Beartown Gap Trail

Dogs Unknown

Features Birding · Views · Wildlife

The trail is accessed from Beartown Road, which connects Beartown and Manchester via an ATV trail. You can run this road, of course, though parking on either end requires some creativity.

The trail is clearly marked with a sign that says "Equinox" with an arrow pointing south. It's a doubletrack because it's actually an old road, built in the late 19th century by Frank Orvis (brother of Charles, who founded the famous Orvis fishing supply company), along with the help of local Manchester residents.

The road proved difficult and expensive to maintain, and fell into disuse in the early 1900s. Still, it sees some foot traffic each year, and is easily followed if not consistently marked. After a little over 2 miles, you'll reach the intersection with Lookout Rock trail. To the north and east a little ways is a beautiful view of the town of Manchester. Continue south to the intersection with the Blue Summit Trail and ascend Mt. Equinox.

The lower section of the trail is mostly deciduous (lots of sugar maples, of course), and ruffed grouse hide among the ferns alongside the trail, popping out when you least expect. All the usual suspects are here, as well -- black bear, for sure. The uppermost section of trail is stunted spruce and fir, and supports hermit thrush and the rare Bicknell's thrush, among many others.