This is a busy trail system, especially on weekends between 9AM-4PM. Consider visiting outside of peak periods. Use Trail Finder to identify other nearby trails. If the parking lot is full when you arrive, please choose another trail.
Learn more about high use trail systems.
There are two overlooks near the summit: one offers a near view of the Passumpsic Valley and a distant view of the southern White Mountains, the other a near view of Bald Mountain and the northern White Mountains. From the overlooks north of the summit, there are partial views of the Green Mountains and Lake Memphremagog, with Lake Willoughby directly beneath.
North Trail: The North Trail leaves from halfway up Lake Willoughby and is the most scenic way to reach the summit. The trail climbs for 1.5 miles then comes to an intersection with the East Trail on the left, continue on straight to the summit. After another 0.4 miles, the trail reaches a number of scenic lookouts of Lake Willoughby and the surrounding mountains. From there it is another 0.3 miles to the summit, where there are more clifftop views of Willoughby and the mountains.
East (Long Pond) Trail: This trail departs from the northeast side of the mountain and is a mild, winding climb until with converges with the North Trail. Much of this section of trail (1.6 miles) follows open or existing logging roads and is located on private lands. At the intersection with the North Trail turn left for the summit, from there it is a moderate climb for another 0.7 miles to the summit. Along the way to the summit there are a number of beautiful lookouts over Willoughby and the surrounding mountains.
South Trail: This trail departs from the parking area south of the lake on VT-5A and climbs the southern side of Mount Pisgah. This is the shortest, most gradual way to the top of the mountain, so it is particularly good for families with small children. About a mile up the trail is Pulpit Rock which offers birds-eye views of Lake Willoughby. Before the summit, there is an open ledge area that stands above the cliffs and has fantastic views of the lake. At the summit, the South Trail connects to the North Trail, so hikers can continue on or turn around and head back.
For more information about the trails, visit the Northwoods Stewardship Center or the Vermont Department of Forests, Parks, and Recreation online or contact:
Westmore Trails Committee
North Trail: From Barton, drive east on VT-16 N for 6.9 miles. Turn right onto VT-5A South and continue for 3.5 miles. Turn into the pull-off parking area on the east side of the road. The trailhead leaves from the east side of the pull-off.
East (Long Pond) Trail: From Barton, drive east on VT-16 N for 6.9 miles. Turn right onto VT-5A South and continue for 1.5 miles. Turn left onto Long Pond Road and continue for 1.7 miles and turn right onto a forest road. The parking lot is off the side of the forest road at the gate. The trailhead is off of the parking lot. This parking area is not plowed in the winter.
South Trail: From Barton, drive east on VT-16 N for 6.9 miles. Turn right onto VT-5A South and continue for 5.7 miles. Turn into the parking area on the left hand side of the road. The trailhead is off of the parking lot.
The hike up Mount Pisgah is extremely popular. Please prepare to share the trail with other visitors. If the parking lot is full, consider another hike. There are multiple hikes in Willoughby State Forest with similarly beautiful views to those on Mount Pisgah. Check them out here.
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