Observatory Knob

History of Observatory Knob

In the late 1800s, a carriage road cut through the woods to a cleared summit (at 1,130 feet). It was a popular picnic spot on Sunday afternoons, with well over a hundred people gathering on nice days.

The Knob had once hosted an observatory, which is where its name comes from. After the first one was destroyed by winds in 1894, a second was built, only to meet the same fate in 1914. But the incredible views that inspired the observatories remain.

Photo: Observatory Knob Bicycle Club, 1896.

How Observatory Knob was saved for public use

The land and its informal trails had always been privately owned. When we heard the Knob was for sale, we worked with the St. Johnsbury community to raise the money needed to buy and conserve the land for permanent public recreation. It’s now owned by the town.

In addition to contributions from individuals, businesses, and the Town of St. Johnsbury, a grant was received from the Vermont Housing and Conservation Board. Resident and longtime neighbor of the property, David Brown, generously donated five acres that includes part of the trail system.

A beautiful hike awaits

The trails go through woodland and open fields.

The forest along the ridge is made up of mixed hardwood and softwood trees. Southeast of the Knob is a narrow wetland with plants like willow, bristly sedge, and ferns.

Expect the round-trip hike to take about an hour, though it can be done in less time.

Relax at the top and enjoy the views

There is a bench at the top, where you can catch your breath and admire the scenery.

Burke Mountain, as well as Mt. Pisgah and Mt. Hor, are clearly visible to the north. To the east is the presidential range of the White Mountains.

The bench was installed by longtime neighbor David Brown, who also added a mailbox near the bench with a logbook for hikers to make notes. Over the years, he’s saved these records of hikes well-rewarded.