QUICK TRAIL FACTS
- Preserve Size: 485 acres (Stewart Family Preserve)
- Trail Mileage: 3 miles one way
- Pets: yes
- Difficulty: moderate to strenuous
- Sights: views
This is a beautiful and well-hiked mountain with spectacular views from its 3,133-foot summit, and even better views, I hear, from the summit spur trail. The 3-mile trail to the top is fairly gradual and easy for the first 1.5 miles, before getting quite a bit steeper for the second half, with some scrambling up ledges. Views start to pop up after the second mile. At the summit, the trail continues north, along the long-distance Grafton Loop trail. The elevation gained is about 2,330 feet, according to my GPS.
There is an alternative, and longer, route to the top, the Woodsum Spur Trail. Though I saw the first trail intersection, half a mile from the summit, I couldn’t see where it met up with the main path close to the summit. The AMC and Mahoosuc Land Trust recommend hikers follow it down rather than up. And my sister says the views are incredible from it! I’ll try to find it again when there is no snow on the ground.
Directions: From the intersection of Route 2 and Route 26 in Newry, follow Route 26 4.7 miles north. You will see the Grafton Loop Trail sign and the parking area are will be on the right, across from Eddy Road on the left.
