East and West Royce Mountains

Map legend: Purple trails, East and West Royce. Blue trails, Blueberry Mountain and Rattlesnake Pool loop. Pinks trails, Speckled Mountain (western side). Yellow trails, Shell Pond loop.

East Royce Mountain (3,114 ft) offers many pretty views, but but be prepared for steep trails. My recommended way up is the relatively short East Royce Trail, which brings you by a series of cascades to the rocky summit with views. Other possible ways to summit this mountain include the 1.1-mile Laughing Lion Trail (very steep), or the more gradual but still demanding Royce Trail, which approaches from the south. These trails link to miles of trails over the border on the New Hampshire side of the White Mountain National Forest. If you have the time and the gear, keep going!

I recommend getting a copy of the Appalachian Mountain Club’s Maine Mountain Guide for a great map of this area!

Sam Shirley offers more details about the mountain’s trails:

East Royce Trail, 1.5 miles to summit, elevation gain 1,650 ft: This trail leaves Route 113 near the height of land in Evans Notch and is the most popular of trails on the Royces. It climbs relatively steeply out of the notch, following the infantile Cold River. This section of trail has many nice cascades along it, although they can be just a trickle later in the summer. After 0.9 mile, the trail reaches the junction with the Royce Connector and swings north. It makes a steep climb up the southeast side of East Royce and reaches an expansive southern-facing viewpoint at 1.2 miles from the trailhead. This is the official end of the trail. Beyond the viewpoint, a well established herd path continues north towards the wooded summit of East Royce. It passes through mixed woodland and rock ledge as it crosses the relatively indistinguishable summit. Beyond the summit, the herd path reach an excellent viewpoint north, where a radio repeater is located. This is considered by many to be the best viewpoint on the two Royces.

Royce Trail, 3.4 miles to East Royce summit, +2,500 ft elevation gain: This somewhat longer approach to the Royces from the south leaves from the Brickett Place Trailhead (parking fee required) near the Maine/NH border on Route 113. It begins as a rather gentle trail, following the Cold River. This section of trail has three crossings of the river. These unbridged crossings can be challenging at times of high water. Above the third crossing, the trail becomes steeper as it follows the drainage of the Mad River. Along this section, it passes a viewpoint of Mad River Falls. Higher up, it passes the junction with the Laughing Lion Trail at 2.5 miles, before climbing up a steep and eroded section to the junction with the Royce Connector at 2.7 miles. It then follows a contour, crossing the Maine/NH state line into the col between East and West Royce, where it meets the Burnt Mill Brook Trail at 3.2 miles. From this junction, the Royce Trail climbs a series of steep switchbacks up West Royce. The trail reaches the rugged summit ridge and passes a few viewpoints to the south and east shortly before the summit. The Royce Trail ends near the wooded summit at 3.8 miles, where it meets the Basin Rim Trail which leads further into New Hampshire. Just past this trail junction is a faint herd path leading right to the true summit and the footing from the mountain’s former fire tower.

Laughing Lion Trail, 1.1 miles, 950 ft. elevation gain (about 2 miles to East Royce summit): This lesser used trail is named after a rock formation on the cliff of East Royce above the trail. It begins from a trailhead just south of the height of land on Route 113 and makes a short, but steep climb to the Royce Trail. It starts by dropping steeply to the Cold River at the floor of Evans Notch. This unbridged crossing is usually not an issue to cross, except at times of very high water. It then begins a very steep climb up the west side of Evans Notch. This section has some areas that usually have slippery leaves covering the trail. At 0.7 mile, the trail reaches a short spur to a good viewpoint south. At 1.1 miles from the trailhead, the Laughing Lion Trail ends at a junction with the Royce Trail.

Royce Connector: This relatively easy 0.2 mile-long trail connects the Royce Trail to the East Royce Trail. It makes a variety of approaches to each summit and loop options available.

Burnt Mill Brook Trail, 3.4 miles to East Royce summit (plus 2.7 miles): This lightly used trail is the only route providing access to the Royce Range from the north. The Wild River Road, providing access to the Burnt Mill Brook trailhead, has been closed to vehicles since 2023. As of 2026, the best way to access the Burnt Mill Brook Trail is by walking 2.7 miles down the Wild River Road from the Highwater Trailhead on Route 113. The Burnt Mill Brook Trail starts off at relatively easy grades, more or less following Burnt Mill Brook. The trail increases in steepness as it ascends, passing a variety of nice cascades along the way. Despite getting steeper near the top, it generally has a good footbed and never gets too eroded. At 2 miles from Wild River Road, the Burnt Mill Brook Trail ends at a junction with the Royce Trail.

Directions: The trailhead for East Royce is on the west side of Route 113. If you’re coming in from the north, from Route 2, travel 7.7 miles. If you’re coming up from the south, travel 21.9 miles from Route 302 in Fryeburg. The trailhead for Royce leaves from Brickett Place (10.6 miles from Route 2 in Gilead; 19 miles from Route 302). Laughing Lion Trailhead is in between these two trailheads.