ExploringMaine.com
HIKING
Skip chores in favor of these colorful fall hikes
It's the time of year when this hiker doesn't feel like doing much else but spending time out on the trail, tramping up a mountain somewhere amid the changing colors of the trees. Most days it seems the skies are sapphire blue, the sun bright and warm, and the air fresh and invigorating, perfect for a walk in the woods.
The season passes much too quickly, making time all the more precious. So let's not waste the weekends doing chores around the house and other mundane stuff that can be postponed 'til whenever. Hike now, to-do list later, I say.
Fall hiking requires extra preparation, so don't forget to throw an extra fleece into your rucksack, bring more energy snacks and add a headlamp to hedge against the short daylight hours. And I like to pack a thermos of tea as well to help ward off the chill.
Here are some suggestions for fall mountain hikes with tremendous views and a high degree of solitude. Enjoy!
DOUBLETOP MOUNTAIN, BAXTER STATE PARK
Doubletop is one of the most strikingly beautiful mountains in Maine, with its steep rise and conical, twin-peaked 3,600-foot summit. Starting out from Kidney Pond, the trail is deceptively easy for several miles. Beyond, the trail scrambles over a thousand feet on relentlessly steep terrain. You are justly rewarded at the top, however, with a superb panorama ranging from Traveler to the Brothers to the Mount Katahdin massif. Info: Baxter State Park at www.baxterstateparkauthority.com.
BURNT MOUNTAIN, CARRABASSETT VALLEY
Burnt Mountain (3,609 feet) is dwarfed by nearby Sugarloaf and the other big peaks in the neighborhood, but it stands tall with true wilderness character. The mountain has an extensive alpine zone that rivals Sugarloaf, but without all the man-made features. Take the Burnt Mountain Trail, a moderately difficult round trip of six miles, which gains 1,900 feet of elevation. Info: Sugarloaf Outdoor Center at www.sugarloaf.com/OutdoorCenter/nordic_map.html.
SUNDAY RIVER WHITECAP, NEWRY
There's no quick and easy way to reach the alpine peak of Sunday River Whitecap of the Mahoosuc Mountains. To get there, you'll have to hike seven rugged miles one way on the Grafton Loop Trail, climb over Bald and Stowe mountains, and gain more than 2,500 feet of elevation. Do so, and you'll have earned the right to enjoy the grand wilderness views from the airy perch of the 3,335-foot summit. Info: Maine Appalachian Trail Club at www.matc.org.
MOUNT AZISCOHOS, LINCOLN PLANTATION
The Tower Man's Trail is a round-trip hike of about five miles that gains 1,500 feet on its way to the 3,215-foot peak. Follow a grassy tote road, then climb easily up an unmarked forest path. Cross a brook and climb more steeply on an overgrown trail with slippery rocks, roots and blowdowns. Finish over open ledges to the top. Take in the 360-degree views that reach west into New Hampshire and north to Canada. Info: Maine Mountain Guide (Appalachian Mountain Club).
LITTLE JACKSON MOUNTAIN, TWP 6 NORTH OF WELD
The Little Jackson Trail starts as a dirt road and becomes increasingly eroded and rocky before narrowing to a well-defined trail. Emerge from the forest at an open saddle and scramble west over ledges through an extensive alpine zone to the peak. The panoramic skyline includes the high peaks of Mount Abraham, Sugarloaf, Bigelow, Saddleback and Mount Blue. Tumbledown Mountain and Tumbledown Pond are on close-up display before you. Info: Maine Mountain Guide (Appalachian Mountain Club).
MANSELL AND BERNARD MOUNTAINS, ACADIA NATIONAL PARK
Mansell and Bernard Mountains are twin forested peaks that rise to about 1,000 feet in elevation and make a nice five-mile loop hike. The Mansell Mountain Trail climbs moderately under thick forest cover. Break out of the trees onto slabs of classic pink granite with views of Somes Sound and Southwest Harbor. On the way to Bernard Mountain, pass through Great Notch and over Knight's Nubble. Beyond, enjoy views across Blue Hill Bay to the west and the long ridges of the island's eastern peaks. Info: Discover Acadia National Park (Appalachian Mountain Club).
BLACK MOUNTAIN, DONNELL POND PUBLIC RESERVE LAND UNIT
The Black Mountain Trail rises above Donnell Pond on an old woods road before climbing steeply on switchbacks and rock steps. Level out in a forest dark and green with moss, and then climb gently over open ledges to the broad mountaintop. Miles of seemingly unbroken forest surround you here. Look out north over Rainbow Pond to Caribou and Tunk mountains, east to Tunk Lake, west to the pink dome of Schoodic Mountain and south to the peaks of Acadia. Info: Maine Bureau of Parks and Lands at www.maine.gov/doc/parks or 941-4412.
Carey Kish is a freelance writer and avid hiker from Bowdoin. Comments are welcome at:
MaineOutdoors@aol.com