Mount Pisgah Trail
Cliff-edge overlooks reveal Lake Willoughby’s glacial depth, with lake willoughby below and cliff overlook shaping the visit
Artwork inspired by Ogden Pleissner
Cliff-edge overlooks reveal Lake Willoughby’s glacial depth, with lake willoughby below and cliff overlook shaping the visit North and South trails climb steeply through forest to overlooks high above one of Vermont’s deepest lakes, with views across the Northeast Kingdom. The trail’s power comes from vertical relationship rather than summit height: water, road, cliff, and opposing Mount Hor align below.
Choose the better trailhead for your route, visit only established overlooks, and budget careful descent time on roots and rock. Cliff edges are fatal, peregrine closures may affect areas, and wet or icy tread greatly increases risk. Keep dogs and children close. One secure overlook is more valuable than approaching an unprotected edge.
- Mountain
- Mount Pisgah
- Lake
- Willoughby
- Feature
- Cliff overlooks
Quick guide
- Choose north or south
- The approaches differ in length and logistics.
- Climb steadily
- Roots and rock make the grade feel sustained.
Know before you go
- Choose north or south
- The approaches differ in length and logistics.
- Climb steadily
- Roots and rock make the grade feel sustained.
- Use established overlooks
- Cliff edges offer no margin for error.
- Protect nesting birds
- Honor seasonal closures and quiet zones.
Good to know
Cliff edges are fatal, peregrine closures may affect areas, and wet or icy tread greatly increases risk. Keep dogs and children close.
Notice these
- Lake Willoughby below
- cliff overlook
- Mount Hor opposite