Beehive and Gorham ("The Combo" Take 2)

Hiking buddy: Alex

Weather: Low 50s, evening hike

Mountains: Gorham Mountain and Beehive (Acadia National Park)
Elevations: 525ft (Gorham) and 520ft (Beehive)
Ascent: Beehive Trail, Gorham connector, Gorham Trail (start in the north)
Descent: Gorham Trail (south) and Cadillac Cliffs Trail, and Ocean Drive back to Sand Beach
Miles of trail: 5.1

Total miles this year: 58.8

For my original post on The Hive, click here.

And, for Gorham Mountain, click here.

I love new hiking buddies! A nice long hike and dinner at The Whale afterwards, doesn't get any better than that...

So, the intent of doing Beehive was to show Alex a few "short cuts" that I had picked up from another buddy of mine last year. Do you think I could possibly remember all of them? No. You know me. But, I did remember a couple, and they certainly made the hike more interesting! Normally, I would say, "leave no trace!" However, it's hard to resist on The Hive. It's completely safe, I swear. 

Beehive

There's one of my favorite views! You all are probably getting tired of seeing this shot over and over again. I just can't help it! There's the Veendam heading back out to sea. I would like to say a whole bundle of Willis' jewelry was aboard that ship, but sadly there wasn't. Those 'dams certainly don't like spending money. Or, at least, they don't like spending their money on anything that isn't cheap, tourist crap. Seriously. 

We took our time, enjoyed the views and the warmth (while it lasted). Didn't want to call it a night on the hike, so we keep going and summited Gorham. Enjoyed a nice walk along Ocean Drive back to Sand Beach. Took a pit stop at Thunder Hole...

... I think it's time for a new camera! What do you think?

Acadia Mountain (Take 2)

Hiking buddy: Jamie

Weather: Upper 50s, partly cloudy

Mountain: Acadia Mountain (Acadia National Park)
Elevation: 681ft
Ascent: Man O' War Brook Fire Rd. and Acadia Mountain Trail (south and east side)
Descent: Acadia Mountain Trail (west side)
Miles of trail: 3.2

Total miles this year: 53.7

A nice Sunday hike in the park!

What a beautiful day it was... 

Jamie is home from college, she has graduated! Woot! Woot! To celebrate, I let her pick the peak; Acadia Mountain it was. 

Read my first post on Acadia Mountain here.

As I had written in my first post, the best route for Acadia Mountain is to take the Man O' War Brook Fire Rd. to the sound and hike the Acadia Mountain Trail from the south of the mountain. The trail heads up the peak directly by the water. Amazing views, great scrambles, one of my favorites!

Seriously, what could be better than that?

The trail was certainly different this time around; no ice, no snow, no freezing temperatures! It's amazing how each season masks the trail and it can seem like new territory, no matter how many times you have made the same trek.

I've been sick this week, and thought a little fresh air might do me good... I was worried that I was slowing Jamie down, but we made excellent time! After a quick sit at the top, and a nice glance around the sound...

... we were on our way down. 

What a busy weekend in the park! Memorial Weekend. Always brings a huge crowd of people, who leave Monday and don't come back until July... haha. See you soon! But, seriously, it was nice seeing the trails being used. We crossed paths with many hikers from all walks of life and corners of the world. Summer is coming... bring it on.

A Foggy Jaunt up Gorham and The Hive

Hiking buddy: Myself!

Weather: Low 50s, fog and rain

Mountains: Gorham Mountain and Beehive (Acadia National Park)
Elevations: 525ft (Gorham) and 520ft (Beehive)
Ascent: South end of Gorham Mountain Trail and Cadillac Cliffs
Descent: North end of Gorham Mountain Trail, ladder trail of Beehive (what else?!)
Miles of trail: 4.5

Total miles this year: 50.5

FIFTY miles. 

I'm a little giddy on the inside knowing that I am already a quarter of the way towards my goal of hiking 200 miles of trail within this hiking season! It may already be May, almost halfway through the calendar year, but the hiking has only just begun... and it will increase as work hours become more flexible and the weather becomes heavenly warm this summer. I'm super pumped!

I hadn't planned on hiking today, considering the weekend has been wet and dreary. But, there was a break from the rain this afternoon and I took full advantage of it!

For my original post on Gorham Mountain, click here.

For my original post on Beehive, click here.

The fog was rolling its way across the trail, it was so completely serene. I ran into a few other groups of hikers, but other than that, I was on my own. The waves at Sand Beach were crashing in the distance, as usual. It was just me, the pounding of my boots on the trail, and the sounds of nature surrounding me. It was quite perfect, actually. 

