Vermont’s Northeast Kingdom ranks high on the most picturesque areas of Vermont from the beauty of Lake Willoughby in Westmore to the historic town of Peacham and the depth of the granite quarries in Barre.

These unique and iconic views are loved by locals and tourists.

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This is part of a new USA TODAY network project showcasing breathtaking — and perhaps, underappreciated — views throughout the United States. These are some of the most beautiful landmarks, scenic vistas and hidden gems you can truly treasure in your area.

All of our picks for the treasured views of Vermont can be explored through hikes and a variety of outdoor experiences including sunsets and stargazing.

Lake Willoughby in the Green Mountains of Vermont

Experience the beauty of the outdoors in Vermont’s deepest lake between mounts Pisgah and Hor in northeastern Vermont — 30 minutes from the Canadian border. The 5-mile-long lake is 328 feet deep and was carved out by glaciers. The lake has two beaches, both free, but visitors should know that the beach on the south side of the lake has a nude beach as well. Those who want to fish can likely catch lake trout and salmon. Lake Willoughby also has a biking trail network around it.

The lake is located in Westmore, Vermont, which is home to less than 400 people according to the 2020 census. While there are no hotels in the immediate area there are cabins and camping areas and many places rent on Airbnb and Vrbo.

Vermont’s Granite Quarries in Barre

Vermont’s granite quarries have been operating for hundreds of years, and while some are now abandoned, others, like Rock of Ages, are still operating. Unfortunately, Rock of Ages closed its visitor center and won’t allow tours in 2025 due to changes in the business operations. But that doesn’t mean you can’t see the work, the impressive and stunning views of the granite quarries.

Millstone Hills Grand Lookout: Hike, bike or run up through the Millstone Trails network to see some of the impressive views of the granite stone quarries. The Barre Town Forest trail provides views of the historic quarries, the city of Barre and Camel’s Hump and Mount Mansfield. If you are taking the trails by foot use of the trails is free, but those who want to use the mountain bike trails the there is $10 day pass which you can purchase through the Millstone Trails Association.

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Vermont Granite Museum: The museum was built in the former Jones Brothers Manufacturing plant and has a “mission is to create stimulating, interactive environments for learning about the geology, technology, history, and art of Vermont’s unique granite heritage art, industry, capabilities and cultural heritage,” according to the website. It is open May 1 – Oct. 31 from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Tuesday – Saturday. Tickets are $12 for adults, $10 for seniors and veterans, $6 for children, or $30 for families.

Hope Cemetery: This cemetery in Barre opened in 1899, and many of the gravestones reflect the artistic stonework associated with the area. The 85-acre site has more than 10,000 monuments made Barre granite.

Historic Peacham: ‘Most photographed town in New England’

Peacham village, Vermont, is a historic and picturesque small town in the southern tier of Vermont’s Northeast Kingdom. The town is known for its views of New Hampshire’s White Mountains. The town, which was established in the 1700s, has four landmarks on the National Register of Historic Places – Elkins Tavern (oldest structure); New Discovery State Park; the entire Peacham Corner Historic District and the Josiah and Lydia Shedd Farmstead.

Hikes with panoramic vista views and bogs: There are numerous trails and paths to explore in Peacham, which are part of the Groton State Forest. The forest is 26,000 acres and includes Peacham Bog Natural Area, which, according to the state, is one of the largest bogs in Vermont. Here are a few of this hikes in this state park system: Little Deer Trial, a half-mile one-way moderate hike, which will is describe as woodland and views; Big Deer Mountain Trail, a nine-tenths of a mile one-way moderate hike will take you about 45 minutes to hike and is also described as woodland and views; Peacham Bog Trail, a 4.5-mile loop that is considered moderate and would take 3.5 hours to hike in a mix of woodland and bog views; Peacham Bog Nordic Trail, a 5-mile one-way hike that is also considered moderate and will take 1.5 hours.

Peacham Corner Historic District: This quintessential New England town is the perfect place for a walk and a picture. There is the iconic white Congregational Church, built in 1794, and the well-preserved 19th-century buildings. You can shop at businesses like the Peacham Corner Guild, which showcases art, vintage items, food, and antiques, made by its members and is open from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Friday to Sunday this summer.

Annual Town Events: The town holds an annual winter carnival, a Fourth of July celebration, the Peacham Fall Fondo (a 50-mile cycling event) and a Fall Foliage Day. The 2025 Peacham Fall Fondo will be held on Sept. 27 and more information can be found on the website https://www.peachamfallfondo.com/. The dates for the 2025 fall foliage festival have not be released.

Where to stay in Peacham: There are no hotels in Peacham; several short-term rentals are listed on Airbnb and Vrbo. For hotels, motels or inns, visitors will have to travel to St. Johnsbury, Woodsville, or Barnet.

St. Johnsbury is about 25 minutes from Peachum (about 15 miles), and Montpelier is about 45 minutes (25 miles).

This article originally appeared on Burlington Free Press: Best scenic views in Vermont: Our top picks make fun daytrips

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