Within the Rumford Whitecap Mountain Preserve, two trails lead to the summit from the parking lot providing either two distinct experiences or the opportunity for a loop. 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.
Please note: You may see red blazes continuing from the summit that mark the boundary. Please do not continue past the summit -- these blazes mark private property, not a trail. There is no connection to the Black and White Trail from the summit; the only connection is the one shown on the trail map via the Red Trail (at 44.564156, -70.666314).
During the late summer, Rumford Whitecap is widely known for its blueberries that grow on the upper ledges. Although the trails are not maintained for winter use, the summit area is also a well-known and popular backcountry ski destination.
For those who do not have time or the ability to hike to the Summit of Whitecap, going up the Iles Trail (orange) to the Connector Trail and crossing over to descend the Starr Trail (yellow) provides a one mile loop with views of a nice waterfall. Hiking up the Iles Trail (orange) to the Boundary Trail and crossing over to the Starr (yellow) trail again provides a view of some scenic cataracts, when the water is flowing, and completes a two mile loop. Along this trail you may notice some red and some yellow blazes which mark the property boundaries, not the trail. The boundary trail will be marked with blue.
Part of the summit of Rumford Whitecap is privately owned; please respect the private property rights of our neighbors and other users.
Do not camp or start fires in the preserve and carry out all trash. Please stay on the trails and the durable rock surface of the summit area to avoid stepping on fragile vegetation.
Rumford Whitecap Mountain Preserve is a 751-acre undeveloped tract on Rumford Whitecap Mountain (elevation 2,214 feet). 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.
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 and berrying destination for local residents.
The Mahoosuc Land Trust encourages public interest in land conservation and works to strengthen the connection between people and the land. We support a balance of growth and conservation and emphasize sustainable forestry, recreation, agriculture and traditional land uses.
This trail passes through a property that was acquired in part with funds from the Land for Maine’s Future program. For more information about the LMF program and the places it has helped to protect, please visit the LMF webpage.
Visit the Mahoosuc Land Trust online for more information or contact:
Mahoosuc Land TrustFrom 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 directly across the road from the parking lot at a gated gravel road.
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