The Mahoosuc Notch
The Mahoosuc Range is located in the Grafton Twp. of Oxford
County Maine. Approximately a 1/2 hour drive Northwest of Bethel.
The Mahoosuc Notch is the toughest stretch of the whole A.T.
I certainly don't want to spoil it, but if you climb this
one you will be in for a treat. Several times I had
to take my pack off to climb up, through, in, around, on, etc...
In some places in the notch it is as cool as being in a fridge.
The ice chucks just don't melt out all the way due to limited
sunlight and it can be very very refreshing out of the heat. Its
like an air conditioned hiking trail.
( Sleeping out on the Mahoosuc Arm )
I have climbed through the Notch three times, twice in daylight
once on night hike, we slept out on the Mahoosuc Arm. It was an
overcast night so we were worried and wanted to make Speck Pond,
but I bonked half way up the Arm and we just crashed.
Their are several great hikes in this immediate area. We come
in from The Success Pond Rd. hike up to the Mahoosuc Trail
through The Notch, up the Mahoosuc Arm and generally down to
the Speck Pond Lean-to. This is a very nice campsite, a well
maintained sizeable lean-to, several tent platforms, and a nice
place to swim. Excellent Fly Fishing!!
Old Speck (4,180 ft.)is right around the corner, a nice 1/2 day
hike if you are staying at the pond. We then hike out from the
pond on a different trail leading back to the Success Pond Rd.
It is a great place to hike. The Mahoosuc Notch gains very
little elevation but it is a rugged walk through the woods.
You don't want to miss this one, especially with such a nice
campsite as Speck Pond awaiting you at the end.