by something ancient—and it’s still healing.”
What I Loved Most: Skipping stones from the north beach while spring fog lifted in slow ribbons off the surface.
My highlights? A simple picnic of Vermont cheddar, crusty bread, and a shared bottle of cider with the best view in the world.
Plan your day trip:
- Drive Time from Burke: 15–20 minutes via VT-5A
- Vibe: Serene, dramatic, sacred
- Highlights: North and South beaches, mountain reflections, quiet shoreline
- Best Time to Visit: Spring and fall for solitude; summer for swimming
- Cost: Free access
- Hours: Always open
- Address: Willoughby Lake Rd, Westmore, VT 05860
Driving into color on Darling Hill Road
Even though we visited in early spring, we imagined what Darling Hill Road would look like in peak foliage—and even without leaves, it was stunning. The ridgeline curves gently above East Burke, flanked by farms, barns, and open skies. As we cruised along with the windows down and soft music playing, I thought, “This is what driving should feel like—wide open and full of wonder.”
What I Loved Most: Pulling over near a lone sugarhouse to photograph the mountains in gold hour light.
Plan your day trip:
- Route: Begin in East Burke and head northwest along Darling Hill Rd
- Vibe: Pastoral, cinematic, peaceful
- Highlights: Sweeping views, farmsteads, colorful trees in fall
- Best Time to Visit: Late September to mid-October for peak foliage
- Cost: Free drive
- Hours: Anytime, best at sunrise or sunset
- Address: Darling Hill Rd, East Burke, VT 05832
Conclusion: Embracing the Serenity of Burke
Burke captivated us with its blend of rugged landscapes and gentle hospitality. Each visit offered a new perspective—be it the vibrant hues of Darling Hill Road in autumn or the serene expanse of Lake Willoughby in spring. The town's unassuming nature allowed us to slow down and appreciate the simple joys: a quiet hike, a warm meal, a shared laugh. As we left Burke, we carried with us not just memories of its scenic vistas but a renewed sense of connection—to nature, to each other, and to ourselves.
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