By Katie Mauro

 

MATLT’s first community hike of the season was a hit! A motley crew of seven enthusiastic individuals summited Puzzle Mountain! Puzzle Mountain is part of the Stewart Family Preserve, named after Bob Stewart, who donated the land to the Mahoosuc Land Trust for permanent protection from development. Located in the eastern part of the Mahoosuc Range, Puzzle Mountain has a lot to offer. Multiple ledges and viewpoints on the way to the open summit, with a great view of neighboring Sunday River Ski Area, makes this a very enjoyable hike. Participants commented on the wildlife (three toads, two snakes, and multiple butterflies), stream crossings, and diverse terrain including deciduous forests and rocky ledges sprinkled in among moss and pine.

Co-leaders, Louise and Katie, bookended the hiking group and recorded 6.3 miles round trip and an elevation gain of 2,352 feet, which was a steady but manageable climb. Deciding against the Woodsum Spur add-on, the hike took approximately 5 hours with a relaxing stop at the summit for lunch (one hiker brought steak)! Overall, the group was lucky with gorgeous weather, clear views, and great company, even the black flies couldn’t bring us down.