Route description
A fabulous view down from the eastern peak of Goose Eye Mountain makes this hike a special experience. Wright Trail starts at Bull Branch Road east of the mountain and leads through the remote Mahoosuc natural reserve up to Goose Eye (3907ft/1191m).
Alongside Goose Eye Stream
The way there and the way back, each of a length of 4,8mi/7,7km, will take approximately 7 to 8 hours in total. Starting at the parking lot you'll be hiking through forests and rocks overgrown with fern, along on an even road. The first two miles of the tour follow Goose Eye Stream therefore you'll be able to listen to gurgling water and twittering birds. Along the way you'll see some of waterfalls.
South Route
After about 2,3mi (3,7km), close by the camping site Wright Trails parts into a south and a north route. The north route keeps following the stream slightly uphill. This trail however is partly destroyed and hardly accessible therefore we recommend to take the south route. First this trail leads slightly uphill and later turns into a steep ascent. Up at the top you'll get rewarded with a beautiful view.
Appalachian Trail
At the top between the western and eastern peak of Goose Eye Mountain, Wright Trail connects with Appalachian Trail towards south. Appalachian Trail is a 3500km long long-distance path leading through north east USA. With a height of 3907ft (1191m) the western peak of Goose Eye Mountain is the highest point of the tour. From there take the same way back to the camping site and back to the parking.
Where to eat
There are no places to get food along the way, however there is a camping site just 2,3mi away from the starting point.
Interesting facts
- With an overall length of 16 km the hike is among the 5 longest hikes in the USA available on TouriSpo.
- Elevated between 329 m and 1,191 m, the hike is among the 10 highest elevated hikes in the USA. You're facing an uphill climb of 1053 vertical meters on this hike. This makes the hike one of the 3 hikes with the most ascent in the USA.
- You shouldn’t forget to bring your hiking boots. There are some sections on the trail where sturdy footwear is required.
Video
Highlights of the tour
Wrights Trail is great to revel in calmness and solitude while you enjoy an incredible view across beautiful nature.
Variations
You may also choose the north route to get up to the peak but still that trail is in poor condition right now we advise against it.
Equipment
Walking shoes, weather appropriate clothing and enough food and water.
Getting here
By car:
Leave Bethel towards north via RT 26 towards Sunday River Ski Resort. After approximately 3mi/4,8km turn left onto Sunday River Road, which you follow for about 7mi/11,3km. Now pass Artist's Covered Bridge across the steal bridges in Ketchum.
Now turn right and continue for about 1mi/1,6km to Frenchman's Hole Day-Use-Area. Further on Bull Branch Road. Located approximately one mile after Frenchman's Hole on the left side of Bull Branch Road, is a small parking, which at the same time is the starting point of the tour.
