Hanging Steps and Tilting Rock

I know my blogging came to an abrupt halt a number of months ago. Don't worry, even though my posts stopped- my hiking did not! I completed my 2014 goal of 200 miles, ending the year with a total of 258 miles.

For 2015, my goal is to hike 300 miles of trails and summits. I think I can manage that... I only have 94 more miles to go!

But, now on to the main reason for this post...

An adventuring buddy of mine took me on my first abandoned trail adventure today, and I have to say, I'm quite hooked.

Just sitting here at my computer with a world of knowledge at my typing finger tips accessible through the internet, I'm amazed by the resources that are available for old trails and wonders in Acadia National Park. Back in the early 1900s, the park didn't have the amount of funding it needed to keep all the trails maintained and groomed. Many trails were... abandoned... and left for nature to devour in its course.

There are The Great Caves of Champain, the caves of Day, Green Mountain Trail (near South Ridge), the old cog trail of Cadillac (Green Mountain), Dorr's bike path for his wife around Beaver Pond, The Bear's Den, Tilting Rock, Hanging Steps, the list goes on!

I've been given an old map of the East side of Mount Desert Island, from 1913, that shows all the original trail and peak names. After today, I think I'm going to need to study the routes and do some much needed exploring.

Here are some shots and proof:

"The Hanging Steps"

I made a promise that I wouldn't give away this little gem, but a little googling can tell you that this spot is along the East face of Champlain Mountain, starting just after the Precipice Trail off the Park Loop Road. You do some serious bouldering up and along a sheer rock wall. From the top of the staircase, you can see that the trail heads over in the direction of the Precipice, where exactly along that trail it connects, I'm not sure. I will have to go back and find out! For today, the trail was quite wet and slippery, so we turned around after playing around on the steps.

Beyond the stairs...

"Tilting Rock"

I'm going to give you the full disclosure on this one. Driving towards Seal Harbor, just before the Day Mountain parking lot, is a small dirt pull-off on the right. You'll find a few large chunks of granite in a semicircle, discouraging hikers from adventuring down the hidden path. Go for it!

The Tilting Rock is tucked under The Cleft of Day Mountain. In fact, while hiking along the trail, you will see an opening up on the left and the familiar granite stones marking the edge of the carriage trail.

Once you've started up the trail off of the road, keep your eye out to the right for a break off from the trail. You'll walk/bushwhack a few minutes and then, eventually, you will start noticing old cairns, and even a rusted shovel head, marking the way. Good luck!

Champlain; South Ridge/North Ridge Trails

Hiking buddies: Dan and Krista
Mountain: Champlain (Acadia National Park)
Elevation: 1,058 ft
Trail up: South Ridge
Trail down: North Ridge
Miles of trail: 3.4
Mileage for the day: 5.6
Total miles this year: 11.2

All week I had had a longing to hike the south ridge trail of Champlain. I figured, for a winter hike, this trail would be perfect; long and easy, nice sun exposure (less ice!), and a great, rewarding view from the top. I wasn't disappointed!

We drove to the start of the Beehive and Bowl trail, off of Ocean Drive, and went on from there. I was very excited to give my new crampons (stabilizers) a go on the icy trails.

My hiking compatriots slipped and slid their way along the trail, while I was able to walk freely and at ease on top of the ice. I felt invisible!

Of course, I had to take a peek at how Beehive was looking for this time of year. The cliff side gets excellent sun exposure! Does it look ready to hike? Is it safe? Stay tuned! I will make an attempt tomorrow...

Wasn't too enthralled by the bright red appearance of the new crampons, unfortunately I didn't have much of a choice! However, a friend shared these words with me, pertaining to the eye-sores above; "red is bold and adventurous." I like that... I will take each step of the trails, this winter and beyond, boldly and adventurously. Quick shout out to True Value in Bar Harbor, if you're looking to snag a pair of stabilizers for your winter adventures. Best investment for winter hiking!

Dan and Krista enjoyed taking a risk on the frozen tops of the water along the way to Champlain.

The Bowl is actually a hidden gem for skating enthusiasts. After a brisk hike to the spot, enjoy the quite and solitude while gliding on the ice. Whether your choice of footwear are skates... or sneakers! Oh, Dan...

You'll see a view of Dorr and Cadillac in the picture above. The south ridge trail is quite well known for it's false peaks with a scramble or two in between. Exhaustion is easily quenched with the glorious sites to be seen. The ridge takes you along the backside of the mountain, which provides a breathtaking panoramic view of the coastline.

For the hike down, we decided to follow the north ridge trail back to the park loop road, and continue with a walk along the loop road back to the car. Now, I LOVE hiking down. To me, the sweat and effort that goes into an incline is immediately awarded with, of course, the view from the top, but also the wonderful decline! I thoroughly enjoy a nice jog down a mountainside. This is not possible during the winter months, and today's hike was excellent proof of that. Snow and ice made the hike down slow as you thoughtfully needed to plan the best route and place your feet accordingly. But, when you're with great company and the weather is nice after a reign of bitter cold, the slipping and sliding down is truly worth it.