Tumbledown Dick Mountain

By Sam Shirley

This distinctive mountain in Peru (1,550 ft) in elevation. is most well known for the massive 600 foot-tall cliffs on its south face popular with rock climbers. There is also a network of old logging roads and multi-use trails which provide opportunities for nice loop hikes up the mountain from both the east and west.

On the east side of the mountain, a loop can be made by using a former logging road and a snowmobile trail through the saddle between Tumbledown Dick Mountain and The Pinnacle. There is a bit more elevation gain on this side of the mountain, and the snowmobile trail makes for good walking through forest that hasn’t been logged as recently as the rest of the mountain.

On the west side, the primary route of approach is the logging road which provides a steady moderate ascent form the end of Hammond Hill Road. There is also a loop trail to the Hedgehog Hill Viewpoint. Although it is signed as such, this viewpoint isn’t actually on Hedgehog Hill, which is a peak a bit farther west. This viewpoint provides decent views to the south and through the valley between Tumbledown Dick and Black Mountains for relatively minimal effort. It is a nice little hike in its own right, about a half mile in total, leaving from the west trailhead. There is also a minor footpath, marked by a small cairn, which leaves the trail to the Hedgehog Hill Viewpoint. This 0.2-mile side trail descends below the viewpoint to the Hedgehog Hill Mine, where impressively large chunks of mica can be easily found.

Both approaches use the same half-mile spur trail to the summit of the mountain. This trail has been eroded by motorized vehicle use and steadily climbs to the top, with one very muddy bit and a few sections of rock slabs along the way. The summit is very impressive and has lots of nice open rock to relax on. Although it is right on top of the huge cliff, the area is expansive enough that those who are a little more leery of heights can stay well back from the edge. The views are impressive, and the overhead view into the wild valley between Tumbledown Dick and Black Mountains is especially unique. Besides the surrounding mountains in the Peru area, larger peaks to the west, such as the Presidentials, Goose Eye, and Old Speck can all be spotted on clear days. Careful about preventing anything from falling from the cliff to protect climbers below.

If you’re leaving from the west trailhead, the hike to the mountain, via the shortest route, is 1.9-miles one way. From the east trailhead, it’s about 1.8 miles one way.

Directions: West Trailhead, From the blinking light in the center of Peru, head south on Main Street. In 0.6 mile, turn left onto Ridge Road. In 1.6 miles, turn right onto Gammon Road. Gammon Road becomes Hammond Hill Road and reaches the clearing which is the best place to park at 2.4 miles from Ridge Road. The final section of road is not maintained for winter travel. East Trailhead, From the north: Head south on Greenwoods Road from Route 108 in East Peru. In 1.2 miles, turn right to stay on Greenwoods Road. After another 2 miles, turn right onto the dirt Pulsifer Road. Follow the road for 0.4 mile to where the logging roads split, just after passing a driveway on the right which could easily be confused for another road. Park at the split, being sure not to block either road. Parking may be difficult in the winter.
East Trailhead, From the south: Head north on Greenwoods Road from Route 219 in Sumner. In 1.3 miles, turn left to stay on Greenwoods Road. After another 5.2 miles, turn left onto the dirt Pulsifer Road. Follow the road for 0.4 mile to where the logging roads split, just after passing a driveway on the right which could easily be confused for another road. Park at the split, being sure not to block either road. Parking may be difficult in the winter.