QUICK TRAIL FACTS
- Preserve Size: Appalachian Trail
- Trail Mileage: 2.6 miles one way
- Pets: yes
- Difficulty: moderate to strenuous
- Sights: Views
The 3,600-foot summit of Old Blue is part of the Appalachian Trail. Because the summit is not clear of trees and shrubs, it is not quite as popular as some other nearby mountains.
That being said, if you want a quiet, moderate 2.6-mile hike to an interesting summit with views over scrubby bush and stunted spruce trees, this mountain is perfectly fine.
The first half mile is the steepest; then the trail levels out until the last half mile, when it gets steep again. The elevation gain is roughly 2,236 ft.
Directions: The trail head on South Arm Road is easy to miss because the trail information is set in a few feet from the road. If you are driving east on Route 120 out of Andover, take a left on South Arm Road approximately a half mile outside of town. Go 7.7 miles north on South Arm Road to reach the Appalachian Trail crossing. You will see a road sign (a silhouette of two hikers) alerting you to the trailhead just ahead. Look closely for the trail on your right. There is a small pullover area on the right side of the road that has parking for a few cars.
