Precipice Trail
Champlain Mountain
Length: .9 miles from the Precipice Parking area to the Summit
Difficulty Rating: Strenuous
Caution: iron rungs and ladders comprise portion of trail
This trail is closed for portions of the spring and summer for the protection of nesting peregrine falcons. Please check with ANP to find out if the trail is open before planning your hike. The most strenuous and challenging route up Champlain Mountain, the Precipice is a destination for hikers seeking a challenge. The trail is incredibly steep with iron rungs and ladders affixed to the granite cliffs; thus hikers gain elevation rapidly. Because of the extreme difficulty of the trail, it is not recommended that people under 5 feet tall attempt this hike.
Hikers must pay special attention to their footing and hand-holds while climbing the ladders on this trail, but are rewarded by fantastic views upon reaching the summit. When hiking the Precipice, it’s far easier to ascend than descend. A good route for descent down Champlain is to follow the North Ridge down until it intersects with the open portion of the East Face trail, continuing down to the Park loop road. Then follow the loop road south back to the Precipice trail head parking area.
