Abbott Mountain in Shapleigh is part of the 3,954-acre Vernon S. Walker Wildlife Management Area maintained by the Maine Department of Inland Fisheries and Wildlife.The 1.25-mile route to the summit of Abbott Mountain begins at the intersection of Owl's Nest Road and Pitts Road in Shapleigh. (See Map.)
At the landowner's request, access to the mountain by Pitts Road, which is a private road, is by "foot and hoof" only. Pitts Road ends in less than a half mile and becomes the narrower Abbott Mountain Road, the first section of which is on private land. Continue on for about a quarter mile and take a sharp left at the junction of the local ATV trail. From here it is a straight - but at times steep - shot over a severely eroded loose rock and gravel trail to the Abbott Mountain gate. From the gate, which consists of several felled trees, it is a steep and rocky ascent to the summit.
The open-faced, rock summit affords views of the surrounding forest and the White Mountains in New Hampshire.
Ascent time: approx. 35 minutes
Notebook:
Because the first section of the trail is privately-owned, there are numerous signs - in one location eight signs on one tree - prohibiting everything from trespassing, hunting and fishing to snowmobiling and ATVing. This may be somewhat daunting, but read the signs closely and rest assured that "hikers are welcome."
Wildlife spotted along the route to the summit include a garter snake, chipmunks, squirrels, a white-tailed deer and several large soaring birds at the summit that don't seem to match any of the descriptions for hawks, falcons or vultures common in Maine.
Various wildflowers, wild blueberries and raspberry bushes dot the open, dirt and rock face that has been severely eroded by heavy rains and - although prohibited - ATV use.
[Quick-reference guide: Fee - NO | Dogs - YES | Kid-friendly - YES | Facilities - NO]
3 comments:
I did this hike in early October 2011, not much foliage yet, but it was a nice hike. The private signs are a little daunting as is the barking dog at the last house on the road, but it is well worth the trip the views are super. Thanks for posting the info on the hike I was visiting parents and didn't know about this trail.
Great hike. We didn't see any wildlife other than horseflies and bugs. ( bug spray would be helpful for hiking wooded areas). It took us longer than the 35 minutes stated, maybe 35 minutes from base of the rocky face but including road and trail leading to it, probably took us a bit over an hour. Views are great from the top! Glad it was posted on this site.
Well this weekend we go. Ill fill you in on camping experience up on Abbot.
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