QUICK TRAIL FACTS
- Preserve Size: 83 acres
- Trail Mileage: ~3.9 miles in network
- Pets: yes
- Difficulty: moderately challenging
- Sights: Views from open ledges
You can make a three-mile loop on the hilly woods of this lovely 83-acre town preserve to take in the three best viewpoints. While there are steep sections, they don’t last long, making this a moderately challenging hike with gratifying rest stops. The trails are well-blazed and easy to follow. Take a photo of the kiosk map at the trailhead to help guide your journey!
Starting at the trailhead and parking area, I recommend following the yellow Peaked Mountain trail steeply up to the little spur off the red-blazed Harriet’s Trail, which brings you to a bench with a view over South Pond and Buck’s and Lapham ledges. From this trail, you can rejoin the yellow trail to continue to the open ledges of Peaked Mountain (1,250 feet), with wonderful views of, I believe, Twitchell Pond, nestled among small hills to the south. Continue along the little loop and make your way back over to the orange-blazed Ring Hill Trail. You’ll climb a short ways to a ledgy opening on Ring Hill (1,095 feet) with a bench and view of Mt. Abram ski area.
According to the Portland Press Herald, Greenwood resident Maggie Ring donated this land to the town around 2005, with Mahoosuc Land Trust holding the conservation easement. Blaine Mills, a local resident and volunteer, created the system of trails.
Directions: From Route 26, turn onto Howe Hill Road, and then left onto Greenwood Road. The well-marked lot is 1.4 miles on the right, with room enough for several vehicles.
