Frye Headwaters

Town: Searsmont, Montville
Length: 14 miles
Connects to: Ridge to River, Frye Mountain

The Frye Headwaters Trail connects the Ridge to River Trail in Searsmont to Frye Mountain in Montville. It traverses the upper headwaters of the Georges River watershed, crossing Bartlett Stream and Thompson Brook. The trail is mostly level but wet in spots, and the distance makes for a difficult hike although it can be done in sections. Come prepared!

Most of this trail goes through working forest, so you’ll enjoy trees of varied ages. You’ll walk through majestic white pines, spruce, fir, old growth hemlock, and grandiose oak trees. The trail is rich with stone walls, remnants of farms that existed over 150 years ago.

You’ll find running brooks, ponds, and a bog intersect sections of the trail, so you’ll have opportunities to see grouse, ducks, geese, herons, eagles, and beaver.

Trail Map

Download the printable trail map.

Directions to the Trailheads

There are three access points to the Frye Headwaters Trail.

South: From the center of Searsmont (Fraternity Village Store), head west on Route 173. Travel 2 miles to the parking lot on the right across from Ripley Corner Rd.

Mid-point: From the center of Searsmont (Fraternity Village Store), head north on New England Road for 3.6 miles. Turn right on Route 3, go .7 miles to park at the Olde Mill Trading Post (143 Acadia Hwy.)

North: This is the Frye Mountain trailhead in Montville. From the intersection of Routes 3 and 220 in Liberty, follow 220 north for 6.5 miles to Walker Ridge Road on the right. Park at the Dept. of Inland Fisheries & Wildlife maintenance building lot and walk up the gravel road 0.3 miles to trailhead on right (see map).

The “Path Partner” corporate sponsors of the Georges Highland Path are critical to its success. Give them your business and say “thank you!”