Hikes & Nature Walks

Sunday River , Newry Maine:  8 hikes

• A- Maine Road 2.7 miles—Easy
  Start at South Ridge Lodge, passing the Magic Carpet lift and the North Peak Condominiums, or start at the base of the North Peak lift. Follow a work road to the base of Aurora Peak or Jordan Bowl.
  
  
• B- Lolapalooza 1.2 miles—Difficult
  Start at the Jordan Grand Hotel and follow the Lollapalooza ski trail to the top of Jordan Bowl for incredible views of the Mahoosuc Mountains and New Hampshire’s Presidential Range.
  
  
• C- Way Outback 1.0 miles—Easy
  Start at the Jordan Grand Hotel, taking Maine Road down the Lollapalooza ski trail. Just before reaching the base of the Jordan Bowl Express lift, turn left and follow a dirt road back to Monkey Brook Road and back up to the hotel.
  
  
• D- Sensation /Backside 0.4 miles—Moderate
  The Sensation ski trail provides the easiest access to the Peak Lodge on North Peak from the base of Aurora Peak. The Backside and Polaris ski trails create a loop from Sensation or the Peak Lodge.
  
  
• E- Three Mile /Jungle Road 2.0 miles—Moderate
  From the Peak Lodge on North Peak follow the Three Mile ski trail to the top of Barker Mountain. Optional extension on Jungle Road to Locke Mountain and Bim’s Whim to White Cap. Views from each summit.
  
  
• F- Roadrunner 1.4 miles—Moderate
  Start at South Ridge Lodge or Grand Summit Hotel and hike in either direction. From South Ridge follow a work road under the Chondola to Barker Lodge, then continue on Roadrunner ski trail to White Cap Lodge and up to the Summit Hotel.
  
  
• G- Ravine Trail 2.5 miles—Difficult
  Start at Grand Summit Hotel or from the Maine Road trail and hike in either direction. Follow signs along ski trails and through wooded sections exclusive to hikers.
  
  
• H- South Ridge Loop 0.4 miles—Easy
  Start at South Ridge Lodge and hike in either direction, starting up the work road under the Chondola or up the Maine Road hiking trail.
  
  
  See Map for reference.

Mount Will, Bethel Maine:  3.3 mile loop (2:30 hours)

Short, but steep.  The elevation gain is 750 feet with most of it occurring going up to the North Ledge. The trail ascends to open ledges with views of the Androscoggin River Valley and the village of Bethel. There are good views to the north, south and east. A number of descriptive signs on the North Ledges Section provide a guide for understanding the natural history of the area. The overall loop typically requires about 2 1/2 hours walking time. A shorter hike to the North Ledges only or to the South Cliffs only, would require about 1 1/2 hours walking time. The starting point is a parking area directly opposite the Bethel Recycling & Transfer Station. Taking Route 2 east from Bethel village; it’s 1.9 miles past the Riverside State Rest Area. The trail begins at a chained-off logging entrance on the northwest side of Route 2. See Map for reference.

Step Falls – Wight Brook Nature Preserve: 1/2 to 3/4 of a mile

This short hike is a favorite of locals -  a long series of steep cascades and chutes with a total drop of 135 feet. There is a short hike up the right side of the falls (Wight Brook), which tumbles down a series of boulders and step-like ledges.  Take along a bathing suit or cut-off jeans to slide and swim in the pools. Located approximately 8 miles north of Bethel off Route 26, look for a dirt road that crosses a small grassy area with parking under the pine trees.

The Eyebrow, Grafton Notch State Park, Maine: 2.1 miles (1 hr., 40 min.)
The Eyebrow is a conspicuous shoulder on the north flank of Old Speck, the third highest mountain in Maine.    From the trailhead parking lot, follow the white blazes south along the Appalachian Trail for about .1 mile to the junction of the Eyebrow Trail. Turn right onto the orange-blazed Eyebrow Trail. The trail passes through a stand of magnificent hardwoods, then ascends very steeply to the top of the Eyebrow Precipice, approximately 1,000 feet above the parking lot. The views are spectacular. Continue to follow the orange blazes to the junction of the white-blazed trail. Turn left and follow the white blazes back to the parking lot. There are nice views of Cascade Brook on the return trip.

