What to Expect

Rumford Whitecap, rising only 2200 feet, is unrivaled in Western Maine for its open summit, bountiful summer blueberries, and extensive backcountry ski lines. This mountainous part of the Mahoosuc Land Trust’s 1100-acre Rumford Whitecap Mountain Preserve and Ellis River Conservation Area is a must-hike in any season. Many points along this hike provide breathtaking views of the surrounding area: the Mahoosuc and White Mountains to the west, Mexico Hills to the east, and the Androscoggin River Valley to the south.

To access the trails at Rumford Whitecap, be sure to park in the small lot or along the East Andover Road shoulder. Cross the road, pass around a gate, sign-in at register box, and enter an old log yard to find the trail.

The Orange Trail leaves left out of the log yard (north) and shares a snowmobile trail for a brief stretch. The hiking trail turns north and east, as the snowmobile trail departs west. The first section of the trail stays on a logging road before breaking off and heading toward the summit. Stay on the Orange Trail to the open ridge, where the remaining distance to the summit is marked by cairns, orange ribbon flags, and paint blazes.

The summit of Rumford Whitecap is owned in part by the Mahoosuc Land Trust and also by private landowners. Please respect private landowners’ rights and wishes by adhering to any signs and staying within the Land Trust property. This preserve also includes the somewhat-developed Yellow Trail, which meets the Orange Trail to traverse the ridge to the summit.