Great Notch Trail

Great Notch Trail is a 2.0-mile, one-way woodland route from the Gilley Trail junction to remote Long Pond Fire Road, crossing the pass between Mansell and Bernard Mountains. The two miles cover the full named trail line; they do not include the approach from a parking area or a return. Allow about 1.5 hours for the trail itself, then add time and distance for access and your chosen exit.

From the Gilley junction, the trail climbs toward Great Notch, a wooded saddle between the two mountains. It is a trail junction, not a broad summit overlook. Continue through the pass to the Long Pond Trail junction; from there the northwest leg runs about 1.1 miles through quiet forest to Long Pond Fire Road. A 1.2-mile figure sometimes given for this western leg describes that stretch, not the full two-mile line. Expect dirt and forest-floor tread with rock and ledge, plus stone steps on the descent.

The clearest described parking access is at Long Pond’s south shore, at the end of Long Pond Road. The lot is limited, and on busy days you may have to park farther up the road. The Long Pond approach joins Great Notch midway; the Gilley Trail connection reaches the route’s southeast end. The full line is point-to-point, not a loop, and ends at remote Long Pond Fire Road, so plan a connector return or pickup. Leashed pets are allowed; keep them on a leash no longer than six feet.