Table Rock Loop, Grafton Notch State Park, Maine: 2.4 miles (1 hr., 45 min.)
From the trailhead parking lot, follow the white-blazed Appalachian Trail north, crossing Route 26. At .1 mile, turn right onto the orange-blazed Table Rock Trail. The trail ascends very steeply through hardwoods and boulder fields to a flat peak approximately 900 feet above the road. Views are extraordinary, including Old Speck, the Eyebrow, and Grafton Notch. Return via the blue blazes to the white-blazed Appalachian Trail. Turn left and follow the white blazes to the parking lot. The descent is gradual.

Old Speck Trail, Grafton Notch State Park, Maine: (One way) 3.9 miles (3 hrs., 25 min.)
The third highest peak in Maine (4180 feet). Offers several different ways to summit. The Old Speck summit trail off of route 26 is a 4-mile trail that is of moderate difficulty. A total elevation gain of 2,700 feet can make the trail difficult at times. Its trails are steep, rocky, and often slick. The rewards pay off at the top where an observation tower allows for 360 degree panoramic views of the Maine and New Hampshire country side. A great hike with a great view at the top.

From the trailhead parking lot, follow the white-blazed Appalachian Trail south. Pass the junctions of the Eyebrow Trail at .1 mile and 1.2 miles/1.9 km and continue on the trail ascending the scenic north ridge of Old Speck to the junction of Mahoosuc Trail and Summit Trail. Turn left and go .3 mile to Old Speck Summit.

Baldpate Mountain Trail, Andover, Maine – East Peak: 8 miles (5 hrs) round trip.
With expanses of windswept open rock ledges plus an unusual alpine bog with a variety of rare plants, Baldpate ranks among western Maine's tip-top experiences. The trail starts out with a beautiful 1/2 to 1 mile easy trek next to a series of Waterfalls. There are several picnic tables and excellent swimming holes along the way. After following the brook at a nice even pace for about 2 miles the trail suddenly deteriorates. There is considerable erosion and at times it is hard to tell the trail from crisscrossing dry brooks. Here the vertical gain starts, not too steep but steady. This part of the trail is not heavily hiked nor well maintained.  After 3 miles you reach the junction with the Dunn Brook trail. The Dunn brook trail is more heavily used and here the trail is easier to follow. You may also meet other hikers. Only 1 mile to the summit. As you ascend you start to have some boulders to crawl over. There are 3 small ladders (2 metal, 1 wood) tactically placed to assist you. You also start getting peeks of lovely vistas.

Travelers who want to see Mother Nature’s artwork, but don’t want to stray far from their vehicles, will want to stop at Screw Auger Falls, Moose Cave and Mother Walker Falls.

Screw Auger Falls is one of the narrowest gorges in Maine, at 10 feet wide and 23 feet deep. Large potholes and other scour structures are the result of eroding glacial meltwater. Shallow pools in the granite bedrock invite you to wade, but please supervise children closely.  From the parking area, walking paths lead to the unique gorge and to the picnic area.  Tables, including two shelter tables, grills, and benches are located along the Bear River.  Toilets are located here, as well. 

Mother Walker Falls
A bit farther north is Mother Walker Falls, a V-shaped gorge about 980 feet long and up to 43 feet deep, containing a series of cascades with a total drop of 98 feet. A short trail leads to the gorge from the parking lot. 

Moose Cave is a 45-foot deep slot in granite bedrock, formed in a fault zone. Within this 200-foot-long gorge is a length of huge boulders in the streambed. The river flows over, under and around the boulders, temporarily disappearing under a huge granite slab (the cave).  A quarter-mile looping trail includes packed surface, boardwalks and stairs, with some narrow places and steep slopes. The trail takes visitors through a “garden” of slow-growing mosses and lichens.

Spruce Meadow Picnic Area
In the north end of the park is Spruce Meadow Picnic Area. This unique area offers beautiful views of the Eyebrow, and Old Speck Mountain.  This site overlooks a marshy area where birds and wildlife abound. This often under-utilized part of the park offers the quiet and solitude of a backcountry escape with the ease of a short walk from the parking area. Numerous picnic tables and grills are located throughout this area, as well as potable water from a hand pump. Toilets are also located here.

