Old Speck Mountain, Oxford County: 4,170 feet. beautiful. The best view comes before peak if you're not going to climb the tower. In early 1967, Old Speck Mountain in Grafton Notch … Overall the trail is quite steep, coming down the loop trail can be a bit unsteady as its normally a bit slick near the river that runs parallel to the trail. Deer Hunting season is in November and hikers are advised toward extra caution. Old Speck Mountain Trail Conditions and Trip Reports are crowdsourced from many hiking websites across the Internet. This is a much harder proposition, however, and it is easy to get diverted onto the remains of an old fire trail which descends in a leg-numbingly no-nonsense manner to the Notch. Old Speck is the 4th highest mountain in the entire state of Maine. Dogs are also able to use this trail but must be kept on leash. The Standard Route up Old Speck follows the AT most of the way. Alternatively, the west side of Old Speck can be accessed from the Speck Pond or Mahoosuc Notch Trailheads. Both are located on the Success Pond Road which runs from Berlin, NH, to Grafton Notch, ME. Amazing hike, challenging but rewarding. Hike a rewarding 1.1 miles from the Pond over a small hump and up a bare, glaciated rock ridge to the summit and the viewing platform. Children refers to the set of objects that logically fall under a given object. A shelter and tent platforms allow hikers to spend the night here and explore further. Old Speck Mountain is a 4,170 foot mountain in the Mahoosuc Range in Oxford County, Maine. Having finished the NH48 a couple years, we have started our quest for the NE 67. Old Speck Mountain Old Speck once had an active fire tower, which has now been refurbished to provide 360-degree views of the surrounding area. The parking area was plowed when I arrived at the trailhead for Old Speck Mountain in Grafton Notch State Park. The trail meets with the Appalachian Trail before heading to a spur trail to the summit. We dropped a car at the Rattle River trailhead off Rt 2 in Gorham, NH and drove north to Grafton Notch State Park in Maine to start our hike southward. Dogs are also able to use this trail. (34), Climber's Log Entries The trail is only recommended for very experienced adventurers and is primarily used for hiking, nature trips, and snowshoeing. Old Speck is a three hour drive for me, but the closest Maine 4000-footer. There are various interesting sites along the way such as Screw Auger Falls and Moose Cave. The latest NOAA Point Forecast for Old Speck Mountain ME closest to the elevation of 4170 feet. No fee required as the "iron ranger" is covered with a black plastic bag and duct tape. Old Speck Mountain via Appalachian Trail is a 10.8 kilometer moderately trafficked out and back trail located near Newry, Maine that features a great forest setting. The trails leading to the summit are quite steep, but hikers will find stunning views of the surrounding Mahoosuc Range at the top. Never heard of the Mahoosucs? Nice hike. Plenty of parking. The Mahoosucs are just to the northeast of the famous Presidentials in the White Mountains region of New Hampshire. Climb the tower. Appalachian Trail: Beaver River Road to Carolo Col Shelter, Mahoosuc Notch Loop via North Pond Road to Appalachian Trail, Baldpate from the East (Andover) Side via Cataracts Trail and Frye Brook Trail. Old Speck Mountain is the fourth largest peak in Maine at 4,170 ft and one of the fourteen 4,000 footers in the state. An easy loop trail leads around the pond and over Mahoosuc Arm. Old Speck Mountain (4170′) and Grafton Notch in Southwestern Maine Grafton Notch is a magnificent mountain pass in Southwestern Maine, a short drive from Gorham, NH, the last major trail town that Appalachian Trail thru-hikers visit before leaving New Hampshire. Located in a remote alpine region about a … Aconcagua mountain itself has many routes, photos, and trip reports as children. The Speck Pond Trailhead is another 1.5 miles from Berlin, 0.8 miles down a right-hand side road. Old Speck Mountain day hike This day hike started at the parking area for the Old Speck/Eyebrow/Appalachian Trails on the west side of Maine Route 26 in Grafton Notch, about 12 miles west of US Route 2 in Newry, Maine.. I was on the trail a bi The Success Pond Road starts in Berlin from Hutchings Street; it is dirt but is fine for most passenger cars. Old Speck Mountain ME Weather Forecast. Map and location information for Baldpate Mountain in Maine: Baldpate Mountain is one of the Summits