Western Maine - Old Speck Mountain
Old Speck Mountain (4,170') is located in western Maine, east of the Mahoosuc Notch area and just west of Grafton Notch. It's one of the New England 4000 footers and is crossed by the Appalachian Trail. We completed this hike on July 4, 2020.
From Grafton Notch, we followed the Old Speck Trail, which also doubles as the Appalachian Trail (you'd be heading southbound on the AT from the Grafton Notch Parking Area). The route up makes for a just under 4 mile ascent to the summit with 2850 feet of elevation gain along the way.
From the parking area, the trail climbs steadily and in places steeply, passing a trail junction with the Eyebrow Trail and ending 0.3 miles prior to the summit at the junction with the Mahoosuc Trail.
From the junction with the Mahoosuc Trail, you follow the Grafton Loop Trail for 0.3 miles to the 4170 foot summit of Old Speck.
The summit offers limited views from the ground, but there is a tower at the top that can be climbed and provides you with 360 degree views. Note that unlike most towers, the climb up is on a ladder and not steps. Moe made it up, but it was a bit much for Jeff!
We descended the same way we climbed up, but upon reaching the junction with the Eyebrow Trail, we decided to descend on the Eyebrow Trail. The guidebook had mentioned views along the way, and we wanted to check them out.
The Eyebrow Trail descends gently at first, along the edge of the large cliffs above Grafton Notch. From the top of these cliffs there are several stops along the way where you are treated to a fantastic view looking down into Grafton Notch.Once past the ledges, the trail begins to quickly descend (in some areas with rock bars and cables providing safe passage) before rejoining the Appalachian Trail just before the trailhead.
The ascent and descent is just a bit over 8 miles and there's approximately 2,850 feet of elevation gain. The trail is generally well maintained and lots of work has been put into the trails to offer safe passage. There are a few steep sections where rock bars and/or cables have been installed to help hikers. Those afraid of heights (Jeff included) might have a few challenges along the way.
You can find this hike:
From the parking area, the trail climbs steadily and in places steeply, passing a trail junction with the Eyebrow Trail and ending 0.3 miles prior to the summit at the junction with the Mahoosuc Trail.
From the junction with the Mahoosuc Trail, you follow the Grafton Loop Trail for 0.3 miles to the 4170 foot summit of Old Speck.
The summit offers limited views from the ground, but there is a tower at the top that can be climbed and provides you with 360 degree views. Note that unlike most towers, the climb up is on a ladder and not steps. Moe made it up, but it was a bit much for Jeff!
We descended the same way we climbed up, but upon reaching the junction with the Eyebrow Trail, we decided to descend on the Eyebrow Trail. The guidebook had mentioned views along the way, and we wanted to check them out.
The Eyebrow Trail descends gently at first, along the edge of the large cliffs above Grafton Notch. From the top of these cliffs there are several stops along the way where you are treated to a fantastic view looking down into Grafton Notch.Once past the ledges, the trail begins to quickly descend (in some areas with rock bars and cables providing safe passage) before rejoining the Appalachian Trail just before the trailhead.
The ascent and descent is just a bit over 8 miles and there's approximately 2,850 feet of elevation gain. The trail is generally well maintained and lots of work has been put into the trails to offer safe passage. There are a few steep sections where rock bars and/or cables have been installed to help hikers. Those afraid of heights (Jeff included) might have a few challenges along the way.
You can find this hike:
- On the AMC White Mountains Trail Map
- Described in the White Mountain Guide
- Described in the Maine Mountain Guide
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