From collection Place
An early, moderately difficult, moderately used, densely wooded summit trail, 2'-3' wide of mostly unconstructed tread. Possibly the oldest trail on west side of Sargent Mountain. Original route approached waterfall along old woods road, but now starts at "Shady Hill" on Route 198. Lower section passes over many exposed roots along brook. Water dips on lower section have been added by NPS to redirect drainage. Passes Parkman Mtn (#58), Bald Mtn (#59), Maple Springs (#62), and upper Hadlock Pond (#501) trails, continuing eastward to end at Sargent Mountain South Ridge Trail (#52). Constructed features include some 17 steps and 40 stepping stones. According to Goodrich and old maps and guidebooks, old fork predating Maple Springs Trail used to head northwest about 100 yards above waterfall - led to northern branch of Hadlock Brook where it emerged on the cliffs of Maple Spring gorge. The upper carriage road Waterfall Bridge, visible while climbing the route, perfectly frames the waterfall over the rocks further up the trail. Much rerouting was done to accommodate carriage road construction, resulting in the loss of a bridge, step stones, a support wall, and steep steps for climbing alongside the waterfall. DK, DG, SB, MB, GJS
