Sargent Mountain

Located in the center of the Mahoosuc Range, Sargent Mountain (2,365 feet) offers stunning up-close views of the surrounding mountains. The Sargent Ledge Trail provides a lightly used and relatively easy approach to the extensive ledges near the mountain’s summit. The elevation gain is about 1,190 feet.

From the end of Nordic Knoll Road, continue straight onto an old logging road. This grassy road is now closed to vehicles and provides easy going for much of the ascent. Because of the grass, this may be a good one to skip when it is very wet or during peak tick season.

After 1.6 miles on the logging road, the footpath will leave the road on the right in an old log yard. This turn is not marked, but the footpath is relativity easy to spot in the trees on the other side of the deep ditch, if you are looking for it. The unmarked but well defined footpath ascends moderately, getting steeper as it approaches open ledges. After breaking out onto the ledges, it is marked by small cairns. This section of trail has excellent views from multiple ledges. Care should be taken when the ledges are wet. At 0.3 miles from the logging road, the trail reaches an expansive ledge with outstanding 180-degree views of the Mahoosuc Range. This ledge provides the best views and it is where the well defined trail ends. A rough and intermittent trail continues towards the summit, but it is difficult to follow and does not reach ledges with any notable views.

By Sam Shirley

Directions: From Route 2 in Bethel, head northwest on Sunday River Road. After 2.1 miles, bear right to stay on Sunday River Road. In another 1.1 miles, bear right again to continue on Sunday River Road. In 3.1 miles, turn right onto Nordic Knoll Road. After 0.5 mile, park at the end of the road.