Mountain Summer 2008 - The Irregular

Hiik iing
hiking is a great way to explore the area
Summer is finally here and what
better way to enjoy the outdoors
than taking a hike. Maine has many
trails from low impact such as a
walk down a nature trail, to Moxie
Falls or in the woods on some moderate
climbs in the western mountains
of Carrabassett Valley.
Not far from your doorsteps
around Franklin and surrounding
Counties, are splendid inland hiking
trails and mountains to explore,
where you can leave the crowds
behind. It’s great exercise for the
entire family. Let’s begin our journey...
Baldpate Mountain —
Andover
This is a great day hike following
Appalachian Trail footpath through
woods. This is a strenuous hike
with some climbing involved.
You’ll pass by several spectacular
falls along the way to the 2,900
foot summit. When you reach the
top you may notice the smoke coming
out of the Cog railway climbing
Mount Washington to the south.
Awesome views of Old Speck and
Sunday River Ski Resort and on a
clear day, you’ll be able to pick out
Sugarloaf/ USA towards the north.
Be quiet and go slow through the
low bushes near the summit
because you may spot a deer or two
grazing on berry bushes.
Bigelow
Mountain Range —
Carrabassett Valley
This impressive mountain range
covers 17 miles and four peaks that
can be accessed by several networks
of trails. One of the trails
begins in Stratton along the
Bigelow Range Trail to Cranberry
Peak, elevation at 3,213 feet.
Another trek takes you up the
Appalachian Trail crossing Route
27, where the trail gets steep to
Cranberry Peak, where you’ll find
a picturesque pond. The trail continues
to Horns Pond, and a lean-to
for overnight camping. Follow the
trail to West Peak at 4,150 feet.
Another trail begins at Stratton
Brook Pond called the Fire
Warden’s trail. The ascent is steep
as you climb up into the ‘neck’ of
the trail to West Peak and to Myron
H. Avery Peak. The old Fire
Warden’s tower still stands. Here,
you find picturesque views of both
Saddleback to the south and
Flagstaff Lake to the north. Locals
have called the silhouette of this
impressive range “The Sleeping
Indian lady.”
Burnt Hill —
Carrabassett Valley
It’s called a “hill” but “locals”
refer to it as Burnt Mountain.
Skiers and riders at nearby
Sugarloaf/USA can see the trail to
the summit of Burnt. It’s a great
place for either summer or winter
hikes. Access the trail by driving
up the Sugarloaf access road and
pass by the Sugarloaf Inn. Follow
the road to the end and park near a
small bridge.
The trail follows Snow Brook
and gently rises to a somewhat flat
summit, above tree-line. There are
scenic views of Sugarloaf/s east
side and Bigelow Mountain range
from the 3,595 foot summit.
Another trail to the summit can be
accessed from the Sugarloaf Ski
Touring Center; however this trail
is much longer.
Crocker Mountain —
Carrabassett Valley
This hike takes you north and
south along the Appalachian Trail
for about six miles. It can be easily
accessed from Route 27 on the
Caribou Pond Road. Many hikers
either ride a bike to the trail head,
leaving their vehicle in the AT
parking lot.
Although there are a few steep
climbs, the trail is mostly gradual
in ascents to the summit at 4,168
feet. The trail connects with sister
peak around the Crocker Cirque,
and although long, it offers picturesque
views of the Bigelow
Range to the north and
Sugarloaf/USA to the east.
Mount Blue — Weld
This is a somewhat strenuous
climb through mixed hard and soft
woods. There are several vantage
points on the ledges to view the
western mountains. Follow the
well traveled trail to the 1,800 foot
summit.
Reaching Mosquito Mountain peak, along the Appalachian Trail. (Melissa Howes photo)
Mount Kineo — Kineo
This is a great day hike for the
young and old. Located on
Moosehead Lake, families can
enjoy the trek either by boat or
land. From the fire tower on bald
summit, you’ll take in pristine
views of the Lake and mountains
including Big Squaw to the south,
Big Spencer to the north, and
impressive Mount Katahdin and
the Baxter State Park range of
mountains. Elevation is only 800
feet. Follow the Bridal Trail that
has easier grades. If there’s time,
play a round of golf on the ninehole
course.
Moxie Falls —
Moxie Gore
A great family “walking” hike.
The trail leaves the road for the
easy walk through woods to the
impressive falls. It’s one of the
highest falls in Maine with a drop
of 30 yards. Be careful, as the steps
and descent down to the pools can
be very slippery due to airborne
spray. Do not attempt to get close
to the falls, as the force of the water
may carry you over.
Sugarloaf Mountain —
Carrabassett Valley
Access from Route 16 & 27 via
the Caribou Pond Road about a
mile from the Sugarloaf access
road. Drive for about a mile where
you’ll see a parking area. The trail
crosses a stream as you head east to
the west side of the mountain.
Follow the blue-blazed trail to
some very steep pitches on the
south-west side of the mountain.
The trail crosses the AT. At the
summit you’ll enjoy spectacular
views of the near-by ranges,
including Spaulding Mountain,
Crocker Mountain. There are radio
towtowers at the summit and you
may even be able to gain access to
the old gondola house on the 2,500
foot summit.
Tumbledown
Mountain — Weld
This mountain has three peaks
and a pristine lake. You can climb
the Brook Trail, the shortest route,
approximately a mile and a half,
passes a brook. The trail is well
marked, but be prepared for a very
steep ascent through a rock-like
cave that you’ll have to squeeze
yourself through. An easier loop
road leads to the 1,400 foot summit.
These are just a few of the many
splendid hikes that Maine has to
offer. Check out local guides when
you’re passing by a tourist information
area. Have fun and be safe
on your walk in the Maine woods.
Dan Cassidy, a freelance writer,
may be found hiking trails and
mountains or riding off-road bik-
ing trails in the Maine woods.
When not hiking, he may be in his
canoe on a remote stream or lake
in the North Maine Woods along
the Allagash Wilderness Waterway.
Other
Suggested
Area Hikes
Mosquito Mountain - a
part of the Appalachian Trail, this
is a moderate to strenuous 1.9 mile
hike that offers great views from
the top. Located in the Forks, east
of Route 201.
Coburn Mountain
Located west of Route 201
between the Forks and Jackman,
Coburn is the tallest mountain
between the Bigelow Range and
Baxter Sate Park, This 3, 718 foot
tall mountain presents a rather
strenuous challenge for hikers.
Also nicknamed “Enchanted
Mountain”, Coburn has an observation
deck at the top for taking in
wonderful 260-degree views.
Sally Mountain
The hike up Sally Mountain is a
4.8 mile moderate hike. It is located
southwest of Jackman between
Wood and Attean Ponds, which can
be viewed from the trail. The word
is that blueberries are abundant on
Sally Mountain from late July to
early September.
Maine Mountain Summer 2008 27