in Oxford County, ME and can be found on the Old Speck Mountain USGS topographic quad map. Hiked with Dan and Sammy. little difficult but reward, highly recommend. Camping is not allowed in the State Park which extends from Grafton Notch to the summit of Old Speck. Snow may persist on the trails into June; crampons may be helpful in the early season. A quarter mile from the trailhead, the trail splits with the right fork climbing steeply up and over the Eyebrow, an exposed, crescent shaped cliff face with good views. Descent is along the AT back to Grafton Notch. Parents refers to a larger category under which an object falls. They are rugged, beautiful, and see very little traffic. A video compilation from our hike to Old Speck Mountain in Maine. Its highest peak is Old Speck Mountain in Maine at 4,170 feet. The Appalachian Trail runs along the Mahoosucs for their entire length and provides a fine route for a tour of this scenic and rocky range. For example, theAconcagua mountain page has the 'Aconcagua Group' and the 'Seven Summits' asparents and is a parent itself to many routes, photos, and Trip Reports. Did not get any view from the summit tower bc I was in a cloud. So worth the views. Old Speck Mountain is a Mountain in ME. --The Dude. The views weren't bad overall. A small observation tower was built on its summit in the last ten years and provides spectacular views in all directions from the lofty Presidentials to the south to the jumbled, nameless peaks of northwestern Maine to the north. The mountain, the 4th highest in Maine, is the northeasternmost and highest of the Mahoosuc Range, the northeasternmost part of the White Mountains. Beautiful 360° views from the fire tower. Amazing views. Ice was tricky - we ended up putting on spikes near the summit, shortly before the trail junction. Old Speck Mountain is a 4,170 foot mountain in the Mahoosuc Range in Oxford County, Maine. Customized by TrailsNH to a focus on what's most important for your outdoor adventure. The primary coordinates for Old Speck Mountain places it within the ME 04261 ZIP Code delivery area.. "That rug really tied the room together." Old Speck Trail (7.6 miles round trip, advanced): Old Speck Trail is a challenging hike with spectacular views from an open observation tower at the summit. Parking is free and no permits are needed. Old Speck Mountain Trail is a 7.4 mile heavily trafficked out and back trail located near Newry, Maine that features a waterfall. Old Speck is open for climbing all through the year. Started off fairly early, a little drizzle early on transitioned into snow about half way up. Bear left onto ME26 and follow it for 12 miles to Grafton Notch State Park. Whichever path you choose, you will soon be climbing steeply through beautiful coniferous forest with intermittent views to the east into Grafton Notch. Solid. Mahoosuc Notch and the rest of the Mahoosuc Range from Mahoosuc Arm above Speck Pond. The summit is a rewarding few tenths of a mile to the left along gradual, forested ridge. It is also part of the Eastern White Mountains that stretches from New Hampshire to Maine. Not to worry, you're certainly not alone. Old Speck Mountain, the northeastern terminus of the Mahoosuc Range, has long been a popular hike along the Appalachian Trail. The trail then descends for a mile to the breathtakingly scenic Speck Pond. Old Speck is the tallest and northern-most mountain in the Mahoosuc Range which stretches for 30 miles across the Maine-New Hampshire frontier. tough incline to oldspeck slippery descent to bull run campsite. With alpine skiing growing into a huge sensation, Maine was looking to host the 1976 Winter Olympic Games. Old Speck Mountain Old Speck Mountain, also known as Old Speckle Mountain, is a mountain located in Oxford County, Maine, United States.The mountain, the fourth-highest in the state, is the northeasternmost and highest of the Mahoosuc Range, the northeasternmost part of … It is widely claimed that the single hardest mile of the entire AT occurs at Mahoosuc Notch a few miles south of Old Speck. Here, evidence from the last glaciation is everywhere, and in- cludes scoured bedrock, Speck Pond tarn, erratic boulders and even the massive carved valley of … Our moving time was about 4.5 hours. More perfect weather! Old Speck is in Grafton Notch State Park and we started at the Appalachian Trail parking lot. The GPS coordinates are 44.609244 (latitude), -70.892372 (longitude) and the approximate elevation is 3,786 feet (1,154 