QUICK TRAIL FACTS
- Preserve Size: 295 acres (and growing)
- Trail Mileage: 0.6 miles one way
- Pets: yes
- Difficulty: challenging
- Sights: Chalk Pond, views, open ledge
By Sam Shirley
Flint Mountain (1,330 feet), part of Mahoosuc Land Trust’s Flint Mountain Wildlands, is a short, punchy hike to open ledge with good views.
The Rapa Nui Trail is currently the only official trail in the preserve and was still being constructed when we visited — though there was a good-sized parking area and a nice kiosk. (I would love to know how the Rapa Nui Trail got its name…)
After climbing the lower slopes of the mountain, the trail tackles the steep ascent to the view ledge with a series of switchbacks, stone steps, and wooden stairs (some of which were still under construction in November, 2024). This section can be treacherous with slippery leaves and loose rocks — or fun, based on how you look at it! At the end of the trail, there is a good lookout south over Chalk Pond.
In addition to the Rapa Nui Trail, there are two other old trails on the mountain marked with blue and red blazes. These are part of an older trail network created by the landowner before the area was protected.
Directions: (From the land trust) From Bethel, follow ME-35/ME-5 south for 12 miles. Turn left onto ME-35S. After 0.9 miles, turn left onto Sawin Hill Road. Turn right onto Dresser School Road after 2.3 miles. The parking lot and MLT kiosk are on the left in the first 0.2 miles. Winter parking is available on the Sawin Hill roadside near the Dresser School Rd intersection. NOTE: Dresser School Rd and Sawin Hill Road are not through roads. Do not follow Google Map directions from Hunts Corner Road.