Usually, I'm not a fan of hiking alone. When it is just me, I try to bring the pup along for some company. But, today that wasn't an option. This was literally an impromptu hike after a long annual meeting (yes, another one!) and before another gig this evening. I had an hour and a half to get a good hike in. I still can't believe I fit Beehive and a walk along Ocean Drive into that time span. I was only a few minutes late to my dinner meeting...

Gorham Mountain

Gorham Summit

With absolutely NO view available, this was strictly a hike to get the lungs burning. It was quite nice, actually, to look around me and see nothing but the mountain for a short distance in front of me. It helped me focus on the moment, not on what's ahead. Good advice to be applied to life, don't you think? I know I can become too enthralled in thinking about the future, those thoughts can cloud my head all too easily. It's always a nice reminder to remember to focus on the here and now, live in the moment.

I decided to head down towards the north end of the mountain and try The Hive...

There's that view I love! The fog had receded just enough to catch a glimpse of the sandy cove. 

Now, I don't highly recommend hiking this trail after or during wet weather conditions... looking back on today, it probably wasn't a wise decision, especially since I hadn't told anyone that I would be doing Beehive. Don't worry, I already gave the back of my hand a little slap. The granite was definitely slippery, as well as the rungs. I took it one step at a time, and with the fog rolling back in, there wasn't a view to become distracted by.

Once safely off the ladder trail, I booked it down the mountain and back to my car. I already knew I would be late for dinner! That, and it had really started raining at that point. I contemplated hitching a ride back along Ocean Drive to my car parked on the other end... But, you know what? Everyone needs a little adventure in the rain every now and again!

Pemetic; Northwest Trail

Hiking buddy: Becca

Weather: Low 60s, partly cloudy, evening hike

Mountains: Pemetic Mountain and The Bubbles (Acadia National Park)
Elevations: 1,248ft (Pemetic), 872ft (North) and 768ft (South)
Ascent: Northwest Trail (Pemetic)
Descent: Northwest Trail (Pemetic)
Miles of trail: 3.2

Total miles this year: 46

Native Americans knew Mount Desert Island as "Pemetic", which means, "the sloping land." The glaciers left behind a hiker's dream. 

If you were to ask me what my favorite peak on the island is, the one that offers the best views with the most interesting trails, I would answer with "Pemetic." Even after I discovered such trails as The Giant Slide, Jordan Cliffs and other various ladder trails, the answer "Pemetic" still rings true. Especially when reaching the summit from the south end, the views are absolutely amazing. The open granite summit, for quite a distance along the south side, enables the hiker to breathe in the view while continuing their trek to the top.

Pemetic offers four different routes up to the sloping, open granite summit. The south side includes the South Ridge and East Cliff trails, the north side includes the North Ridge and Northwest trails.  The Northwest Trail is quickly losing its title as "#1" for me... nonetheless, it is still a must do every year. It offers the best workout with some interesting terrain.

Becca has about two weeks left before she leaves the island. I've been giving her a crash course on hiking in Acadia since she first arrived a few months ago. The to-do list is getting shorter and shorter as more hikes are accomplished with the beautiful spring weather we have been having lately. We still have quite a few hikes left to do, but we enjoyed crossing three peaks off the list today with Pemetic and The Bubbles being crushed under our hiking boots. We're in for a weekend full of rain; three peaks just had to be done today. The Northwest Trail was on the docket for Sunday, but with the sun shining today, and a wonderful boss that kicked me out of work early, we used the extra time to pinch two hikes into one.

The Northwest Trail is the steepest route to the summit, measuring in at 0.6 miles. You climb a boulder slide, wooden and rock steps, intertwining roots, ladders and ledges! This is a rather strenuous hike...

Boulders...

Well, hellooooo there. Pace yourselves, and keep an eye up for blue blazes painted on the trees and boulders. It's very easy to get lost in there! 

Not too far into the hike, the trail will split. You have two options. Option 1: seriously, the only route you should take up; the ravine. Option 2: kind of boring, but much better for the descent; the ledges. 

The narrow trail through the ravine leads along a shallow stream (much more ferocious after a heavy rainfall), with tall rock walls towering over you on both sides. Seriously, so cool! On a hot and humid day, the ravine offers a cool break from the heat. Along the ravine will be two wooden ladders. 

After the last ladder, you'll peek through at the top of the ledges, just as the trees are thinning and a glimpse of a view can be seen. The split trail reconnects at this point, and onward you continue. 

