Appalachian Trail - Monson to North Pond

I did a solo 8 mile out-and-back hike today along the Appalachian Trail, starting at the parking area off Greenville Road in Monson and hiking north to North Pond.

Although it's the start of the 100 mile wilderness, the initial two miles were relatively easy, with gradual ascents and descents.  Nearing the three mile mark, the trail starts descending steeply as it approaches and then crosses Leeman Brook.  Overall I felt that the trail was moderately challenging and provided a good workout. 

The trail was peaceful, passing a total of four ponds, and the lack of leaf cover at this time of the year allowed for occasional views of distant mountains.  

Here is a map of my hike.

Kittredge Forest Trail, Acadia National Park

The Maine Coast Heritage Trust, MDI High School and Acadia National Park maintain a group of trails adjacent to MDI High School in Bar Harbor.   

My son was playing in a tennis tournament this morning and while he warmed up I explored the trails.  The trails start behind the school as a dirt road next to two ponds.   The trail then enters the forest and runs along the perimeter of NPS property.   This was a nice quiet hike, relatively easy on a well worn path.  One section of trail was closed to protect nesting raptors.   On the return portion I spotted a deer in the woods.  

The trail is well marked, with maps posted throughout.   I hiked 1.4 miles but could have done more had I had more time.

Beech Mountain Trail, Acadia National Park

A friend and I hiked the Beech Mountain Trail in Acadia this morning.  This was a short, enjoyable hike that also provided a nice workout.  At the summit there is a tower which is open to the first level affording amazing views of Mount Desert Island.

Meadowbrook Forest (Ellsworth/Surry)

Located just minutes from downtown Ellsworth, Meadowbrook Forest offers miles of trails and abundant wildlife.  The 2100 acre property is managed by the Blue Hill Heritage Land Trust.   The main loop trail is a dirt road leading through a wooded forest with occasional stream crossings.  During my 7 mile hike, I encountered three porcupines and a rabbit and observed signs of deer and moose.  

I ventured on to a few side trails which had a small amount of grass but nothing that I would ordinarily worry about in terms of ticks.  Unfortunately after my hike I had five ticks on me, so I would recommend sticking with the main loop trail.  

Gorham Mountain Trail, Acadia National Park

Ryan and I hiked the Gorham Mountain Trail in Acadia today.   This is a fun hike that winds it's way through a forest, then along the base of a cliff, through a rock crevice, up rungs and then finally along a bald ridge line until reaching a summit which provides views of large sections of the eastern side of Mount Desert Island. 

Camping Recipe: BBQ Hash

Quick easy one pot meal that can cook while you set up your tent and campsite on a car camping trip.

1 lb ground beef, turkey or pork

3 frozen hash brown patties or equivalent amount frozen potatoes, thawed

Corn kernels 1 cup 

Chopped onions 1/2 cup

Barbeque sauce 12 ounces

In a nonstick pot brown meat, corn and onions.  Crush up frozen potatoes in a ziplock bag and add to browned meat along with BBQ sauce.   Cook until all ingredients are hot and most liquid has burned off.  Serve warm.

Serves 2-4.

Middle Ground Campground, Third Machias Lake, Machias River Public Reserved Land

Matty and I explored the Machias River Public Reserved Land yesterday and today, traveling the length of the preserve before settling in to tent camp at the Middle Ground Campground on Third Machias Lake.   

This was a great trip.   We had the campground to ourselves, with no other people and no insects.  On the way through, we stopped at several of the other campgrounds, and with the exception of one RV, didn't see anyone.   The weather may have been a factor (partly cloudy with intermittent rain and nighttime temperatures dipping to 25 overnight).  Other than a few light sprinkles, the weather held and we were treated to a beautiful sunset and clear night.   

We woke at 3:30 am to an amazing dark sky filled with stars.