South Trail
Reaches Mount Pisgah (2,785 ft).
- Length
- 1.8 mi
- Climb
- 1,470 ft
- Time, one way
- about 1 h 40 min
- County
- Orleans
- Difficulty
- Strenuousestimated
- Surface
- ground
- Segments
- 3
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About this trail
The South Trail is the shortest and most gradual way up Mount Pisgah in Willoughby State Forest, starting from the lot on Route 5A just south of Lake Willoughby. About a mile up, Pulpit Rock gives a bird's-eye view straight down onto the lake. Below the summit, open ledges stand above Pisgah's cliffs. Trail Finder suggests it for families with small children, and the North Trail makes a traverse of the mountain possible.
Good to know
- The ledges at Pulpit Rock and near the top sit above high cliffs. Keep children and dogs back from the edge.
- It is extremely popular; avoid weekends between 9 am and 4 pm if you can.
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.