North Trail
Reaches Mount Pisgah (2,785 ft).
- Length
- 2.1 mi
- Climb
- 1,520 ft
- Time, one way
- about 1 h 50 min
- County
- Orleans
- Difficulty
- Strenuousestimated
- Surface
- ground
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About this trail
The North Trail climbs Mount Pisgah from a pull-off on the east side of Route 5A about halfway up Lake Willoughby. It passes a series of lookouts over the lake and the surrounding mountains before reaching the clifftop views at the summit. Trail Finder calls it the most scenic way up; combined with the South Trail it makes a traverse of the mountain, though that needs a car at each end or a walk along Route 5A.
Good to know
- The summit area is on top of sheer cliffs; stay on the trail and back from the edges.
- Willoughby is a high-use area, busiest on weekends from mid-morning to late afternoon.
Written by VTHiking from Vermont Trail Finder, Willoughby State Forest: Mount Pisgah, checked Oct 24, 2026. Distances in this text are the source's own; the figures above are measured from the mapped line and can differ.
Where to park
We haven't confirmed the fee at the lot below yet. Check posted signs when you arrive.
Walking distances follow the mapped trail network. They are not a route, they ignore slope, and they are not driving directions.
Elevation
Climb, time and difficulty are estimates worked out from the mapped line and USGS elevation data, not measurements or official ratings. Time assumes about 2.5 mph plus an hour per 1,500 ft climbed.
Management
- Network
- lwn
Other trails nearby
Trail geometry and attributes from OpenStreetMap contributors (ODbL). Elevation from USGS 3DEP. Lengths are computed from mapped geometry and are approximate. Safety disclaimer.