MAHOOSUC LAND TRUST
Rumford Whitecap
Within the Rumford Whitecap Mountain Preserve, two trails lead to the summit. The Red/Orange Trail starts at the red gate directly across from the parking area and is marked with red/orange flags. The Starr Trail, marked by yellow blazes and ribbons, starts at the gray gate, about 100 yards north of the parking area on the East Andover Road.
The two trails merge just before reaching the summit. The remaining distance along the ridge to the summit is marked by cairns, orange ribbon flags, and paint blazes. Many points along the hike provide breathtaking views of the surrounding area: the Mahoosuc and White Mountains to the west, Mexico Hills to the east, and Androscoggin River Valley to the south.
How to get there
From US-2 in Rumford Point, take ME-5/Ellis River Road north for 3.1 miles. Turn right onto Andover Road and cross the bridge over the Ellis River. After 0.4 miles, turn left onto East Andover Road, and go another 0.2 miles to the parking lot on the left. The trailhead is across the road from the parking lot at a gated gravel road.
Notes on Topography, plants, and animals
The Preserve is home to several natural plant communities, including part of the largest red pine woodland in the state. It has long been a popular picnicking spot and a destination for picking wild blueberries.
How this place became open to the public
The Preserve, including much of the bald summit and some of the south and east-facing slopes, was purchased by the Mahoosuc Land Trust in 2007. It was acquired through the generosity of over 500 donors, grants from the Land for Maine's Future Board, and five charitable foundations.
