Posted on July 6, 2017 and last updated on March 02, 2024

Abbott Mountain, Shapleigh

QUICK TRAIL FACTS

  • Preserve Size: 5,617 acres
  • Trail Mileage: 1.3 miles one way
  • Pets: yes
  • Difficulty: moderate
  • Sights: views from open summit (1,063 ft.)

This is a wonderful hike up a 1,063-foot peak, although it’s un-blazed and it’s not easy to park close to the trail. The 1.3-mile (one way) trail is mostly in the 5,617-acre Vernon S. Walker Wildlife Refuge (the home to the great Knox Mountain, as well). Several old logging roads crisscross this tract, making it slightly confusing to find the summit. (They might make for great skiing though.)

To summit this little mountain, your best bet is to park at the point where Owls Nest Road and Pitts Road meet. Owls Nest Road at this junction becomes un-passable for cars. Turn up Pitts Road and walk about a quarter mile, past a couple of homes. After the last home, the road becomes more of a track. Keep following the track (old Pitts Road) for approximately a quarter a mile. At this point, you’ll see an even more deteriorated stony track heading off to the left. Take this for a little more than half a mile. When the woods open a bit and you see ledges on your left, start climbing up. You’ll scramble up ledge and loose stone for a little under a half mile, coming to some lovely views before reaching the summit, which is marked with a cairn. There are some trails heading off the backside to less spectacular views.

Franklin Sites has some good info about the hike.

Additionally, you can do a longer loop that includes Sugarloaf Mountain. I plan to do this someday!

Directions: Make your way to Owl’s Nest Road in Shapleigh. Continue as the road turns to dirt. Park at the point Owls Nest becomes impassable, where it meets Pitts Road. Walk up Pitts Road, past the last driveway and into the woods.

 

Let me know if you have any trail updates or corrections!