Hiking Puzzle Mountain in Scenic Newry Maine
Name: Puzzle Mountain
Location: Newry, Maine
Distance: 7.4 mile, lollipop-shaped trail
Terrain: Packed dirt, forest floor, uneven, rocky, open ledges
Elevation Gain: 2339 ft
Difficulty: Moderate
Pets Allowed: Yes
Puzzle Mountain in Newry Maine provides some of the most exceptional, unique hiking views of Grafton Notch State Park. Part of the 9,993-acre Mahoosuc Ecological Reserve, this scenic trail is known for its open ledges, beautiful forest, and stunning Western Maine views.
In this blog post, I share everything you need to know before hiking Puzzle Mountain in Newry Maine—including how to access the trailhead, parking information, trail descriptions, the best time to visit, as well as several insider tips and the best nearby eats.
Prepare to hike Puzzle Mountain
Check the weather forecast to ensure safe hiking conditions (this trail does have rocky ledges that can get slippery in wet weather)
Research trail information and conditions
Pack all the hiking essentials, such as water, snacks, and a basic first-aid kit
Wear season-appropriate footwear and clothing
Click here to view my favorite pieces of hiking gear
Directions and parking information for Puzzle Mountain
Directions from Route 26
Drive to the intersection of Route 26 and Route 2 in Newry. Continue on Route 26 North (Bear Mountain Road) for 4.7 miles, until you see a trail sign for the Grafton Loop Trail on your right. Turn into the dirt parking lot.
Parking
Parking for Puzzle Mountain is located in the Grafton Loop Trail parking lot off of Route 26 North in Newry, Maine. This is a good sized dirt parking lot with no restrooms.
Puzzle Mountain trail descriptions
Copy and paste the link below to view the trail map of Puzzle Mountain:
https://www.mahoosuc.org/stewart-family-preserve-at-puzzle-mountain
Grafton Loop Trail (3.3 miles from trailhead to puzzle mountain summit, challenging)
Technically, the trail to the summit of Puzzle Mountain is a tiny portion of the challenging 38.6-mile Grafton Loop Trail. It ascends gradually through a wooded forest before intersecting with the Woodsum Spur Trail about 2.5 miles in. The remaining 0.9 miles of trail contains about 800ft of elevation gain and is mostly above tree line and does require a small amount of rock scrambling.
Woodsum Spur Trail (1.7 miles, challenging)
The Woodsum spur trail begins 2.5-miles into the Grafton Loop Trail and crosses open, scenic ledges before bringing hikers back onto the Grafton Loop Trail to reach the summit of Puzzle Mountain. If you’re going to explore this trail, is recommended to hike it in a clockwise direction (on your way back down from the summit versus on your way to the summit).
Puzzle Mountain summit
The summit of Puzzle Mountain is mostly exposed and provides fantastic views of the presidential range, Sunday River, and surrounding mountains and valleys. I love the unique perspective it provides of Grafton Notch.
Insider tips for hiking Puzzle Mountain
The best time(s) to hike: June through September for warm temperatures, early October for peak foliage.
Parking can sometimes be limited on weekend days in the Summer— these trails can be a nightmare, so consider hiking early morning or late afternoon OR having a backup option if the parking lot is full.
Phone service is practically nonexistent in Newry, so be sure to either share your itinerary with a loved one or carry a satellite communication device in case of an emergency.
Best nearby eats and treats:
Puzzle Mountain Bakery: a small, self-service bakery stand that sells pies, cookies, whoopie pies, and other homemade goodies.
Le Mu Eats: a cozy main street restaurant that offers comfort food with South East Asian influences (noodles, pho, Vietnamese coffee, Thai iced tea, etc.)
Gemini Cafe and Bakery: a lively cafe that offers delicious sandwiches on fresh bread and homemade pastries and desserts.
Leave no trace at Puzzle Mountain
When it comes to enjoying time outdoors, remember the golden rule: Leave No Trace. It’s as simple as picking up after yourself, staying on the trails, and leaving nature just as beautiful as you found it. By practicing Leave No Trace, you help preserve the magic of Maine for future adventurers to enjoy, so everyone can keep enjoying the same beautiful, wild world we love.
Interested in more Maine hiking information and tips? You can find them all here.
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With love,
My Maine
