Where Pilgrims Look Out: A Walk Across Burial Hill, Plymouth
A short, contemplative climb above Plymouth Harbor that blends Pilgrim history with coastal views.
The morning wind off Plymouth Harbor lifts the salt-scented fog from the water and threads it through a stand of old stones. You climb a short, stepped path and the town opens beneath you—slate roofs, church spires, the stubby silhouette of the Mayflower II floating at anchor. On Burial Hill the past is a physical presence: slate and granite markers arrayed like pages of a weathered book, their carved letters softened by lichen and centuries. Standing at the grassy crest, you face the harbor as the Pilgrims once did, and the view hums with history.
Trail Wisdom
Respect the stones
Stay on paths and don’t climb or sit on headstones—these are active and historic gravesites.
Footwear for uneven ground
Wear grippy shoes—stone steps and compacted soil can be slippery, especially after rain.
Time your visit
Aim for early morning for solitude and the best light for inscriptions and harbor views.
Pack light water
No services on the hill—bring a water bottle and a light wind layer for harbor breeze.
Local Knowledge
Hidden Gems
- •The small stone inscriptions along the northern edge with 18th-century motifs
- •A bench at the southwest corner that frames a classic view of the harbor and Pilgrim Monument
Wildlife
herring gull, gray squirrel
Conservation Note
Local historical societies oversee preservation efforts—visitors are asked to stay on paths and avoid touching fragile stones to minimize wear.
Burial Hill has been used as Plymouth’s principal cemetery since the 1600s and contains graves of early leaders such as Governor William Bradford and Captain Myles Standish.
Seasonal Guide
spring
Best for: budding foliage, fewer crowds, soft morning light
Challenges: muddy paths, variable weather
Spring brings green shoots and quieter paths; bring layers and expect damp ground after rains.
summer
Best for: long daylight, pairing with harbor activities, family outings
Challenges: crowds, sticky heat
Summer is lively and convenient for combining waterfront visits, but arrive early to avoid peak crowds.
fall
Best for: fall color, crisp air, dramatic light
Challenges: early sunset, cooler temperatures
Autumn is the most photogenic time—bring a warm layer for breezy summit conditions.
winter
Best for: quiet solitude, snow-dusted stones, clean light
Challenges: icy steps, limited town services
Winter offers stark, atmospheric views but requires caution on icy steps and cold winds off the harbor.
Photographer's Notes
What to Bring
Sturdy walking shoesEssential
Good traction for narrow stone steps and uneven cemetery paths.
Reusable water bottleEssential
No water fountains on the hill—stay hydrated during even short visits.
Windproof layer
A light jacket cuts the harbor breeze in cooler months.
Field notebook & pen
Handy for jotting inscriptions, dates, and observations about iconography.
Common Questions
Is Burial Hill free to visit?
Yes—Burial Hill is an open, public cemetery and there is no admission fee; visitors should observe rules and show respect for gravesites.
How long does a typical visit take?
Plan 20–60 minutes depending on how closely you inspect the stones and whether you combine the visit with the waterfront or local museums.
Are dogs allowed?
Dogs are allowed but must be leashed and owners should clean up after them; avoid letting dogs onto the stones or graves.
Can I photograph headstones?
Yes—photography is permitted for personal use, but please avoid using tripods that block paths or disturb other visitors, and don’t photograph if it intrudes on mourners' privacy.
Is Burial Hill accessible for wheelchairs?
Parts of the hill have stepped approaches and uneven ground which can be challenging; there is limited accessibility—contact local visitor services for the best route information.
What other historic sites are nearby?
Nearby are the Mayflower II, the Pilgrim Monument, and the Plimoth Patuxet Museums, all within a short walk or drive and offering broader historical context.
What to Pack
Sturdy shoes (for uneven steps), water bottle (no services), wind layer (harbor breeze), camera or notebook (record inscriptions)
Did You Know
Burial Hill contains the grave of William Bradford, a longtime governor of the Plymouth Colony, and has been used as a cemetery since the 17th century.
Quick Travel Tips
Arrive early for quiet, combine with a waterfront walk, respect cemetery rules, wear grippy shoes for stone steps
Local Flavor
Plymouth pairs maritime working-town culture with pilgrim-era tourism—grab a chowder or lobster roll at a nearby shack, then explore local museums that tell both colonial and Native stories.
Logistics Snapshot
Know-before-you-go: short uphill walk, no fee, modest steps, limited accessibility; best visited early for light and solitude; combine with nearby Mayflower II and Plimoth Patuxet.
Sustainability Note
Help protect fragile stones by staying on paths, not touching or leaning on gravestones, and minimizing group impact—local preservation depends on responsible visitation.