Mt Washington as seen from entrance to lead mine and Amscot Pond in Gorham NH

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!

This view of Berlin NH was taken from atop Mt. Forist, also known to locals as “Elephant Mountain”. The trailhead is reached by driving through town on NH Rt. 110 northwest towards Groveton NH only a mile from town. Park across from the storage units just south of White Mountain Distributors. Gravel road continues almost all the way to top of mountain, then a short skidder trail bearing left from the woodlot takes you the rest of the way. Well worth the 30-40 minute walk!

The views from the top of the cliff are breathtaking. To the north you are able to see Cates Hill, Milan, Dummer, Milan Hill State park, 13 mile woods, the Mahoosuc range including the Mahoosuc Notch, widely regarded as the toughest mile on the Appalachain Trail. You can also see Goose Eye Mountain, Grafton Notch Maine and mountain ranges directly to the west of Sunday River Ski Area. To the south is the stunning views of the Presidential Range including Mount Washington, Wildcat Mountain Ski Area and more.