The next section offers a varied terrain of wooden and rock steps, and a whole mess of roots! Becca and I were BOOKING it up the mountain today. This section almost killed me. Almost. 

Holy roots!

About a tenth of a mile from the top, the Northwest Trail and the North Ridge trail meet and continue together to the summit. At this point, you're above the trees scaling the open granite faces. The affect isn't quite the same as coming from the south end, but no matter where you are on this mountain, you're going to thoroughly enjoy the views.

View of Penobscot and Sargent from Pemetic

From the summit of Pemetic, you can see Cadillac, Penobscot, Sargent, and The Bubbles, with Jordan Pond and Eagle Lake forcing their way through the mountainous region.

With darkening clouds and the threat of rain upon us, Becca and I dashed down the mountainside to head towards North Bubble.

For my original post on North and South Bubble, click here!

While venturing up North Bubble, the sun decided to peek through the trees...

North Bubble was a quick accomplishment, and onward to South Bubble we went!

Along the South Bubble Trail, you'll find a beaten path on the right that leads to an overlook. It offers a nice view of North Bubble, which is where we had happened to just be standing moments prior. Kinda neat!

North Bubble

If you have read my other post on The Bubbles already, you will know that South Bubble offers my favorite view on the entire island...

And, of course, there is always the glacial erratic to be seen on the mountain top...

Try and knock it over, I dare you!

In just under two and half hours, Becca and I conquered three peaks. This chick is ready for bed...

Penobscot Mountain; Jordan Cliffs Trail

Hiking buddy: Becca

Weather: High 40s, partly cloudy, evening hike

Mountain: Penobscot Mountain (Acadia National Park)
Elevation: 1,194ft
Ascent: Jordan Cliffs
Descent: Deer Brook Trail and Jordan Pond Path
Miles of trail: 4.6

Total miles this year: 42.8

Jordan Cliffs.

Probably one of my favorite trails in Acadia National Park. It's right up there with Precipice, Beehive, Gorham, and Northwest Trail of Pemetic (my favorite). 

A huge "thank you" goes out to the Peregrine Falcons for not choosing the Jordan Cliffs for their seasonal nesting experience. The trail is open and free to use, not a falcon in sight. 

What I love about this trail:

• Rungs and ladders!
• The BEST wooden bridge in ANP, actually, it's a very narrow staircase.
• Cliff hanger views... seriously, don't look down.
• A mix of incline, decline and level trails.
• Hiking along Jordan Pond, rising above.
• Many scrambling obstacles!

The Jordan Cliffs Trail runs along the East face of the mountain, parallel to the Penobscot Mountain Trail, which you can read about here from a previous blog entry.

After a "few" stone steps along the Spring Trail, you'll reach the trailhead for the Jordan Cliffs. The trail winds through the forest with a few steep faces to scale. You can catch a glimpse of the cobalt water of Jordan Pond through the tree branches. An interesting section of the trail is composed of intertwining roots. Be very careful, they are slippery when wet!

Another interesting section... an old and narrow wooden staircase that will lead you down a 10 foot cliff. Remember, I did mention that one of the trail's quirks is its inability to decide whether or not to go up or down. You will endure many inclines, declines and straight stretches. Repeat.

 

Soon, the trail opens up completely as it takes you along the cliff ridges. Scrambles, narrow paths, handrails and rungs! It's what I live and breathe for.

 One last section of iron rungs, and you're almost there! (... to the summit trail junction, at least!)

Take a left at the sign post, and continue along the East Trail to the summit. Don't be fooled by the views around you; it may look like you are high enough up the mountain to have gained most of the elevation... this last 0.4 mile route to the top is strenuous!

We enjoyed stopping at all the overlooks to take in the sights; beautiful they are.

After a few scrambles and open-face inclines, the sign post is just within eyesight. A couple dips down into the woods and back out again, and you're there. Celebrate. Enjoy the 360° view of the surrounding mountains, lakes, ponds, inlets and the ocean. It will make the sweat and tears totally worth it. 

You know me and loops... I'm also a fan of taking trails that I haven't done yet this hiking season. Therefore, we went back down the 0.4 mile stretch to the junction and continued on down toward the Deer Brook Trail and Jordan Pond Path. The Deer Brook Trail can be quite strenuous; if you're hiking from Jordan Pond. Going down is a breeze!

One of my favorite sights along the way is a stone bridge along the carriage road that the trail intersects. This beauty was finished in 1925!

After a half mile from the junction, the trail lands on the North Shore beach of Jordan Pond...

