Old Speck Via Speck Pond Trail

This route starts and ends at the Speck Pond Trailhead off Success Pond Road near Berlin, New Hampshire, reaching Old Speck Mountain's summit by way of Speck Pond Trail. From the trailhead, follow the Speck Pond Trail as it climbs through mixed hardwood and softwood forest on a winding, rocky, root-laced treadway, gaining significant elevation over roughly 3 miles to its junction with the Appalachian Trail/Mahoosuc Trail at Speck Pond, Maine's highest body of water at approximately 3,400 feet. The pond is stocked with brook trout and ringed by backcountry campsites. From the pond, turn onto the Appalachian Trail and climb roughly 1.1 miles farther, passing over Mahoosuc Arm, to a short side trail leaving the AT 0.2 miles before Old Speck's true summit; follow this spur to the wooded high point and its 38-foot fire tower, whose observation deck offers 360-degree views across three states. Retrace the same trails back to the Speck Pond Trailhead; the descent off Mahoosuc Arm and down the Speck Pond Trail is steep, rocky, and can be slick on wet ledges.