Evans Notch - Evans Notch is probably the best-kept secret in the White Mountain National Forest. Though often overshadowed by better-known notches in New Hampshire, Evans has some of the finest hiking and most spectacular views throughout the region, and, during fall, is simply unsurpassed for sheer beauty. Hikes for all levels of expertise from 1 1/2 miles to 6 miles.  Check out the maps for these at the Evans Notch Ranger Station in Bethel or the Bethel Area Chamber of  Commerce.

Albany Mountain Trail – 4 Miles (3 hours)

This trail leads to the summit of Albany Mountain, a series of rocky openings with panoramic views. It’s a popular spot for blueberrying in the summer and offers great views of colorful foliage in the fall. Begin on the Albany Notch Trail, turning left onto the Albany Mountain Trail at 0.6 miles. At 0.9 miles from this junction, a connector trail leaves right, leading back to the Albany Notch Trail. Continue past this junction, ascending the north side of Albany Mountain as the trail begins crossing sections of open ledge and softwoods.

Basin Trail to Rim Junction – 4.6 Miles (2 hours)

Beginning at the Basin Pond parking area, follow the trail along the south side of the pond for 0.3 miles to an old logging road. Continue on the Basin Trail toward Rim Junction. At 1.0 mile a side trail leads left to Hermit Falls, a picturesque cascade. This side of the loop rejoins the Basin Trail at 1.2 miles. The trail crosses a wide brook and climbs steeply to the top of the cliff overlooking the Basin. At Rim Junction, follow the Basin Rim Trail 0.1 miles north to a short path out to the great views south and east.

Bickford Brook Trail – 4.1 miles (3 hours)

The trail leaves from the Brickett Place parking area. At 0.6 mile, you reach the junction of Blueberry Ridge Trail. The path to Bickford Slides is farther up the trail at 0.9 mile. The Bickford Brook Trail ascends gradually, crosses a brook, and climbs steeply through hardwood stands. At 2.8 miles you come to the Spruce Hill Trail, and is the quickest ascent or descent to Speckled Mountain and Rte. 113.  Blueberry Ridge Junction intersects at 3.5 miles, and the summit of Speckled appears at 4.1 miles. On a clear day hikers are rewarded with a magnificent view of the summits of East and West Royce and Caribou Mountains as well as the Carter, Mahoosuc, and Presidential Ranges

Blueberry Mountain Loop – 4.5 mile loop (3 hours)

A loop hike across Blueberry Mountain’s impressive ledges with a side trip to a beautiful flume and pool. This loop explores the southern end of the notch, just up the road from the AMC’s Cold River Camp, and is a great hike for first-time visitors to the area. 

East Royce Trail – 3 Miles  (2 hours)

The trailhead is on the west side of Route 113, just north of Evans Notch. The trail crosses Evans Brook, climbs steeply and crosses other small brooks in the first 0.5- mile. The trail reaches the junction of the Royce Connector Trail at 1.0 mile. Stay right on the East Royce Trail, coming to open ledges at 1.1 miles. At 1.4 miles there are southern views, then the trail turns right and climbs to the summit of East Royce Mountain. Continue 0.1 miles to a path turning right (north) to a large ledge with views to the north and west.

The Roost Loop - 1.8 Miles Round Trip (1 hour)

Short and sweet…an enjoyable jaunt to an excellent perch with commanding views across the Wild River valley. Leave the east side of Route 113 at the Evans Brook Bridge, north of Hastings Campground. Follow the trail up moderate to steep grades about 0.5 miles to an open ridge called the Roost. Follow the path down hill for a short distance to open ledges with excellent views of the Wild River Valley and many mountain peaks. From the Roost, continue south along a more gradual grade until the trail reaches Route 113 on the south side of Hastings Campground.

Wild River Loop Trail – Varies

Pick your pleasure on this scenic tour along the Wild River, with options for an easy out-and-back cruise, or an adventurous and challenging single-track ride. This scenic ride along the banks of the Wild River combines two radically different trails. The Highwater Trail is a rough-and-tumble, physically demanding single-track path, while the serene and gentle Wild River Road courses along easy grades suitable for all ability levels. Depending on your preference, choose one or the other, or combine the two (as described here) for a challenging loop ride.