I love the Jordan Pond Path. If you're looking for a relatively flat hike with beautiful Maine scenery, this path is a must-do. I enjoy the side that winds along the base of Penobscot mountain; it has a rockier terrain (as opposed to the other side of the pond) and my favorite; planks!

We had hit the start of the Jordan Pond Path around 7:30pm... with the sun clearly going down, and a chill settling in, we knew we needed to make good time and complete the last mile and a half in under 30 minutes. Halfway home, the moon decided to make its appearance for the night.

And, of course, no trip to Jordan Pond is complete without this kodak moment:

Ah, The Bubble Butt.

What a peaceful evening of hiking! Not another soul was found along our route. Interesting, because the parking lot was full when we arrived. Needless to say, we were one of the last to leave.

Happy Hiking!

Sargent Mountain; The Giant Slide

Hiking buddy: Becca

Weather: High 60s, sunny!

Mountains: Gilmore Peak and Sargent Mountain (Acadia National Park)
Elevations: 1,036ft (Gilmore) and 1,373ft (Sargent)
Ascent: The Giant Slide and Grandgent Trail
Descent: Northwest Trail and The Giant Slide
Miles of trail: 5.0

Total miles this year: 38.2

I was trying to think of what peak/trail to hike today, and I was torn between the Northwest Trail of Pemetic and The Giant Slide of Sargent... That's a tough decision to make, especially considering I haven't done either yet this year. With clouds scarce in the sky and the sun shining gloriously from above, I decided this would be the perfect day to show Becca The Giant Slide and the wonderful views from Sargent Mountain. The ravine of Pemetic will have to wait for another day...

So, a trail called The Giant Slide... what would you expect the trail to be like? 

I have to admit, when I first heard about the trail a few years ago, I assumed it was one large slanting rock face to scale up, or perhaps even slide down on your bumper. Not even close. 

Words and pictures will not do this trail any justice!

To start out, the trail is rather deceiving; quite easy and relatively flat, as it winds through a moss covered forest and atop a long section of planks; consecutive wooden bridges set high above the lichen covered and mossy landscape.

 Soon, you'll hear the rushing water, what a beautiful sound! 

The Giant Slide takes you along a ravine with Sargent Brook running straight down the middle. The trail takes you over, around, and under huge boulders and large rock slabs, even causing you to squeeze through a few crevices. Breathtaking waterfalls and clear mountain pools galore overtake your sight. Not to mention, the trail will have you crossing the brook numerous times. The moss covered rocks tend to be rather slippery, so step cautiously!

I love seeing all the trees and roots along the brook. The roots have done what they can to seep into the refreshing water. Seriously, my eyes are never bored on this hike; the sights are quite awe-inspiring and remarkable.

After almost 2 miles, the Grandgent Trail will branch off from The Giant Slide. The Grandgent Trail is probably one of the hardest hikes in Acadia National Park. In just 0.8 miles you scale two peaks. Dozens of granite steps, roots, and open rock faces combine to make this hike rather strenuous. It's an ass-kicker, excuse the language!

I might have forgotten to mention to Becca that we would be hiking two peaks today... but, then again, I completely forgot that the Grandgent Trail included Gilmore Peak. Minor detail, right? Ha. 

Once you've taken in the views to be seen from this peak, head down the trail towards Sargent Mountain. The trail takes you back into the forest as you descend a few hundred feet. Eventually, the trail will meet a split. There are many options, an easier route would be to take the Maple Springs Trail up to the summit. However, easy isn't really part of my hiking repertoire. Take a left to continue along the Grandgent Trail. 

After much moaning and groaning, the trail will eventually reach above tree level again. The view of The Sound can be quite beautiful. And, the moaning and groaning continues! But, the hard work is certainly worth it once you see the almost 360° panoramic views from Sargent's spectacular summit. 

Facing North, you have The Sound to your left, with Southwest Harbor and it's peaks towering above. Eagle Lake is to your right, with views of Cadillac Mountain, the Nubble and Bubbles, Pemetic Mountain and Penobscot! A very neat perspective of some fabulous, favorite hikes. 

To head down, we took the Northwest Trail which connects back with The Giant Slide. The Northwest Trail is a spectacular trail to hike down, overlooking The Sound. 

The air was warm, the sun was shining through the trees, the trails were quiet; except for the pleasant nature music of birds, rushing water, the breeze moving the tree branches and rustling the leaves left from fall. We noticed a few oddities along the way down...

Woodpeckers have been hard at work...

A swamp's surface showing a rainbow of colors in the gleaming sun!

Fresh mushrooms, atop a freshly cut log...

Sargent was a good decision made today. Although, my body is very tired and ready for bed. Happy Hiking!