Old Speck 2018
Updated: May 3, 2020
The first hike of the "summer" took me to Newry, Maine. I have been wanting to tackle Old Speck for many years now and finally made it. I was expecting some great views because the weather was supposed to be quite nice. However, it wasn't meant to be. Fog stayed with Old Speck for much of the day although I bet some of the hikers I passed going down probably got some great views (one even said it was his second trip up because he wanted to see the views).
Old Speck is located in Grafton Notch State Park. There is a large parking lot and you are required to pay a state park fee ($3 Maine Resident, $4 out of state). There are facilities at the parking area. There are two main ways to the top of Old Speck. The first is to follow the Appalachian trail the entire way (3.8 miles) or take a detour about .1 miles along the Old Speck Trail/Appalachian trail on to the Eye Brow trail.
I highly recommend taking the Eye Brow trail though,there are some difficult spots to navigate especially during or after a rain. There are several rock ledges and places where cables and rungs have been inserted to assist hikers up the trail. I do not recommend going down the Eye Brow trail. The cables, rungs and rock ledges can make it difficult.
There are some wonderful views off the Eye Brow trail and is worth the slightly extra distance. There is a shelf that you will reach that is a great spot to stop and enjoy the views and snap a few pictures. The trail will intersect with the Old Speck Trail in about 1.2 miles. The Old Speck trail will continue up and to the right. Look out for the white trail blazes as the trail signs are on the backside of a tree as you intersect the Old Speck trail.
After you take the right onto Old Speck Trail you continue to gain elevation and make your way through some heavily damaged areas with fallen trees and exposed root systems. Several spots have been cleared by trail maintenance. After to pass through the damaged areas there are a couple of spots with some narrow views of the notch.
The top of Old Speck does not have views unless you claim the 20 foot tower. The ladder to the top is pretty much straight up though the platform is sturdy once you reach it. The wind was blowing and my fear of heights certainly didn't help as i climb down the ladder.
I had some snacks and made my way back down Old Speck Trail. Staying right at the intersection with the Eye Brow Trail there is a nice shelf just a bit further down with great views. The rest of the way down was lots of rock stairs and some wonderful little water features including a nice little pool to take a dip when the weather turns warmer.
All in all it was a great trip up Old Speck even if the views from the Tower were all clouds. I can now check another 4,000 footer off the list.
