Friar's Nose Trail
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Quick Facts
| Difficulty | moderate |
| Trail Type | linear |
| Distance | 1.8 km one-way |
| Estimated Time | 1 hr 45 mins |
| Surface Type | old road, forested |
| Elevation Change | 216 metres |
| Features | peak |
| Trail Markers | none but easy to follow |
| Scenery Rating | must see |
| Maintenance Rating | well maintained |
| Cell Reception | variable |
| Dog Friendly | yes |
| Fees | none |
Description
Near the start of the Arnolds Hollow Road you will find a small house that looks like an abbey. The abbey looks like it belongs in the Swiss Alps and not in the woods south of Sussex. If you look above and behind the abbey you should be able to see the rocky outcrop of Friar's Nose.
The Arnolds Hollow Road is a steady climb for about 1 km. The road passes several other unique buildings in the woods behind the abbey. The trail comes to a clearing as the hill plateaus. Continuing straight on the trail will take you down into Hidden Valley and to the Parlee Brook Amphitheatre.
To get to Friar's Nose take the trail that climbs the hill on your left. This ATV trail steadily climbs along a ridge. After about 700 meters you will see a trail enter the woods on the left. This short trail climbs up to the rocky outcrop of Friar's Nose. The rocky outcrop drops off in steep cliffs on three sides. Use caution and don't go too close to the edge. The peak provides unfettered views towards Sussex, Poley Mountain, and the Parlee Brook valley below.
Map
Directions
From Sussex Corner take Route 111 towards St. Martins. After 550 meters keep left on Waterford Road. After 5.7 km turn right onto Parlee Brook Road. After 2.5 km the road changes to gravel and at 4.9 km you will find the sign for Arnolds Hollow Road climbing the hill on the right. On the left side of the trail is a house that some call the Abbey due to its unique look. Do not park near this house. Please cross the bridge just beyond the Abbey and park on the other side of the stream (see map below).
Update Feb. 17, 2018 - Continue past the wide area in the road to park. This is where plows turn and if you are parked there they can't turn.
Blog Post
Trail Last Hiked: February 1, 2016.
Page Last Updated: March 4, 2023.