Bear at Bangor City Forest

I hiked 4 miles in the rain tonight at dusk hoping to see wildlife in the Bangor City Forest.  Throughout the hike, I had my waterproof Fujifilm camera ready in the event that I stumbled upon something.  I crisscrossed the forest on minor trails, hoping that staying on less traveled paths would increase my chances of seeing wildlife.  Towards the end of the hike I rounded a bend and there, around 30 yards in front of me on the larger Tripp Road trail, stood a bear.  Sadly, it took a second or two for my brain to register the fact that there was a bear in front of me, and in that time, the bear calmly walked back into the thick woods, before I had the chance to take its picture.  

   

Ragged Mountain (Rockport)

Matty and I hiked Ragged Mountain in Rockport today.  The 5 mile roundtrip hike from Route 17 was relatively flat for the first mile and a half before climbing steeply up the mountain.  

This was an incredible hike with great views from the summit.   We only saw one other group hiking, likely due to a poor weather forecast.

Shelterwood Trail, Hart Farm (Holden)

I hiked the Shelterwood Trail at Hart Farm after work yesterday.  The trail descends from the parking lot on Copeland Hill Road, passing an open field before entering woods.   It then parallels a stream before climbing a hill and descending in a loop.  

The Holden Land Trust has been installing new log bridges that help route the trail across wet and grassy areas.  Some sections of the trail are grassy, so appropriate tick precautions should be followed.  The property contains a large number of downed trees 

Overall this was a good trail for a quick workout close to Bangor.  The trail is 1.5 miles roundtrip with options to extend into the adjacent Fields Pond preserve.

Little and Big Moose Pond Loop Trail, Little Moose Public Reserved Land (Greenville)

Friends and I hiked the Little and Big Moose Pond Loop Trail this morning.  The trail is part of the 15,000 acre Little Moose Public Reserved Land.

The forecast had called for rain but there were only clouds when we started the hike.  The trail descended from the parking area before leveling out and traveling over board bridges until arriving at Big Moose Pond.  The trail ran along the shore of Big Moose and Little Moose Ponds, passing backcountry campsites along the way, then climbed through a forest and up to the center peak of Little Moose Mountain.  

It started to rain when we began our ascent after passing the ponds, and by the time we reached the summit of the center peak the wind had picked up and we were pelted with horizontal rain.  We enjoyed the hike despite the rain.

Here is a map of our hike.  The trails were well marked with excellent signage at trail junctions.  The access road leading to the trail head is a dirt road but was in good condition and would be passable in a two wheel drive vehicle.  For more information about Little Moose Public Reserved Land visit its official site at https://www.maine.gov/cgi-bin/online/doc/parksearch/details.pl?park_id=70.  

Ellsworth High School XC Trail

Between my son's tennis games I decided to explore the cross country trails behind Ellsworth High School. The primary trail is a wide gravel road.  There appear to be a few narrower trails leading out from the main trail.   To access the trails, walk up the paved road behind the school past the baseball field and continue straight.  The total distance, including a foray into a side trail and walking over from the tennis courts was around 1.6 miles. 

Ellsworth Trail

Running parallel to a train track through the center of town, the paved Ellsworth Trail provides a convenient option to get a walk in.  Such was the case this morning as my son's high school tennis team warmed up for their meet.  

There is ample parking at the high school.  From there, the trail leads behind a lumber store and an ATV dealer before entering a residential area.   The overall walk was around 1.3 miles one way.  The trail north of the high school feels more remote and overlooks woods 

Demeritt University Forest North (Old Town)

The University of Maine Forestry Office maintains a network of trails in Old Town that are open to the public.  My son had a tennis game at Old Town High School so I decided to explore the Demeritt Forest trails adjacent to the school while he warmed up.

The start of the trail was not readily apparent but I was able to find it behind the school's track.  The trail was flat and easy to follow.  Mosquitoes were abundant but given the time of year to be expected.

I was limited in the amount of time since I wanted to get back for the game, but enjoyed the brief hike 

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.