McCoy-Chapman Forest 4/11/2026

 

One of the best parts of spring hiking is waterfalls! McCoy-Chapman Forest in Gilead and Newry is one of my favorite places for a waterfall hike, and it didn't disappoint today!

 

Waterfall on Chapman Brook

We started at the eastern trailhead on the Esker Loop, and followed the trail along the river. After crossing North Road, we headed up the McCoy-Gray Birch Trail to the viewpoint on the south slope of Wheeler Mountain. There were still some areas of packed snow and monorail on the trails, but they were mostly dry and were all easily hiked in just hiking boots. There were good views of the Androscoggin River Valley and White Mountains today from the viewpoint, and we took time to enjoy our lunch there.

 

Androscoggin River from the Esker Loop

Heading up the McCoy-Gray Birch Trail

Viewpoint at the end of the McCoy-Gray Birch Trail

The northern Presidential Range

On the way back down, we turned right onto the Chapman Brook Trail. When there is good water flow, as there was today, this is one of the best waterfall trails in the state, passing countless waterfalls on two branches of Chapman Brook. We took our time, and enjoyed the waterfalls as we ascended along one branch, and then descended back to the McCoy-Gray Birch along the other branch. The almost turquoise water of one of the brooks made the cascades especially pretty!

 

Waterfall along the Chapman Brook Trail

Waterfall along the Chapman Brook Trail

Lower down, we followed the other section of the Chapman Brook Trail to the main parking lot, and then the north branch of the Esker Loop back to our car. It was an absolutely perfect spring hike on a beautiful spring day!

 

A beautiful pool near the end of the trail

Sampson wallowing in the brook

AllTrails Activity

Bethel Community Forest West & Buck's Ledge Community Forest, Woodstock 10/11/2023

View from Buck's Ledge

Today I revisited two community forests in Bethel and Woodstock to complete some of the trails there that I had yet to hike.

Bethel Community Forest West Trailhead

This bridge was functioning as more of a dam than a bridge

First up was the Parks-Bennett Trail in the western part of the Bethel Community Forest. This trail makes a loop on the southern slope of Ellingwood Mountain, passing along a pretty brook and past an excellent viewpoint, known as "The Prow" along the way.

A cascade along the trail

Last time I hiked here, I hiked the Red Pine Ridge Trail, instead of completing the Parks-Bennett Loop.

The loop junction

This time, I hiked the entire loop clockwise, and paused for a while to enjoy the view from The Prow.

View from The Prow

View from The Prow

This cleared area with a view up the mountain is called "Porcupine Panorama"

I then drove over to Buck's Ledge Community Forest in Woodstock.

Start of the Lapham Loop

This property was recently conserved by the town, and encompasses three peaks: Lapham Ledge, Buck's Ledge, and Moody Mountain. I started up the Lapham Loop, and soon made it to the top of the ledge, where I enjoyed my lunch and the view.

View from Lapham Ledge

After lunch, I headed down the other side of the Lapham Loop to Mann Road. I then followed Mann Road to the west end of the Buck's Ledge Trail.

The start of the Buck's Ledge Trail on Mann Road

This trail steadily climbed to the top of Buck's Ledge, which had the best views of the day.

Summit sign on Buck's Ledge

View from Buck's Ledge towards Mount Abram

After taking in the view, I headed up the JnJ Backcountry Trail to the top of Moody Mountain.

Logbook at the top of Moody Mountain

The top of Moody Mountain

Although this is the highest peak in the forest, the views here are rather limited. I descended steeply to the old logging road, and followed the road back to the parking area, with a short bushwhack detour around where they were doing construction.

The old logging road

The lower part of the old road is being improved to provide a way for disabled people to enjoy views without having to hike.

View from the lower part of the old logging road