Prentiss Woods (Bangor)

Prentiss Woods is a 25 acre wooded property managed by Bangor Parks and Recreation.  It has approximately one mile of trails and is situated between residential property and Bangor High School.

Despite its location, the park had a nice remote feeling to it this morning when I visited.  I was pleasantly surprised by the beauty of the area and the feeling of solitude that it offered. 

Here is a map of my hike.

 

 

 

 

Northeast Penjajawoc Preserve (Bangor)

Today's weather forecast called for rain and when I set out this morning a light drizzle was already falling.  I decided to stay local and hike the Northeast Penjajawoc Preserve in Bangor.  Fortunately the rain stopped just as I parked at the trail head.

The preserve itself has around 2 miles of hiking trails, which today were covered in snow.   The forested trails are multi-use and can also be used for snowshoeing and fat tire biking.  At one point it connects to the Veazie railroad trail, which can be used to connect to Bangor City Forest and Essex Woods.  The preserve has useful maps placed at major trail intersections.

Here is a map of today's hike. 

A stream passes through the preserve.

 

These maps were located throughout the preserve.  I wasn't able to locate the marsh overlook however.

 

Snowshoeing Bangor Municipal Golf Course

I didn't travel far for my first weekend trip of 2020.  The Bangor Municipal Golf Course, while sandwiched between I-95, I-395 and the city of Bangor, offers miles of groomed cross-country ski trails as well as snowshoeing opportunities.  

The openness of the golf course provides incredible views of the distant mountains around Bangor and terrific views of the sunrise.

Here is a map of my snowshoeing hike today.

 

 

There are miles of groomed ski trails.

The golf course also provides nice views of Bangor Airport's runway.

Acadia National Park (North Ridge to Cadillac Mountain)

My friends and I hiked the North Ridge Trail up Cadillac Mountain today.  It was a beautiful sunny 35 degree day, and there was hardly any snow on the trail, although there was large amount of ice so ice cleats came in handy.   

Given the ice, we elected to take the Cadillac Mountain Road back down the mountain, as the road was closed to vehicle traffic.  

UMaine Trails (Orono)

The University of Maine in Orono has an extensive trail system which can be used for biking, walking, snowshoeing and cross country skiing.  

My son was working in the area today so after dropping him off I went for a short two mile walk on the trails.  

Winter Cabin Camping at Little Dyer Pond Cabin, Hidden Valley Nature Center (Jefferson)

This weekend my sons and I went cabin camping at Hidden Valley Nature Center with the boy scouts.  In addition to the three of us, we were joined by one other adult and two other scouts.

We stayed in the Little Dyer Pond Cabin which was well insulated and heated with a wood stove.   The cabin had two cots and sufficient room for everyone to set up on the floor.  There is additional space up in the loft which we didn't need to utilize, but which could have comfortably fit at least four more people.

The cabin rental includes wood for the wood stove and a small propane stove (BYO propane).   There is a small detached outhouse with pit toilet which is very clean (as far as pit toilets go).   There is no electricity in the cabin and cell service can be spotty.   

The cabin has large scenic windows that overlook Little Dyer Pond.  There is also fire pit with benches and two picnic tables.   In the summer, there is a boat ramp with canoes which can be used free of charge if renting the cabin.

There was a mile and a half hike in to the cabin over mostly flat (a few small hills) ground.  It had snowed during the previous week but the snow was packed down on the trail and allowed us to use sleds to transport our camping gear in. 

The trip itself was very enjoyable.  We hadn't planned any activities despite it being the shortest day of the year, so the boys spent the majority of time playing card games, laughing and talking.

For more information about the Pond Cabin at the Hidden Valley Nature Center, visit its website here.

 

 

 

 

 

 

Northern Pond Natural Area (Monroe)

Northern Pond Natural Area is a town-owned property in Monroe which has a remote feel despite being close to Bangor.  The area has approximately 2.6 miles of trails that run through forested wetlands.

The trails are covered with fallen pine needles, which created a nice quiet path on which to hike.  There were no other people at the preserve while I was there, but there were abundant birds to keep me company.

The solitude of the area made me appreciate its preservation - it would be easy to undervalue the worth of such property since Maine has abundant woods and waters, but as more and more of these lands are being developed, public access is diminishing. 

Boots are definitely recommended as part of the trail's wooden bridges were partially submerged due to snow melt.  Here is a map of my hike.  Care should be used when driving to the preserve as the road leading to it is deeply rutted and muddy. All wheel or four wheel drive is highly recommended.