Mount Pisgah via South Trail
Dramatic cliff-edge views over Lake Willoughby's fjord-like basin.
- Difficulty
- Moderate
- Length
- 4.4 mi
- Elevation Gain
- 1,450 ft
- Duration
- 2–4
- Best Season
- May–Oct
- Permit
- Not required
- Dogs
- Allowed
- Features
- Lake views, Cliff overlooks
About the trail
Mount Pisgah rises 1,500 feet directly above Lake Willoughby, one of the deepest lakes in New England and often compared to a Norwegian fjord. The South Trail climbs through hardwoods to a series of cliff-top overlooks — Pulpit Rock, North Overlook, and the summit ledges — each with sheer drops to the lake below. The cliffs host one of Vermont's most active peregrine falcon nesting sites.
Trailhead map & directions
Turn-by-turn route
- Park at the South Trail trailhead on Route 5A, 5.7 miles north of West Burke.
- Cross the boardwalk over the wetland.
- Climb steadily for 1.7 miles, branching right to Pulpit Rock for the classic view.
- Continue to the wooded summit and North Overlook.
- Return via the same route.
Parking
Small gravel pullout on Route 5A. Park tight — it fills on weekends in foliage season.
Tips from the trail
- Heed seasonal cliff closures (typically Mar–Aug) to protect peregrine nests.
- Peak foliage is the last week of September — go midweek to beat crowds.
- Combine with a swim at the Lake Willoughby beach below the cliffs.
More in Vermont
Camel's Hump via Burrows Trail
VTVermont's most distinctive summit and a fragile alpine ecosystem.
Mount Mansfield via Sunset Ridge
VTVermont's highest summit via the most scenic open-ridge route.
Camel's Hump via Burrows Trail
VTVermont's most distinctive summit and one of three peaks with true alpine tundra.