The summit of the mountain can be accessed from the southern trail head of the Grafton Loop Trail. The initial miles of the trail have a relatively low incline and utilize old logging roads for switchbacks. At about two miles, the trail makes a sharp turn to the left, and begins to climb at a steeper grade. At about 2.4 miles, the trail reaches exposed granite boulders and ledges, with views of the Sunday River Ski Area, Grafton Notch, and the distant Presidentials. The summit of Puzzle Mountain is at 3.2 miles, and provides views in all directions, as far as Sugarloaf Mountain. The total distance to the summit of Puzzle Mountain is 3.2 miles, and takes approximately three hours and thirty minutes to summit.