Posted on May 17, 2019 and last updated on June 12, 2024

McCoy-Chapman Forest, Bethel

QUICK TRAIL FACTS

  • Preserve Size: 500 acres
  • Trail Mileage: 5.7 miles in network (and growing!)
  • Pets: yes
  • Difficulty: easy to moderate
  • Sights: views, Chapman Brook

From the trailhead on North Road, you can hike approximately 2.3 miles to a highpoint on the land with a lovely view from an open clearing. The ascent is gradual, and the path is well marked. You can also follow a roughly 1.5-mile pathway up the brook, checking out cascades, small gorges, and pools along the way. Though it starts out flat and easy (and really delightful), it’s a continual uphill walk, so be ready! The path ended at a sign in September, 2021, saying, “End of Trail (For Now!).”

Mahoosuc Land Trust protects this 493-acre forest, and is working with others to conserve a huge amount of land in the nearby vicinity and create a linked trail network.

If you prefer to walk in the forest adjacent to the Androscoggin River, you can cross the road and make a 1.1-mile loop on the Esker Trail. Part of the trail takes you along the esker ridge — and as far as eskers go, it’s quite dramatic — high and narrow. The riverside portion of the trail offers views through trees of the river. 

Directions: From the intersection of Route 2 and North Road, drive about 5.25 miles. The trailhead is a little under a mile after you pass the Crocker Pond House. There will a large parking area and trail head kiosk on your right.

One comment to “McCoy-Chapman Forest, Bethel”
One comment to “McCoy-Chapman Forest, Bethel”
  1. Hi, Thank you for including the McCoy-Chapman Forest trail in MainebyFoot. I can send you an updated map if you can send me your email address.

    I am not sure about the reference to “orange ribbons”–he official makers are blue plastic arrows on grade stakes.

    We hope to add some additional trail mileage in 2019, including a loop along the Androscoggin River, and a trail that will run parallel to Chapman Brook.

    Note the correct spelling is “Mahoosuc”.

    Thanks!

Let me know if you have any trail updates or corrections!

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