Hiking in Mount Hor, Vermont: trails, map and practical info

Description

Mount Hor is one of those Vermont summits that rewards hikers with a view that feels completely out of proportion to the effort required. Tucked into the Northeast Kingdom — one of the most remote and least-developed corners of New England — this peak rises above Lake Willoughby, a glacially carved lake so dramatic it's often compared to the fjords of Norway. If you've never been to this part of Vermont, Mount Hor will make you wonder why it took you so long.

The Setting: Lake Willoughby and the Cliffs

Mount Hor sits on the western wall of the Willoughby Gap, directly across the water from Mount Pisgah. Together, these two peaks form a natural gateway that frames Lake Willoughby in a way that stops most first-time visitors in their tracks. The lake is long, narrow, and deep — carved out by glaciers thousands of years ago — and from the cliffs of Mount Hor, you're looking straight down its length with the Green Mountains rolling out beyond.

The cliffs on the eastern face of Mount Hor are the defining feature of this hike. They drop sharply toward the lake and give the mountain its distinctive profile when viewed from Route 5A along the shoreline. This is also what makes the summit viewpoint so striking — you're standing at the edge of a genuine cliff, with open air below you and an unobstructed panorama in front of you.

The Climb

The trail to Mount Hor's summit starts from the Herbert Hawkes Trail trailhead on the west side of the lake. The route climbs steadily through northern hardwood and boreal forest — a mix of yellow birch, sugar maple, balsam fir, and white spruce that's typical of the Northeast Kingdom's higher elevations. The forest here is dense and relatively undisturbed, and the trail has a raw, backcountry feel even though the summit isn't far.

As you gain elevation, the trail becomes rockier and the canopy opens up. There are a few short scrambles near the top where you'll want to use your hands, but nothing that requires technical climbing skills. The final approach to the cliff-edge viewpoint is the highlight — the trees thin out, the wind picks up, and suddenly you're standing on open rock with Lake Willoughby laid out below you.

The summit itself is wooded, but the cliff overlooks along the eastern face are where you'll want to spend your time. These open ledges offer the best views and are the natural stopping point for most hikers.

What You'll See from the Top

The view from Mount Hor's eastern cliffs is genuinely one of the best in Vermont. Lake Willoughby dominates the foreground, its dark water stretching south between the two peaks. Mount Pisgah rises directly across the gap, its own cliffs visible from this angle. On a clear day, you can see well into the surrounding hills and valleys of the Northeast Kingdom — a landscape of farms, forests, and small ponds that sees far fewer visitors than the more popular parts of Vermont.

This is also excellent raptor-watching territory. Peregrine falcons have historically nested on the cliffs of both Mount Hor and Mount Pisgah, and the updrafts along the cliff faces attract hawks during migration season. Keep your eyes on the thermals.

Willoughby State Forest

Mount Hor falls within Willoughby State Forest, managed by the Vermont Department of Forests, Parks and Recreation. The state forest protects the land around Lake Willoughby and maintains the trail network on both Mount Hor and Mount Pisgah. Access to the trails is free, and the area is open year-round, though conditions vary significantly by season.

The trailhead has limited parking, so arriving early on weekends — especially in fall foliage season — is a good idea. The Northeast Kingdom draws fewer crowds than southern Vermont, but Mount Hor and Mount Pisgah are well-known enough that the parking area can fill up on peak autumn weekends.

Practical Notes

• Trailhead: The Herbert Hawkes Trail begins on the west side of Lake Willoughby, accessible from Route 5A in Westmore, Vermont.
• Footing: The trail involves rocky sections and some scrambling near the summit. Sturdy footwear with ankle support is recommended.
• Cliff edges: The viewpoints are on open cliff edges with significant exposure. Stay back from the edge, especially with children or dogs.
• Dogs: Dogs are permitted on the trail but should be kept under control near the cliff overlooks.
• Water: There are no reliable water sources on the trail. Bring everything you need from the trailhead.
• Season: The trail is hikeable from late spring through late fall. Winter conditions require microspikes or snowshoes and experience with icy terrain — the rocky sections near the summit can be treacherous when frozen.
• Fees: No fee to access the trail.

Combining with Mount Pisgah

Many hikers who come to Lake Willoughby do both Mount Hor and Mount Pisgah on the same trip, either on the same day or on consecutive days. The two peaks offer complementary perspectives — from Mount Hor you look across at Pisgah, and vice versa — and together they give you a complete picture of the Willoughby Gap. If you're making the drive out to the Northeast Kingdom, it's worth planning for both.

Getting There

Mount Hor is located in Westmore, in Vermont's Orleans County. The Northeast Kingdom is a long drive from most population centers, but the region's isolation is a big part of its appeal. Route 5A runs along the eastern shore of Lake Willoughby and offers some of the most dramatic roadside scenery in Vermont — the view of the gap from the road is worth stopping for even before you start hiking.

The area around Lake Willoughby has very limited services, so fill up on gas and pick up any supplies before heading into Westmore.