Sentinel Rock State Park
Vermont’s Glacial Erratic Viewpoint — Accessible Trail to Sentinel Rock, Lake Willoughby Views, Historic Homestead, Interpretive Signs & Family-Friendly Hiking in Westmore
Sentinel Rock State Park is an undeveloped state park in Westmore, Orleans County, Vermont, approximately 1.5 miles northeast of Lake Willoughby. The park features an accessible trail (0.08 miles) to the namesake Sentinel Rock glacial erratic, views from a grassy knoll, additional forest trails to a historic homestead, interpretive signs on geology and history, an accessible picnic table, and family-friendly hiking.
Sentinel Rock State Park preserves a remarkable glacial erratic — the massive Sentinel Rock — deposited by retreating glaciers thousands of years ago. The park is small but rewarding, with a 0.08-mile accessible trail (4+ feet wide, packed gravel/stonedust surface) leading from the easternmost parking area to the rock and a grassy knoll with views of the surrounding landscape. Additional trails connect to the site of an old homestead and loop through regenerating woodland and open fields. Interpretive signs explain the geology of the glacial erratic and the history of the farm homestead. The park is located off Hinton Hill Road in Westmore, with three designated parking areas along the road. Lake Willoughby — one of Vermont’s most dramatic glacial lakes — is just 1.5 miles southwest.
Things to Do
Accessible Trail & Sentinel Rock
- 0.08-mile accessible trail (packed gravel/stonedust, 4+ ft wide)
- Sentinel Rock glacial erratic — geological highlight
- Grassy knoll viewpoint
- Accessible picnic table
Forest Trails
- Additional trails through fields and woodland
- Historic homestead site
- Interpretive signs — geology and history
- Easy, family-friendly difficulty
Winter Activities
- Snowshoeing
- Winter walking
- Parking NOT plowed in winter
Park Information
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Type | Undeveloped — accessible day-use |
| Location | Westmore, Orleans County, VT — 1.5 mi NE of Lake Willoughby |
| Access | Hinton Hill Road off VT-5A |
| Parking | 3 designated areas on Hinton Hill Road (NOT plowed in winter) |
| Accessible Trail | 0.08 mi — packed gravel/stonedust, 4+ ft wide |
| Feature | Sentinel Rock glacial erratic |
| Interpretive | Signs on geology and homestead history |
| Picnic | Accessible picnic table |
| Restrooms | NONE |
| Camping | NOT available |
| Fees | FREE |
| Permits | Required for special events (weddings, group tours) |
| Nearby | Lake Willoughby (1.5 mi SW) |
Best Time to Visit
| Season | Highlights | Considerations |
|---|---|---|
| Summer (Jun–Aug) | ⭐ BEST: Full access; combine with Lake Willoughby swim; wildflowers; long days; family-friendly | Bugs near fields; bring water — no facilities; sunscreen |
| Fall (Sep–Oct) | Northeast Kingdom foliage; stunning views from knoll; photography; cool air | Shorter days; verify parking access; cool mornings |
| Spring (Apr–May) | Green-up; birding; wildflowers; muddy but quiet; new growth | Muddy trails; black flies; parking may be soft |
| Winter (Nov–Mar) | Snowshoeing; rock in snow; winter solitude; stark beauty | Parking NOT plowed; walk-in only; cold; very short days |
Visitor Tips
- Accessible trail: The 0.08-mile trail to Sentinel Rock is wheelchair-accessible with a packed gravel/stonedust surface — a rare feature in Vermont’s undeveloped parks.
- Lake Willoughby: Combine with a visit to Lake Willoughby — one of Vermont’s deepest and most dramatic glacial lakes, just 1.5 miles southwest.
- Finding the park: Turn east off VT-5A onto Hinton Hill Road. Three parking areas are located on the left side between 1.5 and 2 miles from VT-5A.
- Winter: Parking areas are NOT plowed — plan for walk-in access during winter months.
- Special events: Permits are required for weddings, group tours, or special events — contact the Vermont Department of Forests, Parks and Recreation (Barre District Office).
- Interpretive signs: Take time to read the geology and history signs — they explain how the glacial erratic was deposited and the story of the old homestead.
Frequently Asked Questions
Wildlife & Nature
Sentinel Rock SP — preserves forest and rocky outcrops in Central Vermont. The park’s mixed forest, streams, and rocky ledge support black bears, white-tailed deer, and pileated woodpeckers. Red efts cross the trails after rain.
Nearby Attractions
Westmore area — surrounding.
What is Sentinel Rock State Park in Vermont?
Sentinel Rock State Park is an undeveloped state park in Westmore, Orleans County, Vermont, about 1.5 miles northeast of Lake Willoughby. The park features a massive glacial erratic called Sentinel Rock, accessible via a 0.08-mile wheelchair-accessible trail with packed gravel surface. Additional forest trails lead to a historic homestead site with interpretive signs. An accessible picnic table is located near the rock. The park is free with three parking areas on Hinton Hill Road off VT-5A. There are no restrooms or water. Parking is not plowed in winter. Combine with a visit to Lake Willoughby for a full day in Vermont’s Northeast Kingdom.
Last updated: May 2026
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