Hiking up Rumford Whitecap

It's true when people say that the height of a mountain doesn't matter when it comes to scenery. A good example of this is Rumford Whitecap, a small mountain with a height of 2,202 feet. The mountain is part of the Mahoosuc Land Trust, alongside mountains like Old Speck and Goose Eye. The mountain offers expansive views looking toward several notable peaks.

Looking northeast.

We arrived at the trailhead for the Red/Orange Trail, a well traversed path leading to the summit with few junctions. The trail was packed down, and easy to follow. It started easy, and after a continuous incline, it flattened, only to  wind up the mountainside.

Looking up the trail.

As we climbed higher and higher up the mountain, the snow began to get deep, with a maximum height of around three to four feet. The trail was still easy to follow, and it became evident of the true depth of the snow, as several signs and blazes were nearly engulfed in snow.

Is this the new trail? Maybe...

The forest began to open up, as the trail brought us over several snow-covered ledges, with minimal views. This didn't last long, as we were soon awarded with beautiful views looking back down the trail. The untouched snow off the trail added to the beauty of the mountain.

Looking southwest toward the Evans Notch area.

Continuing up the trail.

Looking ahead we could see the trail wind through the snow. We soon found ourselves atop the mountain, with some of the most incredible views from a mountain of this height. There were views in every direction, looking out to the Mahoosuc Range, the Rangeley area, and the Weld area.

Looking to Puzzle Mountain, with Sunday River ski area clearly visible in the distance.

Old Speck framed between Puzzle Mountain and Long Mountain.

Some notable summits that are visible include Puzzle Mountain, Old Speck, Baldpate Mountain, Old Blue, Saddleback Mountain, The Horn, Tumbledown Mountain, Black Mountain, Mt.Zircon, Caribou Mountain, and many more. Many of these peaks were beautifully snow dusted.

A wider view of the Mahoosuc Range.

Black Mountain can be seen to the right, with peaks like Tumbledown and Saddleback visible.

Mt.Zircon can be seen in the foreground. The distant bald mountain is Speckled Mountain (Peru).

Looking toward Tumbledown Mountain (right) and Saddleback Mountain and The Horn to the left.

The skies were clear, and the views were incredible. The view of Old Blue and Saddleback Mountain were most impressive, as both appeared towering above the surrounding landscape, completely snow-capped.

Old Blue Mountain

Saddleback Mountain and The horn can be seen beyond the wind turbines.

Tumbledown Mountain, Little Jackson, and Jackson Mountain.

The winds were whipping at us, and we eventually left the summit and began down the mountain. This peak is certainly worth the little effort it takes to reach the summit. With a packed down trail in the winter, this mountain certainly makes for one of the best winter hikes in Maine.