Tuesday, October 18, 2016

Discovering Glassface

We missed the Mahoosuc Land Trust's ribbon cutting this morning, but arrived at the mountain by 2:00pm to take our inaugural hike. I parked at Hastings Landing boat launch just across Route 2 from the Rumford Center Cemetery. Created by the Mahoosuc Land Trust (MLT) and the Androscoggin River Watershed Council, Hastings Landing celebrates the life of our community friend Ann Hastings Morton.

To get to the trailhead, walk through the cemetery to an MLT sign. The first section of the trail is gradual uphill through a thin forest. The trail enters deeper woods and turns to switchbacks. Where needed, the Mahoosuc Land Trust trail builders and stewards created sturdy rock steps and drainage outlets. It's so well done.

At certain sports, the trail offers glimpses of the Androscoggin River, but at trail end, the open ledge greets you with the full Monty. Though the ledge is not quite at the summit of Glassface, those of you who are peak grabbers  won’t be disappointed.

We hiked the trail in about 60 minutes round-trip. It’s a bit like sections of Mt. Zircon or Whitecap before the open top. I leashed Bailey just before the ledge because I had visions of him sailing off the edge like Wonder Dog. (Squirrel!?)

Get up to the Glassface Trail. You’ll love it. And thanks a lot Mahoosuc Land Trust.

Photos from the trail summit.