QUICK TRAIL FACTS
- Preserve Size: N/A
- Trail Mileage: ~2.5 miles
- Pets: yes
- Difficulty: moderate
- Sights: Open summit, ledges, views
A popular local hike, Morrill Ledges offers a relatively easy climb, about 1.2 miles one way, to great views of nearby peaks. The 1,183-foot summit is open with decent vistas, but I really loved the view from the ledges slightly east of the summit. Additionally, you can make a loop along a 0.6-mile path that swings out east along a blazed and maintained trail.
Overall, the trails on this mountain are well cared for. There is a handwritten sign at the small parking area on Valley Road, a dirt road. From the parking area, the trail begins on the snowmobile track but quickly, in about 50 feet, diverts left, into the forest, and runs parallel with the track for about a quarter mile, before it re-crosses the track and continues up the mountain. From here, the trail ascends gradually, getting steeper at the top.
At about 0.9 miles, and a quarter-mile from the summit, the trail intersects with an “ALT” alternative trail on the right that wraps around to make a short loop below the summit. I found the ALT trail steeper than the main trail, with two tricky sections that the trail builder has equipped with helpful ropes.
Loop Description, from Sam Shirley:
Diverging from the west side of the loop where the trail crosses an old woods road, the east side of the loop follows the old woods road along a contour. Soon, it begins to ascend the southeast ridge of Morrill Ledges. The ascent becomes steeper as the trail narrows to a footpath. After reaching a ledgy area, the trail flattens and reaches a viewpoint to the southeast. The trail crosses semi-open ledges before reaching the huge sloping ledge with outstanding views south. Just beyond the ledge is the summit, which features more directional views, and is where the trail meets the other side of the loop.
Directions: From downtown Dixfield, take North Main Street across the bridge. Continue straight at the intersection onto Main Street. Go 0.6 miles to Ridge Road, take a left. Go about 2.5 miles to the intersection with Valley Road. Take a left and the road will transition from pavement to dirt. The small parking lot will be on the left in about 0.8 miles.
