The Roof of Evans Notch
Speckled Mountain is the highest peak in the Caribou-Speckled Mountain Wilderness, a 14,000-acre roadless area on the Maine side of the White Mountain National Forest. At 2,906 feet, it does not compete with the Presidential Range in raw elevation, but it holds its own for views. The 7.6-mile loop via Bickford Brook and Blueberry Ridge delivers a satisfying variety of terrain: brook crossings, dense boreal forest, open blueberry-covered ledges, and a broad summit with views into both Maine and New Hampshire.
The Trail
Start at the Brickett Place trailhead on Route 113 in Stoneham. The recommended loop goes counterclockwise: ascend via the Bickford Brook Trail and descend via the Blueberry Ridge Trail.
The Bickford Brook Trail follows an old jeep road alongside the brook, climbing gradually through hardwoods. After about 2 miles, the trail steepens and enters spruce forest. The upper mile is rocky and rooty, pushing through dense conifers to the summit.
The summit has a partial clearing where a fire tower once stood. Views extend south and west toward the Evans Notch peaks, north toward the Mahoosucs, and east over the rolling hills of Oxford County.
The descent via Blueberry Ridge is the scenic highlight. The trail drops over a series of open granite ledges covered in lowbush blueberry. In August, the berries are ripe and the picking is excellent. The views from these ledges stretch across the Kezar Lake area to Pleasant Mountain and beyond. The lower section reenters the forest and follows a brook back to the road.
Time this hike for late July or early August and you will walk through a mile of ripe blueberries on the Blueberry Ridge descent. Bring a container and plan for a slow descent.
When to Go
Spring
Muddy conditions and high brook crossings through May. Black flies arrive late May.
Summer
Blueberries ripen in late July and August. Warm days but cooler on the summit. Bring bug spray early in the season.
Fall
Foliage on the ledges is exceptional. Late September to early October is peak. Clear, cool hiking weather.
Winter
Route 113 closes for the season, making trailhead access very difficult. Snowshoe-accessible from alternate approaches.
Practical Notes
The Brickett Place trailhead is also the starting point for several other Evans Notch hikes, including Blueberry Mountain and Caribou Mountain. If you have a full weekend, base yourself at a campground in the notch and do two or three trails.
Dogs are allowed on leash. No restrooms at the trailhead. Cell service is nonexistent in the wilderness. A WMNF parking pass is required.
Packing List
Speckled Mountain Loop
- 2.5 liters of water per person
- Sturdy hiking boots
- Bug spray for summer
- Lunch and snacks
- Wind layer for the summit
- Container for blueberries (August)
- WMNF parking pass
Getting There
The Brickett Place trailhead is on Route 113 in Stoneham, Maine, in the Evans Notch area of the White Mountain National Forest. From Fryeburg, the drive is about 25 minutes. From Portland, allow about 1 hour 50 minutes.
FAQ
How long does the Speckled Mountain loop take?
Plan for 5 to 7 hours for the 7.6-mile loop. The Blueberry Ridge descent is slower than you expect because of the ledge views (and berries).
Is this the same as Speckled Mountain in Peru, Maine?
No. There are multiple Speckled Mountains in Maine. This one is in the Evans Notch area of Stoneham, in the Caribou-Speckled Wilderness.
When are the blueberries ripe?
Typically late July through mid-August, depending on the season.
Can I access the trailhead in winter?
Route 113 closes in winter. Alternate access is possible from Basin Road, but it adds significant distance.
