Mahoosuc Notch Ice Climbing

[ Editor's Note: Mahoosuc Notch with its huge boulders on the trail is known as perhaps the "toughest" section of the entire 2000-mile Appalachian Trail. It is actually in the state of Maine, not NH.]

If Success Pond road is open, take it from Berlin, NH about 10 miles to the turn off for Notch Road / Notch Trail. Park where you can and hike up Notch Road. Depending on where you park, Bear right if North Rd splits. About 1/2 mile from Success P R, and shortly after crossing the main stream, Notch Trail Branches off to the left.  After about 2 1/2 miles this intersects the Appalachian Trail ( the Mahoosuc Trail). Turn left and soon enter Mahoosuc Notch.  Bradley describes there climbs on the right ( southern) side of the notch.

  For more specific directions to Success Pond Rd see the entry for North Bald Cap.

Bradley went in early in the winter when the road was still passable. Even then, figure it will take the better part of an hour to do the 10 miles. 15-20 mph is good speed even in the summer on Success Pond Rd. Needless to say, dont get caught by a deep snowstorm 10 miles in on an unplowed road!

If the road is impassible (and you don't have access to a snowmobile !) the next most logical approach is probably taking the Appalachian Trail up over Old Spec Mtn ( up 2500 ft) from Maine Rt 26 in Grafton Notch about 7+ miles into Mahoosuc Notch, coming in from the North rather than from the west via Success Pond Rd. R Hall, edited with permission of B. White.]