Hammer Time (Favorite short, steep trail sections)

[Raven]

The Old Spec Trail from Route 26 ascends 650 feet in .5 miles and the ascent begins about .3 miles from the trailhead. There is a good deal of it that features well built stone steps so the descent is relatively safe and easy.

Thanks Paradox - this one sounds ideal too. I'll definitely add it to the list. Last time I was on Old Speck was maybe 3 winters ago, and I haven't seen what this trail looks like without snow in probably 10 years.

 

[Rudolph]

Straight Up

If memory serves,the original AT up Old Spec fromGrafton Notch was one mile of straight up trail and vey steep. If you can still find the trail. I has been 25 years since I was on that trail. And, there is always the Flume trail and Howker Ridge. Remember both as being strenuous and steep.

 

[TDawg]

Whiteface via Tom Wiggin and Blueberry Ledge trails!

 

[peakbagger]

The original Fire Wardens trail up Speck has been closed for many years deservedly so. It was severly eroded and has turned into a dranage ditch. It is quite obvious from a distance when the leaves are off the trails. Its a good example of a "fall line" trail, get a big rock rolling off the top of a mountain and lay in a path that follow where the boulder went. The current AT is steep but far more hardened.

North Moat from the north is one steady climb with reasonable footing and a stream at the bottom to jump into.

 

[natron]

maine

precipice trail & beehive trail, both in acadia, pretty much define short and steep.. also the chimney on tumbledown..

 

[TEO]

Mt. Nancy. Who's kidding whom? That's a trail.

 

[JacobH]

After hiking the Mount Major trail in 90 degree heat yesterday, I was reminded once again why the top half of the trail has little to no vegetation on it.

It climbs about 900 ft in 3/4 of a mile, if you stop to turn around once in awhile, though, the views more than make up for the pain.

 

[DougPaul]

precipice trail & beehive trail, both in acadia, pretty much define short and steep..

Both may be steep, but they have artificial hand and foot holds.

Doug