By Sam Shirley

One of the Oxford Hill’s small peaks is the wonderful Patch Mountain (elev. 1,565 feet) in Greenwood, with glorious views from two open ledges — especially in the fall. The only downside is the difficulty in reaching the trailhead. (See directions below.)

The trail starts at a hunting camp on Patch Mountain Road and follows an ATV trail to a pair of viewpoints on the south summit of the mountain. Soon after its start, the trail passes an old abandoned house and a large old foundation and well. It’s just over a mile to the top, and the trail is relatively easy the whole way with only a few moderate climbs.

At the top, there are two lookouts. The main ATV trail ends at a large open ledge with a directional view south, with a good look over Pennesseewassee Lake in Norway. Soon before reaching this ledge, a more minor trail branches left and leads about 100 yards to a clifftop with more wide-ranging views east and south, including Noyes Mountain and Harvard Quarry. It was a perfect place to sit and bask in the sun on a mild fall day.

Patch Mountain lies within the 12,268-acre Crooked River Headwaters conservation easement, protected in 2021.

Directions: The trailhead is reached via Patch Mountain Road, open to ATVs and foot traffic. One can park at the Oversett Pond trail lot on the north side, or there is room for one or two vehicles at the intersection of Patch and Hayes on the south side. Either way it’s a 2.5- mile walk to the start of the ATV trail up Patch mountain. The ATV trail up Patch Mountain from Patch Mountain Road should be in good condition, though it is a technical trail for an ATV, easy to moderate for hikers. Views from the two ledge section at top are excellent to the south and over to Noyes Mountain.