Back to all spots

Burke Mountain VHPA Launch

Forecast-ready spotNo ratings yetBe first
Sign in to saveSee ForecastReview this spotRequest ownership

Burke Mountain VHPA Launch

Spot Info

Spot Details

PPG friendly
Not marked
Authorization
Not marked
Club / contract
Required
Launch faces
NNW
Forecast point
Ready
Access notes
Burke is a VHPA-managed launch within Darling State Park and an operating ski area. It is eligible only when the ski area is fully closed for the season. Current USHPA and VHPA membership, the annual state waiver, and the applicable site introduction/mentor sign-off are required. Meet at 237 Pinkham Road (The Cutter). Walk or use the current paid scenic toll road after confirming it is open; parking is limited to the designated pull-off or summit lot, and all vehicles must leave before the sunset gate closure.
Site rules
  • Do not fly during ski season or while chairlifts or grooming operations are active; verify current resort operations before travel.
  • Maintain current USHPA and VHPA membership and the annual state waiver. P2/H2 are not allowed; follow the current P3 mentor/sign-off and first-time P4 introduction rules.
  • Pay the current toll-road fee when driving, never block the emergency access road, never park along the toll road, and remove all vehicles before the gate closes.
  • Use the primary LZ at 44.590656,-71.899978 after walking it. The soccer-field LZ at 44.592259,-71.907206 is allowed only when absolutely no human activity is present.
  • No tree removal, no unreserved camping, and preserve at least 75 feet above all lift cables.
  • Do not infer PPG permission. This row documents foot-launched PG only.
Launch directions
NNW
Direction notes
Official operating sector is approximately 325-355 degrees, with PG wind about 0 mph minimum, 5-8 mph ideal, and 12 mph maximum.
Safety notes
  • Crosswind launches are dangerous. Westerly flow increases turbulence; early and late katabatic flow can abruptly make the launch downwind.
  • Trees, a ski lift, and snowmaking equipment bound the takeoff. Inflate under control and fly straight away into clear air.
  • The primary LZ slopes north and is a thermal trigger with bushes and mountain-bike traffic. PG pilots commonly need a crabbed crosswind or side-hill final.
  • The soccer field is bounded by tall trees, power lines, and buildings and has a short crosswind final. It is prohibited whenever people occupy the field.
  • Both main LZ glides exceed 4:1. Leave the hill early if below launch height; older or porous wings have failed to reach the LZs, and the former bottom emergency field is no longer recommended.
  • Midday lift and sink can exceed 400 fpm; spring instability, overdevelopment, rotor, blowback, and miles of forest behind the ridge demand conservative margins.
Additional notes
Current managed Burke PG launch, replacing the approximate automated ParaglidingEarth coordinate with the club's exact point. Ski-season closure is a hard day-of eligibility condition, not discretionary prior authorization.
Map pin (exact launch)
Exact Upper Warren's Way launch coordinate published in the current VHPA Burke guide.
Official website
https://vhga.aero/flying-sites/burke-mountain/

Reviews

Pilot Experiences

See who rated this spot and which field-condition bubbles pilots selected.

No ratings yetBe first
Review This Spot
No reviews are visible yet. Share the first rating or field note for this spot.

Spot Group

Posting unlocks with an account

You can draft here and preview the composer. Create a Free Account when you are ready to share a post, upload media, or log a flight update. Create Free Account.

No group posts from this spot yet.

Airspace status