Moody, Hall, and Wyman Mountains

By Sam Shirley

Moody Mountain, Hall Mountain, and Wyman Mountain all lie along the Appalachian Trail in the township of Andover North Surplus. Despite having multiple excellent viewpoints, they are not often visited by day hikers.

For anyone looking for an easier hike, Moody Mountain (2,450 feet) is worthwhile on its own, but these three peaks all offer great alternatives to the more popular summits in the region and offer unique viewpoints in a rugged and remote-feeling area. If you do the trio, the total mileage there and back — with the spurs added on — is about 10.4 miles, so it’s an arduous hike even though the three summits are under 3,000 feet.

Heading south on the AT from South Arm Road, the trail immediately crosses Black Brook. This crossing can be tricky at times of higher water, but it is an easy rock-hop for most of the summer. After passing Black Brook Campsite, at about 0.1 mile, the trail begins its climb out of Black Brook Notch to Moody Mountain. Although steady, the climb isn’t nearly as rugged as the climb up Old Blue on the other side of the notch. Shortly before the summit, at about 1.2 miles from the trailhead, a short spur leads to a precarious clifftop viewpoint, which is the best viewpoint on Moody Mountain. The viewpoint is similar to the one on the Red Rock Mountain cliffs, but without the balcony ledge at the top. The view south is excellent, but extreme care should be exercised at the edge of the cliff. Moody Mountain’s summit is 0.1 mile farther on.

Just past the summit of Moody Mountain is another, somewhat restricted, viewpoint southwest. The AT then begins its descent into Sawyer Notch and reaches another viewpoint spur (with a sign) which leads to a view across Sawyer Notch to the cliffs on Hall Mountain (2,850 feet). After this viewpoint, the descent into the notch becomes much more rugged. Sawyer Notch is similar to Black Brook Notch, with a very steep northeast wall, requiring a extensive series of steps and iron rung ladders to descend or climb. At the floor of the notch, which is lower than the floor of Black Brook Notch, is Sawyer Brook and a disused tote road. Just past the unbridged crossing of Sawyer Brook (similar to the crossing of Black Brook), is a small picnic area.

The trail then begins to climb Hall Mountain (2,850 feet). The steady climb is similar to the climb of Moody Mountain out of Black Brook Notch. Partway up the climb is a signed spur to a viewpoint back across Sawyer Notch to the overhanging cliffs of Moody Mountain. Near the top of Hall Mountain is Hall Mountain lean-to, ~3.8 miles from the trailhead. Behind the lean-to is a blue-blazed trail with signs for a scenic view and the “Gunsight.” After a ~0.1-mile climb, the spur reaches an excellent viewpoint to the south and east, which is a perfect place to stop and rest or eat lunch. Just before the viewpoint is the Gunsight, which is a deep cleft in the rock which makes up the cliffs below the viewpoint.

Back on the AT past the lean-to, the trail traverses along a contour before making an easy climb to the north peak of 2,930-foot Wyman Mountain, ~1.3 miles away. Just past the summit of Wyman Mountain is an excellent wide ranging viewpoint to the south.

Distances from trailhead:

• Black Brook campsite, 0.1 mile
• Moody Mountain, 1.3 miles
• Hall Mountain lean-to, 3.8 miles
• Wyman Mountain, 5.1 miles

Directions: The trailhead is on South Arm Road, across the street from the trailhead and parking area for Old Blue Mountain. From Andover, follow Elm Street east for 0.6 miles, take a left onto South Arm Road and follow it for 7.7 miles to the Appalachian Trail crossing. Parking is on the side of the road.