QUICK TRAIL FACTS
- Preserve Size: N/A
- Trail Mileage: 0.5 mile
- Pets: yes
- Difficulty: easy to moderate
- Sights: Views
By Sam Shirley
Wilder Hill has always been an easy hike to an open area with incredible views, but for years it required a difficult drive on rugged logging roads into a remote area. With the arrival of the Mountain View Estates, it’s now a much easier drive, albeit up a huge hill, for just about any vehicle along a wide, graded road that leads to the new homes. The change was quite jarring for someone who has spent a lot of time exploring the back woods of Temple.
Luckily, the short loop trail over Wilder Hill is exactly the same! The trail, which is less than half a mile, follows an ATV track. At the top, you’ll find a picnic table and an expansive view south and west. In the middle of the panorama is the Presidential Range. Also notable is the closeup view of the back side of Mount Blue.
Wilder Hill is the perfect place for a short walk and is also suitable for someone who can’t hike large mountains but still wants to experience summit views. (Peakbagger says the elevation is 2,031 feet.)
Directions: From Intervale Road, turn onto Edes Brook Road. Go 1.3 miles and bear right into Mountain View Estates (the road starts between two stone pillars). Follow this road 1.9 miles to a sharp bend left. Continue past the bend about 0.8 miles to the parking area and trail. You should see a sign for Mitchell Brook Trail park and ride.
