Coppermines Ridge
Click here to view map
This section of trail traverses along an oak ridge above the retired Ely Copper Mine, once the largest copper mine in the United States.  It was in operation into the 1910s.  This five mile hike traverses trails and logging roads.  Once the leaves drop, there are spectacular views to the Franconia Ridge.

To get to the trailhead on Parker Road, from the village of West Fairlee, take Beanville Road which turns into Coppermine Road.  Bear right onto Algerine Road and then right onto Parker Road.  Go 1.2 miles to the top of the hill. Park on the left side of the road.  The trail crosses the road near the driveway.  

The trail leaves Parker Road heading east.

0.0      Leave Parker Road climbing and switchbacking moderately E.

0.2         Reach a driveway, follow it 100’ R, then

         bear L off it Continue level.

0.4     Reach a logging road, bear R along it and climb, switchbacking.  In about 0.3 mile pass through a sag and bear L, then turn R and ascend, staying on the logging road.

0.8     Reach a cleared viewpoint with broad views W  and N.  Bear R (logging road ends) and enter woods on trail. Climb then descend, passing another viewpoint on L.  Pass over summit, then descend on wide trail. Leave this trail, bearing R.

1.4      Reach major (graveled) logging road and bear R along it.  Descend through sag then pass over minor summit. Descend.

1.9      Leave logging road (watch for signs/blazes). Descend E, then continue level, crossing several skid trails.  In 0.2 mile, reach a logging road and bear L along it, ascending, In another 0.1 mile, turn sharp R, leaving logging road, continue ascent.

2.4      Reach small clearing on summit of peak 1716. Descend S along ridge, passing through sag.  In 0.4 mile, pass over shoulder of ridge and descend E and SE.

2.9      Reach open oak stand and view S off ledge over old Ely Coppermine, at one time the largest copper mine in the United States.  Rust-colored sands are tailing piles.  Trail climbs E.

3.0      Reach a skid trail and turn R, leaving skid trail.  Descend through open woods, on and off old skid trails with occasional views through trees. 

3.2      Bear R, leaving skid trail, switchback down off ridge.

3.5     Turn L onto wide logging road (snowmobile trail - VAST 5).  Descend gradually to sag. 

3.7     Bear R off of snowmobile trail (LOOK for signs and blazes) into woods.  Ascend, pass through another sag, ascend again through ledges.

4.0     Reach minor summit and property boundary, Descend gradually E.

4.3     Reach well preserved stonewall. Pass through and follow it about 200’, then bear L away from it.

4.5     Pass between driveway and stonewall. Descend steeply then continue level. Cross wet area along old stonewall, cross logging road, bear R staying close to wall.

4.6     Reach property corner, bear R through stonewall, and circle SE and S, descending.  Pass old farm pond.  Continue gradual descent in open woods.

4.9     Reach parking area and signboard just beyond end of              Austin Road.  Trail follows driveway and then Austin                Road, descending steeply.
  
   

 

  
 
  Back