Beech Mountain Loop Trail
Beech Mountain
Length: 1.0 mile, trail begins at the Beech Hill Road Parking area
Difficulty Rating: Moderate
This short loop is a fast and rewarding hike over Beech mountain. Beginning from the Beech Hill Road Parking area, the trail splits almost immediately. One trail travels to the summit over .4 mile while the other trail covers .6 mile to the summit. Hikers veering left and hiking the .4 mile to the summit, will find the trail is slightly steeper, but the distance to the summit is shorter. The trail moves over mixed terrain, man-made steps, forest floor and granite ledges.
Approximately .2 mile from the split in the trail, Somes Sound comes into view. It’s also possible to see the fire tower on the summit at this point. The trail has some steeper sections of granite ledges before reaching the summit. Hikers veering to the right at the initial split, traveling the .6 mile trail, will experience a slightly more gradual climb with views of Long Pond to the West interrupted by thick pockets of trees. At the summit, hikers can choose to descend the trail of their choice.