Kingdom Games in Westmore, Vermont, throws down a challenge to the adventurous spirit willing to test itself in the Northeast Kingdom’s rugged landscape. This network of trails isn’t a stroll in the woods; it’s a call of the wild, winding through thick evergreens and past rocky outcrops that dare you to keep your footing. The hike covers approximately 7 miles with an elevation gain close to 1,200 feet, demanding a measured pace over uneven terrain threaded with roots and occasional loose stones.

Starting at the trailhead just off Lake Willoughby Road, you’ll enter a forest where towering pines and spruces lean in close, their needles whispering with the wind. The atmosphere sharpens here; the woods feel alive, almost deliberately testing your alertness. Streams crisscross under logs and stones, their currents nudging the air with fresh, cool moisture. These waterways don’t simply flow — they dare you to keep moving, pushing your resolve forward.

Midway through, the path climbs steeply, opening onto craggy slopes that catch brief sunbursts through the canopy, offering sweeping views of Lake Willoughby. The lake itself stretches far below like an untamed ribbon of blue, its surface shimmering with a restless energy. This vantage point rewards the effort, a practical reminder why each hard step is worth the perspective.

The return loop descends through mixed hardwood groves, where leaves crunch underfoot and the scent of damp earth intensifies. This section invites a slowed rhythm, a time to listen to the forest’s restless breath and spot local wildlife, from darting chipmunks to shadowy birds of prey that watch from lofty perches.

Preparation is key. Footwear with solid grip cuts through the slick moss and rubble; hydration demands a water bottle or pack, especially in warmer months. Starting early avoids afternoon storms common in Vermont’s unpredictable afternoons, while layering can tackle sudden shifts in temperature.

Kingdom Games isn’t about conquering nature but moving alongside it, respecting its power and unpredictability. It’s a space fiercely itself, where every twist in the path demands attention and every new vista offers a fresh, earned reward. For hikers ready to engage with a wild place, it delivers a practical adventure punctuated by moments that awaken your senses and sharpen your focus.

Whether you come for a casual hike or to push your trail limits, Kingdom Games is an accessible yet honest encounter with Vermont’s wild Northeast—a place where nature shapes your journey as much as you shape your steps.