Eagle Rock, Greenville

Eagle Rock is an astonishing slab of rock that juts into the air at 2,367 feet. Its slanted, smooth slope is free of vegetation, so there are views in every direction from its narrow edge. (It is not dangerous or scary at all, although on a wet day the scramble up the rock side might be slippery).

The rock forms part of the long ridge of Big Moose Mountain, and can be accessed from two sides: from the Little Moose Public Reserved Land, or from the Burnham Pond Road. Just note: if you tackle it from the east, from Moore Bog Road, you’re looking at a 3.7-mile hike versus the other flank’s 1.5-mile hike!

Local people know the best route is the 1.5-mile quicker shoot up. But if you want a longer walk, by all means come at it from the south. This way only has one short, steep section—but lots of ups and downs that some hikers find wearying. On the plus side, it includes a 0.25-mile side trail to the high, open Raven’s Rock, with stunning south-facing views. You’ll arrive at this side trail at 2.5 miles. Definitely don’t skip it.

From Burnham Road, the trail starts moderately and gets steadily steeper. There is one short ladder to help hikers.

Directions: From downtown Greenville, drive 5 mils to North Road. Turn left into the Little Moose Public Lands, and drive 1.7 miles (past the trailhead for Big Moose Mountain). Continue straight when the road forks (Mountain Road is on the left). Drive another 2.1 miles, and go straight at the intersection. You’ll see a sign for for Eagle Rock here. Continue another 1.4 miles and you’ll see a large parking area and trailhead. The road, especially on the hills, can be quite eroded, and so a high-clearance vehicle is best.

From Burnham Pond, turn off Route 15 onto the dirt Burnham Pond Road. Follow it 3.5 miles to an intersection. Turn left here onto a narrower lane and continue 1.4 miles to the trailhead. There are places to pullover and park on the side of the road about 100 feet ahead of the actual trail.