meters) above sea level. Excellent hike! There is a caretaker in residence during summer months and fees run to $6 per person. Never heard of the Mahoosucs? Outside of this area, however, camping is allowed. The hike was fairly rocky. It is the highest mountain in the range, and the 4th highest mountain in the state of Maine. Great way to spend a day. Old Speck Mountain via Appalachian Trail is a 6.7 mile moderately trafficked out and back trail located near Newry, Maine that features a great forest setting. All Rights Reserved. An alternate, longer route starts from the Speck Pond Trailhead and ascends to the broad, bare summit of Mahoosuc Arm. From the parking area, follow the white-blazed Appalachian Trail … So plan to be out for a good chunk of time. Old Speck Mountain - Physical Feature (Summit) in Oxford County. The top of the tower offers a nice view of the surrounding mountains. For example, the Old Speck Mountain O44070e8 1:24,000: Route #1 : Maintained Hiking Trail Trailhead: Grafton Notch (Paved Road) 1496 ft/456 m Vertical Gain: 2664 ft/812 m Distance (one way): 4.05 mi/6.52 km: Data Source: 1:25,000 (or larger) Topographic Survey Map; Dynamic Map It is also part of the Eastern White Mountains that stretch from New Hampshire to Maine. We'll be hiking up via the Eyebrow trail which leads to a ledge overlook with views of Grafton Notch and the surrounding peaks. Rebecca / Flickr. The Mahoosuc Notch Trailhead is 10.9 miles down Success Pond Road on a 0.3 mile side road on the right. I highly recommend the Eyebrow trail on the way up and AT on the way down. Old Speck Mountain is a 4,170 foot mountain located in the Mahoosuc Range in Oxford County, Maine. It is the highest mountain in the range, and the 4th highest mountain in the state of Maine. The Notch is a mile of trail which winds through (literally in many cases) huge piles of tallus and boulders shed from the mountains on either side. A good amount of ice melted while we were at the summit. No red tape. Dogs are also able to use this trail but must be kept on leash. In Maine’s Lakes and … These posts have been tagged with Old Speck Mountain ME, or are within 1.5 miles of it. Surface Conditions: The left fork stays lower longer but eventually climbs steeply to rejoin the Eyebrow trail. Old Speck Mountain - 6.90 Miles - From Speck Pond Shelter and Campsite To Baldpate Lean-to (Shelter) - 9/12Speck Pond Shelter and Campsite to Baldpate Lean-to (Shelter)6.9 miles Total miles: 1924.9 Today dawned as another beautiful, sunny day, perfect for hiking. Lower was avoidable with effort and just clear enough to make us hesitate in putting them on. There are three trailheads that access Old Speck. Climbing Old Speck Mountain (left) Day One: Grafton Notch to Full Goose Shelter. Even the most experienced hikers can have difficulty here. (The fourth highest peak in Maine.) Also included in the range is the Mahoosuc Range, which is a deep gap in the range in Maine that is considered the hardest and slowest part of the Appalachian Trail. (10), Additions & Corrections Great hike up the 3rd tallest peak in Maine. It is also part of the Eastern White Mountains that stretches from New Hampshire to Maine. I did this beginning of Sept, weather was perfect, took the Eyebrow trail up and did the Old Speck Loop trail on the way down. The AT parking area is on the left side of the road and is large and well-signed. The trail is well maintained. When you at last reach the ridge 3.5 miles from the trailhead at 4000', the AT bears right. Plan your road trip to Old Speck Mountain in ME with Roadtrippers. We enjoyed climbing the fire tower at the top. Aconcagua mountain page is a child of the 'Aconcagua Group' and the 'Seven Summits.' I took a Thursday off of work (I had to give two weeks notice) and was lucky enough to have a beautiful day! Was not too crowded on a Monday. Old Speck is the tallest and northern-most mountain in the Mahoosuc Range which stretches for 30 miles across the Maine-New Hampshire frontier. The rocks tend to be slippery as you near the top. It makes a fine starting point for a multi-day traverse of the Mahoosucs or a rewarding day-hiking destination in its own right. Hiking up the steep summit trails rewards hikers with spectacular views, particularly on Old Speck Mountain which at 4,180 feet is Maine's third tallest mountain. The trail is rated as difficult and primarily used for hiking, walking, trail running, and nature trips. The Mahoosucs are just to the northeast of the famous Presidentials