Mt. Ararat School Trails, Topsham

These trails feel a bit unloved. The high school cross-country team must run here as roots have been spray painted white. And I saw one sign for nordic skiing, so some must enjoy these wide, hilly trails in the winter. But there’s quite a bit of litter, and some sections are muddy and could use a board or two, or some stonework. But there is a legit mountain here! Mt. Ararat — its summit is 241 feet (no view).

Part of the route up to the old fire tower (chained and locked) is paved, and there’s a long, straight stretch of paved walkway at the top of the hill. There are No Trespassing signs just to the right of this walkway, but some of the signs indicate a tolerance for hikers (there’s a golf course next door).

Directions: Mt. Ararat High School is off of Rt. 201, just to the north of the crossing with Rt. 196. The trailhead is located to the right, next to the power lines, about 200 yards into the access road to Mt. Ararat High School.