What a beautiful day here in Berlin NH… not a cloud in the sky, temps in the 70’s, low humidity and no bugs! A great day for a nice walk! My family and I visited Mascot Pond and the site of a once very active leadmine. Its a great, easy, scenic hike beginning on the Berlin-Gorham road.

The trailhead is reached on route 16, known locally as the Berlin-Gorham Road, just south of Berlin NH at the large, steel Boston and Maine Railroad Trestle…..(now converted to snowmobile bridge). Parking for approximately 6-8 cars here. After parking, cross the footbridge constructed on the bottom of railroad trestle, which crosses the Androscoggin River. Bear left after exiting trestle, follow signs on a dirt road which re-joins the old rail bed in approx half a mile. Bear left another .25 miles until you reach another railroad bridge. Use caution to look for trail which bears right just after bridge. (Not marked) Trail connects with dirt road in approx 2oo feet…bear right. Follow dirt road until you reach AMC Mahoosuc trail on right…marked with signs and stone staircase. Follow this trail for approx .75 miles, bearing right when Mahoosuc trail forks left approx .5 miles from stone stairs. Mascot pond will be on right with abandoned leadmine ore pile on left.

Use caution when climbing discarded ore pile as rocks are loose and grade is steep. Main entrance to mine bears slightly left as you climb, but several more entrances (all gated) are located several hundred feet higher on hill to right of main entrance.

The caves are home to several endangered species of bats (more information to follow) and have been gated closed for past 20+ years.

Have any more infor regarding this mine? Maybe some old pictures? Comment on this article or add to the photo gallery!