This hike is Puzzling because we’ll be climbing Puzzle Mountain.  

Puzzle Mountain is located in the Mahoosuc Land Trust (think Grafton Notch area) and is reached using the Grafton Notch Loop Trail in Maine.

We will take the Grafton Loop Trail to the summit then take the Woodsum Spur Trail down to rejoin the Grafton Loop Trail back to the parking lot.  

“...At about 2.4 miles into the hike, the trail reaches exposed ledges which offer spectacular views of the Sunday River, Grafton Notch, and the distant Presidential Range…”

Approximate Length:  7.4 mi

Approximate Elevation Gain:  2,600 ft

Estimated Time:  5 hours (with lunch – yum)

Route Type:  Out & back (with a loop toward the top)

More details:    https://www.mainetrailfinder.com/trails/trail/puzzle-mountain-and-woodsum-spur

Note:  This hike is subject to cancellation in the event of inclement weather. 

Hiking Essentials:  See the following link for recommendations from GayOutdoors:
https://www.gayoutdoors.org/page.cfm?typeofsite=storydetail&id=992&storyset=yes

From the intersection of US Route 2 and ME Route 26 in Newry Maine, follow ME Route 26 approximately 4.7 miles north. You will see the Grafton Loop Trail sign and the parking area will be on the right, directly across from Eddy Road on the left. The trail leaves from the northern end of the parking area.

Adjust you departure location in the link below:

https://www.google.com/maps/dir/Center+Conway,+Conway,+NH+03813/44.53941,-70.82959/@44.2205255,-71.3845706,9z/data=!4m9!4m8!1m5!1m1!1s0x4cb30830458b6b61:0x4876d5b762d49c9e!2m2!1d-71.0623785!2d43.9949673!1m0!3e0