QUICK TRAIL FACTS
- Preserve Size: N/A
- Trail Mileage: 3.6 miles one way
- Pets: yes
- Difficulty: moderate
- Sights: views, snowmobile trails
By Sam Shirley
Located on the east side of Dixfield, Colonel Holman Mountain (~1,800 feet) has a network of ATV trails, snowmobile trails, and logging roads on and around it. Below, I recommend the best approach up the mountain on foot. Although the route passes through a number of intersections, it is not a difficult to follow and many intersections have signs pointing the way to the summit viewpoint.
Starting from the end of the maintained portion of Rollins Ridge Road, follow the discontinued road into the woods. At the first split, where an old foundation can be seen on the left, bear right onto a slightly more minor road. This old road follows a mostly straight route to an intersection with a logging road at a yellow gate. Turn right onto this road. The road heads west, going up and down some minor hills and crossing under a powerline, before turning north and passing an intersection with another old logging road.
Upon reaching a plateau, near the outlet of a beaver pond, another intersection is reached with a snowmobile trail. Stay right here to continue to the summit. Above this point, the trail gets wet and grassy in some sections during the summer months. After skirting the beaver wetland, the trail begins to climb more consistently and enters some nice sections of conifer forest along the ridge, shortly before the summit. The summit has limited views east and spectacular views north and west, as well as a windbreak structure.
Directions: From North Jay: Head west on Maine Highway 17 from the blinking light in North Jay. After 0.7 mile, turn left onto Morse Hill Road. The road eventually becomes Rollins Ridge Road and reaches the end of the maintained road 4.4 miles from Highway 17. In the winter, you may need to park at the town snowplow turnaround near Severy Hill Cemetery.
From East Dixfield: Head east on Maine Highway 17 from its intersection with U.S. Highway 2. After 0.9 mile, turn right onto Severy Hill Road. The road will climb a steep hill and reach Rollins Ridge Road at 2 miles from Highway 17. In 0.9 mile, you will reach the end of the maintained road. In the winter, you may need to park at the town snowplow turnaround near Severy Hill Cemetery.
