| Hiking Trail Conditions Report |
 | Peaks |
Moody Mountain, Hall Mountain, Wyman Mountain , ME |
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 | Trails: |
Appalachian Trail, spur trails |
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 | Date of Hike: |
Friday, August 22, 2025 |
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 | Parking/Access Road Notes: |
Roadside parking on South Arm Road |
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 | Surface Conditions: |
Dry Trail |
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 | Recommended Equipment: |
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 | Water Crossing Notes: |
All easily hoppable. No bridging of any sort on this section of trail |
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 | Trail Maintenance Notes: |
Trail is clear and in good shape |
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 | Dog-Related Notes: |
Great for dogs |
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 | Bugs: |
Minimal |
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 | Lost and Found: |
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 | Comments: |
Today, we headed north of Andover to hike three lesser-known mountains. Moody Mountain, Hall Mountain, and Wyman Mountain all lie along the Appalachian Trail, and, despite having multiple excellent viewpoints, are rarely visited by day hikers. Heading south on the AT from South Arm Road, the trail immediately crosses Black Brook. This crossing can be tricky at times of higher water, but it is an easy rock-hop for most of the summer. After passing Black Brook Campsite, the trail begins its climb out of Black Brook Notch to Moody Mountain. Although steady, the climb isn't nearly as rugged as the climb up Old Blue on the other side of the notch. Shortly before the summit, a short spur leads to a precarious clifftop viewpoint, which is the best viewpoint on Moody Mountain. The viewpoint is similar to the viewpoint on the Red Rock Mountain cliffs, but without the balcony ledge at the top. The view south is excellent, but extreme care should be exercised at the edge of the cliff.
Just past the summit of Moody Mountain is another, somewhat restricted, viewpoint southwest. The AT then begins its descent into Sawyer Notch and reaches another viewpoint spur (with a sign) which leads to a view across Sawyer Notch to the cliffs on Hall Mountain. After this viewpoint, the descent into the notch becomes much more rugged. Sawyer Notch is very similar to Black Brook Notch, with a very steep northeast wall, requiring a extensive series of steps and iron rung ladders to descend or climb. At the floor of the notch, which is lower than the floor of Black Brook Notch, is Sawyer Brook and a long disused tote road. Just past the unbridged crossing of Sawyer Brook (similar to the crossing of Black Brook), is a small picnic area.
The trail then begins to climb Hall Mountain. The steady climb is similar to the climb of Moody Mountain out of Black Brook Notch. Partway up the climb is a signed spur to a viewpoint back across Sawyer Notch to the overhanging cliffs of Moody Mountain. Near the top of Hall Mountain is Hall Mountain Lean-To. Behind the lean-to is a blue-blazed trail with signs for a scenic view and the "Gunsight." After a short climb, the spur reaches an excellent viewpoint to the south and east, which is a perfect place to stop and rest or eat lunch. Just before the viewpoint is the Gunsight, which is a deep cleft in the rock which makes up the cliffs below the viewpoint.
Back on the AT past the lean-to, the trail traverses along a contour before making an easy climb to the north peak of Wyman Mountain. Just past the summit of Wyman Mountain is an excellent wide ranging viewpoint to the south.
For anyone looking for an easier hike, Moody Mountain is worthwhile on its own, but these three peaks all offer great alternatives to the more popular summits in the region and offer unique viewpoints in a very rugged and remote feeling area. |
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 | Name: |
Sam Shirley |
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 | E-Mail: |
newenglandskier13@aol.com |
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| Date Submitted: |
2025-08-22 |
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 | Link: |
 https://api-v5.alltrails.com/explore/recording/activity-august-22-2025-41ae36e?p=-1&sh=qriocr&utm_medium=map_share&utm_source=alltrails_virality |
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Disclaimer: Reports are not verified - conditions may vary. Use at own risk. Always be prepared when hiking. Observe all signs. Trail conditions reports are not substitutes for weather reports or common sense. |
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