QUICK TRAIL FACTS
- Preserve Size: N/A
- Trail Mileage: 1.1 mile one way
- Pets: yes
- Difficulty: moderate
- Sights: Views
By Sam Shirley
Located near the center of West Paris, Berry Ledge has similar topography to other small peaks in the Oxford Hills with a large cliff face on its south slope and a more gradual north slope. Starting from the now closed Agnes Gray Elementary School, a lightly used yellow-blazed trail takes a circuitous, but gradual and easy route to the summit. The trail sees minimal maintenance and may have areas of blowdowns or light overgrowth, but it is generally clear and is still an attractive route. Because of this, a GPS track is recommended for first time hikers.
Behind the old school is a footbridge marking the start of the trail. Beyond the footbridge, avoid the numerous blue blazes and watch for more faded yellow blazes which will soon appear on the right. Following these blazes the trail makes its way uphill to the right. It winds its way through a mostly flat area, before reaching transmission lines at 0.25 mile from the school. The trail angles uphill as it crosses the transmission line clearing, and the spot where it enters the woods on the other side may be difficult to spot. Soon, the trail begins to climb, first gradually and then moderately, as it reaches an old woods road leading uphill.
At 0.5 mile, the trail turn left onto a wide and well established skid trail. The cliffs of Berry Ledge are visible directly overhead at this point. The trail follows this skid trail as it ascends to a recently logged area. It follows the grassy trail through this area and joins an ATV/snowmobile trail before turning right onto a wide track at 0.8 mile.
The trail soon flattens as it reaches the broad summit and splits into a turnaround loop. At the far end of the loop is a short spur trail descending to the top of the cliffs at 1 mile. From the top of the cliffs, there are good views to the south, including downtown West Paris, Streaked Mountain, and Shaw Ledge with its large communications tower.
Directions: Parking for the trail is located at the old Agnes Gray Elementary School in the center of West Paris on Route 219. The school is 0.8 mile west of the junction with Route 26 and 4.7 miles east of the end of Route 219 in Greenwood City.
