Old Speck Mountain Lookout Maine

Old Speck Mountain Lookout

Status: Standing Lookout
Elevation: 4,160 feet,
Prominence: 2,700 feet
State: Maine
County: Oxford (County Highpoint)
AT Access: 0.3 miles side trail with 40 feet gain

In 1914, a wood tower was built.

In 1919, a 36 foot steel tower was built.

In 1932 there was a fire wardens trail up Old Speck.

In 1959, the cab was removed.

In 1997, a new observation platform was built. The observation tower platform is 38 feet.

Unlike neighboring mountains that have had fires, Old Speck has not had a fire and remains forested on top. It is also known as Old Speckle Mountain, for its speckled appearance, which is caused by large areas of exposed rock and tree cover. I did not have good weather on the summit but I was able to camp in one of several camping locations near the summit. Being a bit of distance from the Appalachian Trail, there were no other campers in the area. This was the only accessable tower on the trail I did not climb due to such poor weather conditions.

Photo by restlessmeanderer

Photo by mainetrailfinder

Photo by Lauren Kousaie

Photo by Katherine Mills

Photo by Trekking Sketches

View from the observation platform

Observation platform

Route of the Appalachian Trail as it passes by Old Speck Mountain

Trail split at the AT to go to the Old Speck Mountain summit

Looking up the ladder