Details
Features
About this place
For less than 4 miles round trip - this hike at the base of the 100 mile wilderness provides a HUGE payoff!
Important notes about this hike:
- REQUIRES A FEE: $6 per adult, $3 per student - they don't collect the fee until you get to the visitor center about a mile in, so don't get caught like I did without cash!
- Does NOT allow dogs.
Drive towards the Audubon Sanctuary and come to a parking lot just outside the gate.
The Base Trail begins just beyond the gate at the trailhead next to a kiosk. The trail winds up the mountain through a mature forest. After about 0.5 miles of a moderate climb, the Base Trail intersects with a short trail that provides a lookout. To get to the lookout, cross the Access Road to a rock ledge that has an open view south over mountains and lakes (it's about 0.2 miles off trail). Continue uphill on the Base Trail for 0.3 more miles until it ends at the Access Road. It is a 0.2 mile walk further up the Access Road to reach the visitor center. There are bathrooms on the road en route to the visitor center.
From the visitor center, the last 0.8 miles are quite steep and involve some metal handholds near the end. You will summit west peak, but continue on to East Peak for more incredible views!
This has definitely been one of my favorite hikes in New England!