Hiking Lead Mountain and Camping at Second Machias Lake (Washington County)

I wanted to get one more camping trip in while the weather was above freezing so set off after work Friday for the Machias River Public Reserved Land.   Given temperature forecasts in the 30's at night I anticipated little competition for the first come first served campsites but was surprised to find a few other hearty (crazy?) souls at the first few campsites.  

There is a single campsite on the east side of Second Machias Lake and I was happy to find it unoccupied when I arrived.  This is a beautiful lakeside campsite with a fire ring, picnic table and nearby pit toilet (which was surprisingly clean).  The mostly flat ground is covered in soft pine needles, making for comfortable tenting.   I enjoyed a great sunset followed by star watching under a dark cloudless sky.  

In the morning I met up with a friend to hike Lead Mountain.  At 1479 feet it isn't particularly tall, but given that the land around it is mostly flat it dominates the landscape.  The hike up Lead Mountain was steep and rocky but easy to follow.  The trail is essentially a cell tower access road.  The summit of Lead Mountain was forested and offered no views but it was a good hike and workout.  Our roundtrip distance was 2.2 miles.  Here is a map of our hike.  

Northern Pond Natural Area (Monroe)

I met up with friends after work this evening and did a short mile hike out at Northern Pond Natural Area in Monroe.  This is a beautiful, well maintained trail leading out to a scenic view of Northern Pond.  We turned around after reaching the pond due to the setting sun.  Here is a map of our hike. 

Brown’s Point Trail, Peaks Kennedy State Park (Dover Foxcroft)

I hiked the 3.4 mile (round trip) Brown’s Point Trail this morning.  The weather forecast called for rain and possibly thunderstorms, yet fortunately the weather held off throughout the hike.  Since it's the off-season, the park gates were closed, adding 2 miles round trip.   This is a beautiful hike, up and down hills and meandering through the forest as it leads to a scenic view of Sebec Lake.  Here is a map of my hike.

Kenduskeag Stream Trail (Bangor)

Oreo and I explored a section of the Kenduskeag Stream Trail today.  This is a beautiful trail right in the center of Bangor.  Here is a map of our walk.

UMaine Bike Trails (Old Town)

Oreo and I explored the UMaine Bike Trails today in Old Town.  We parked at the lot off Route 2A and walked the 1.2 mile (one way) paved trail to its terminus at Perkins Avenue.  The trail was much more beautiful than I had expected, with the fall colors making it even more so.   Here is a map of our walk. 

Great Pond Mountain (Orland)

Ryan had off from school today so we brought Oreo hiking at Great Pond Mountain.  Oreo is mostly blind so it’s challenging to take him hiking, but he did well on the Stuart Gross trail 3/4 mile to the first viewpoint.   We turned around at that point but it was still an enjoyable 1.5 mile hike.  Here is a map of our hike.

Little Wilson Falls and Appalachian Trail to Bear Pond Ledge (Elliottsville Township)

I hiked the Little Wilson Falls Trail and Appalachian Trail to Bear Pond Ledge this morning.  The four mile hike was moderate and provided excellent views of upper and lower Little Wilson Falls.  The trail follows Little Wilson Stream for 1.3 miles before joining the AT for 0.2 miles to the upper falls.  

I decided to continue on the AT a short distance to Bear Pond Ledge.  Based on its name, I assumed it might offer views and the possibility of seeing wildlife; I saw neither but enjoyed the extra walk just the same.  

Here is a map of my hike.