The Black and White trail connects Black Mountain ski area with Rumford Whitecap Mountain. From the ski area trailhead, head up the mountain on a winding trail through the woods to the tower just below the summit. The trail to Whitecap is behind the fenced-in tower and marked with a sign and white blazes. The trail winds around the mountain for a short distance before descending into the col between the two mountains. The trail crosses a dirt road / snowmobile trail before crossing a small stream and heading towards Whitecap, which is visible from this road.
From here, the trail to Whitecap is fairly easy and well marked. The trail winds through a hardwood forest with limited views, except for a grassy area with mountain views and the cliffs on the side of Whitecap. Enjoy the pleasant walk through the woods with the birdsong and occasional sighting of wildlife. When you reach the intersection with the Red Trail on Rumford Whitecap (at 44.564156, -70.666314), there is an option to continue right, up Whitecap to the summit (about 20 minutes) or descend straight to the Rumford Whitecap parking lot by following the red/orange blazes down the trail.
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:
You can start at either trailhead, although the trail from Black Mountain to Rumford Whitecap will have less elevation gain.
To Black Mountain, 39 Glover Road, Rumford: From US-2 at the base of the falls in Rumford, take a left onto Spruce Street and continue on Swain Road to the end, approximately 2 miles. Take a right on Isthmus Road and drive 1.8 miles. Take a left on Grover Road and park in the ski area parking lot.
To Rumford Whitecap: From US-2 in Rumford Point, take ME Route 5/Ellis River Road north for 3.1 miles. Turn right on Andover Road and cross the bridge over the Ellis River. After 0.4 miles, turn left on East Andover Road, and go another 0.2 miles to the parking lot on the left and the trailhead at a gated gravel road on the right.
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I hiked along the Black and White Trail to the east end of Whitecap, then took the connector trail that follows the old red blazes that you see on trees and the granite ledge. I always thought these were survey marks and have hiked up that route for many years. Now there are blue trail markesr up this connector and it comes up to open ledge at the very eastern end of Whitecap.
This route made a perfect loop from the parking area: Iles Trail > Black and White Trail > connector up Whitecap blazed in blue > summit of Whitecap > then back down the Iles Trail to parking.