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...