Puzzle Mountain (Maine)
Puzzle Mountain is a mountain located in Oxford County, Maine, and is one of the easternmost mountains in the Mahoosuc Range. The mountain also has a false peak to the north-northwest of the true summit, known as Little Puzzle Mountain. Puzzle Mountain is in the watershed of the Androscoggin River.[2]
| Puzzle Mountain | |
|---|---|
 Puzzle Mountain as seen from West Baldpate | |
| Highest point | |
| Elevation | 3,133 ft (955 m) |
| Prominence | 1,201 ft (366 m) [1] |
| Coordinates | 44°32′26″N 70°16′37″W |
| Geography | |
  Puzzle Mountain | |
| Parent range | Mahoosuc Range |
| Topo map | USGS Mahoosuc Range |
| Climbing | |
| Easiest route | Hiking, class 1, 3.2 mi (5.1 km) ascent via Grafton Loop Trail |
Trails
The summit of the mountain can be accessed from the southern trail head of the Grafton Loop Trail. The initial miles of the trail have a relatively low incline and utilize old logging roads for switchbacks. At about two miles, the trail makes a sharp turn to the left, and begins to climb at a steeper grade. At about 2.4 miles, the trail reaches exposed granite boulders and ledges, with views of the Sunday River Ski Area, Grafton Notch, and the distant Presidentials. The summit of Puzzle Mountain is at 3.2 miles, and provides views in all directions, as far as Sugarloaf Mountain. The total distance to the summit of Puzzle Mountain is 3.2 miles, and takes approximately three hours and thirty minutes to summit.
As of September, 2009, a trail nicknamed the "Loopette Trail" was approaching completion. It is being built to go to the various false peaks of the mountain that were previously unreachable. Its mileage and layout are currently unknown, as well as whether or not it will be considered part of the Grafton Loop Trail.
See also
References
- "Puzzle Mountain, Maine". Peakbagger.com. Retrieved 2012-05-06.
- Nation, Peg; Brenda Cummings (2005). Maine Mountain Guide (9th ed.). Boston: Appalachian Mountain Club Books. pp. 189–191 + Topographical map 7: Mahoosuc Range.