The East Royce trailhead is on the west side of ME Route 113, just north of Evans Notch. The trail crosses Evans Brook, climbs steeply and crosses other small brooks in the first 0.5-mile. The trail reaches the junction of the Royce Connector Trail at 1.0 mile. Stay right on the East Royce Trail, coming to open ledges at 1.1 miles. At 1.4 miles there are southern views, then the trail turns right and climbs to the summit of East Royce Mountain. Continue 0.1 miles to a path turning right (north) to a large ledge with views to the north and west.
The Royce Trail begins on the west side of ME Route 113, opposite the Brickett Place just north of the Cold River Campground. The trail crosses Cold River and the south branch of Mad River then climbs more steeply passing Mad River Falls. At 2.7 miles the Laughing Lion Trail enters from the right, and at 2.9 miles the Royce Connector Trail goes to the right for 0.2 mile to the East Royce Trail.
The Laughing Lion Trail starts on the west side of ME Route 113 just north and opposite of the Cold River Overlook parking lot. This trail crosses Cold river and climbs over a ridge affording views of the valley to the south. At 1.1 miles, the trail intersects with the Royce Trail 0.2 mile south of the Royce Connector Trail.
The section Route 113 that the East Royce trailhead is located on is closed during winter. A White Mountain National Forest Recreation Pass is required at the Brickett Place. The other locations do not require a pass.
Natural Heritage Hikes is a project of the Maine Natural Areas Program in partnership with Maine Trail Finder. View the "White Mountain National Forest - East Royce Trail" guide online here.
Visit the White Mountain National Forest online for more information or contact:
East Royce: From US Route 2 in Gilead, travel south on Maine State Route 113 for 7.7 miles to the parking area on the west side of the road. From US Route 302 in Fryeburg, travel north on Maine State Route 113 for 21.9 miles to the parking area.
Royce: From US Route 2 in Gilead, travel south on Maine State Route 113 for 10.6 miles to the Brickett Place on the east side of the road. From US Route 302 in Fryeburg, travel north on Maine State Route 113 for 19 miles to the Brickett Place.
Laughing Lion: From US Route 2 in Gilead, travel south on Maine State Route 113 for 8.6 miles to the Cold River Overlook parking area on the east side of the road. From US Route 302 in Fryeburg, travel north on Maine State Route 113 for 21 miles to the parking area.
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