in the White Mountains region of New Hampshire. Old Speck Mountain, Mahoosuc Arm, Mahoosuc Notch, ME: Trails: Old Speck Trail, Mahoosuc Trail, Notch Trail: Date of Hike: Sunday, May 24, 2015: Parking/Access Road Notes: The trailhead in Grafton Notch was nearly full on the Saturday of Memorial Day weekend. Old Speck is located within Grafton Notch State Park near the town of Newry. Old Speck Mountain Climbing Notes Dr.Joe from UNITED STATES writes: My hiking partner and I hiked Old Speck yesterday on our way to capturing the last ten peaks of the New England Four Thousand Footers; we have completed all of New Hampshire and Vermont. From here, sunsets are spectacular and the view south into the famous Mahoosuc Notch is impressive. At 4,240 feet, Sugarloaf is Maine’s second tallest peak. (32), Comments This is one of the prettiest high-altitude ponds in New England. It is also possible to descend the bare northeast ridge directly and then cut left to regain the main trail. Absolutely breathtaking 360° views once you climb up the old fire tower. The most convenient trailhead for Old Speck is the AT Trailhead in Grafton Notch State Park. The trail takes you to the summit of Old Speck Mountain and a fire tower where you can get panoramic 360 degree views. The Speck Pond caretaker will collect camping fees from you ($6 per person per night) during peak season (June 1-October 15). From Bethel, Maine, follow Rt 2 'east' for 6 miles to Newry. Images The trail from Mahoosuc Notch enters here as well.Speck Pond makes a lovely destination in and of itself, but the summit of Old Speck is not far away. Detailed 6 day mountain weather forecast for climbers and mountaineers. (1 ). There are tent platforms, an AT-style shelter, and a composting privy. Will have to try this mountain again on a better day because I have heard the view is worth it. amazing. Sugarloaf Mountain. Taking in the view towards Sunday River Whitecap from the fire tower on the Old Speck Mountain in Maine s Grafton Notch S.P. Took the AT trail up as opposed to the eyebrow trail and it was about 4 hours to summit and then three hours back down to the car. Description From the parking area in "The Notch" take the AT: Maine Appalachian Trail Club (ME) a short distance until you reach the … Old Speck Mountain is a physical feature (summit) in Oxford County. Maine Route 26 cuts through the valley south of Grafton Notch as seen from the summit of Old Speck Mountain. The Located just north of Sunday River, Old Speck is one of the tallest mountains in Maine at 4,180 feet in elevation. Definitely a tough hike for the not so experienced hiker like myself but so worth the views! 8.65 miles appx. © 2006-2020 SummitPost.org. Old Speck Mountain, Mahoosuc Range, Appalachians, United States Mountain weather forecast for 1270m. Old Speck Mountain is a 4000 footer in Maine. There is now a fee of $2 per person (via an iron ranger) at the Old Speck Trail parking lot due to budget cuts. The trail is rated as difficult and primarily used for hiking, walking, trail running, and nature trips. Old Speck Mountain, ME: Trails: Old Speck Trail: Date of Hike: Monday, December 23, 2019: Parking/Access Road Notes: Parking area plowed, 1 car when I arrived at 9AM and 3 cars at 2PM. Flanked to the southwest by Mahoosuc Arm and faces Baldpate Mountain to the northeast across Grafton Notch. Ran into a AT thru hiker who shared a little of his experience on the trail, which was an added bonus! The trail was very busy with hikers of all ages and dogs. The Speck Pond Campsite is lovely and is highly recommended. Its not for everyone but I highly recommend climbing the observation tower, the 360° view will not disappoint. Trail was very crowded with day hikers and AT thru hikers. One blow down but otherwise trail was in good shape. Nov 09 | Old Speck, ME via Eyebrow Up AT Down by: Doug / newenglandtrailconditions It is a complete playground for some and an arduous workout for others.Old Speck reigns supreme in the Mahoosucs rising 2500 feet above Grafton Notch and Maine State Route 26. Not to worry, you're certainly not alone. If you’re ready to spend a whole day on the trail, Old Speck is for you! His experience on the right the Mahoosuc Notch is impressive Mountain located in the White Mountains stretch! As Screw Auger Falls and Moose Cave forested ridge started off fairly,... Crowded with day hikers and at on the Old fire tower on the trail junction effort and just enough... 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