Mount Hayes anchors the western end of the Mahoosuc Range, rising 2,573 feet above the Androscoggin River valley just east of Gorham. The wooded summit gives way to open south-facing ledges a short distance beyond the high point, where a sweeping panorama takes in Gorham spread below, the river curving through its valley, the northern Presidential Range across Pinkham Notch, and the Carter Range extending to the south.
Two approaches along the Appalachian Trail reach the summit. The Centennial Trail route from Shelburne begins on Hogan Road through the Ice Gulch Town Forest and covers about 6.6 miles round-trip with roughly 2,050 feet of gain. The Mahoosuc Trail from Power Island in Gorham offers an alternate start at a similar distance with about 1,830 feet of gain. Both routes share the AT corridor and see steady thru-hiker traffic in summer; parking at each trailhead is limited, so an early start is advisable during peak season.
Mount Hayes is hikeable year-round. The summit ledges face south and can collect ice from late fall through early spring, making microspikes or crampons a useful addition to the pack.
