"The Four Peaks"

Hiking buddy: Marina

Weather: high 60s, foggy

Mountains: Bald Peak, Parkman, Gilmore and Sargent (Acadia National Park)
Elevations: 974ft (Bald), 941ft (Parkman), 1,036ft (Gilmore), and 1,373ft (Sargent)
Ascents: Maple Spring, Bald Peak Trail, Parkman Mountain Trail, Grandgent Trail, Maple Spring Trail, Sargent South Ridge Trail
Descents: Bald Peak Trail, Parkman Mountain Trail, Gradgent Trail, Sargent South Ridge Trail, Hadlock Brook Trail, Maple Spring
Miles of trail: 5.4

Total miles this year: 83.4

Guess what? Marina is back from Indiaaaaa. Woot! Woot! And, randomly, the boss gave me a weekday off. That doesn't happen often... So, I ran with it. Or, shall we say, hike? Out of a forecast for the week full of sunshine and warmer temps, Wednesday was looking pretty grim in comparison; rain showers. 

Since Marina is only home for a couple weeks, I gave her the honor of picking the peak to hike. She suggested Sargent, so I suggested we do what I call "The Four Peaks". That would be Bald Peak, Parkman Mountain, Gilmore Mountain, and Sargent Mountain. Four peaks plopped in a little grouping on the way into Northeast Harbor. 

This can be a strenuous hike, but it is a must do in Acadia. 

We parked in the Norumbega Mountain pull-off, crossed the street, and started in on Maple Spring for about 0.2 miles. Just before the carriage road, there will be a trailhead on the left for the Bald Peak Trail. This trail follows a little stream before reaching another carriage trail. At this point, you're above tree line and can catch your first glimpse of the surrounding landscape and waters. 

Well, we couldn't really see through the fog!

There's a pond over there somewhere, I swear. 

Marina shared stories from her trip to India. Travel stories make excellent trail conversation. I love hearing about all of her adventures!

We finally made it to the summit of Bald Peak... I know there is a summit marker up there somewhere...

From here, it's only 0.3 miles to the next summit; Parkman Mountain. Piece of cake. The trail heads down a few hundred feet, quite abruptly, and then quickly gains elevation back to 941 feet. The fog was still rolling in. 

After the slight scramble of about 0.2 miles, you are at the Parkman summit. Again, not much of a view today...

Now, this is where the trail gets super fun... it's time to get back into the forest full of vibrant moss, fiddlehead ferns, wild flowers and spider webs!

From the summit of Parkman to the summit of Gilmore, the trail covers about half a mile. Another loss and gain of around 300 feet in elevation. Not too shabby! A quick snapshot at the summit of Gilmore, and then we continued on our way toward Sargent.

The fog just wasn't going anywhere. 

Here come the fiddlehead ferns!

The trail looks a liiiiittle wet, no? It was a very muddy adventure. Eventually, the trail comes to an end, and there are two options for getting to the summit of Sargent. The quickest, hardest option would be to take the Grandgent Trail. It's a bit of a lung buster. The second option takes a little bit longer, but is also easier; Maple Springs Trail. I had actually never taken the Maple Springs Trail up to the summit before, so we went with that route for this adventure. After all the rain we had had, the trail was certainly living up to its name...

Not too far up the trail we ran into this little guy...

We totally weren't sure if it was real or not. Seriously, I made Marina poke him with a stick! I mean, she did it gently and in the nicest way possible. Sure enough, this guy was alive and real. Onward...

Marina is terrified of ticks... Today's hike was full of narrow, bushy trails; not her favorite kind.

Which way to go? Ha...

Once we had reached the summit, the fog had decided to roll on out and the sky opened up to a beautiful sunshiny day!

To head down back to the car, we took the South Ridge Trail down to the Hadlock Brook Trail, back to Maple Spring and to the main road. Phew! 

Hiking down the South Ridge, you can see the summit of Cedar Swamp in the near distance. I don't think I had ever noticed that peak before. Although, I didn't know Cedar Swamp existed until last year! Whoops. Apparently there is an old plane wreck somewhere over there. Must bushwhack and see!

Snapshots from the Hadlock Brook Trail...

The trail crosses the stream numerous times, which after all the rain was gushing water and roaring up a storm. Thankfully, neither Marina or I fell in. The stream eventually leads to a stunning waterfall with a carriage road bridge just beyond, conveniently called "Waterfall Bridge." 

Standing on Waterfall Bridge

A little under a mile left to go at this point, and you're back to the parking area. What a beautiful day it was to be out in the woods. Heavy rainfall always adds a nice touch to the soundtrack of nature on a hike like this one. I love hearing the rushing water.

Cedar Swamp Mountain

Hiking buddies: Alex and Arnie

Weather: Mid 60s, sunny, not a cloud in the sky!

Mountain: Cedar Swamp (Acadia National Park)
Elevation: 942ft
Ascent: Hadlock Brook Trail and Birch Spring Trail
Descent: Reverse of above!
Miles of trail: 3.2

Total miles this year: 62

Who wishes she didn't have to work and could hike all day and every day? This girl. 

Ok, I would probably become a bit of a recluse, I suppose. Hiding out in nature would be quite lovely, but I'm sure I would miss socialization. Perhaps it's a good thing I still have to work and earn a living on this beautiful island. 

Cedar Swamp Mountain is definitely one of the lesser known hikes on the island. I didn't know the peak existed until last year. And, no, it is not an actual swamp. I'm still trying to figure out where the name comes from...

To start out, we parked along the base of Norumbega, which is on the way into Northeast Harbor. We skipped on over to the other side of the road, and started in on Hadlock Brook Trail. This is a very rocky terrain with many roots intertwined throughout.

Check out the rather large shroom! As Alex said, it looks like it could start talking to you at any moment, ha...

Hadlock Brook Trail will cross over the carriage roads twice. At the second crossing, take a venture down below the bridge and you will see the wonderful waterfall!

The last time I was near this waterfall it was an entire sheet of ice! This would have been back in January, during a lovely snowshoe adventure along the carriage trails. Today, the mist made for a refreshing spritz as we tramped on by to the summit. Alex and Arnie took a moment to take in the splendor of the waterfall.

And, onward. About 0.3 miles from the waterfall, we turned right onto Birch Spring Trail. There's just under half a mile to the summit from this point. There are a few steep scrambles along the rocky and root infested terrain. And planks! You all know how much I love planks!

What a beautiful day to be in the woods! I just enjoyed lovely dinner conversation about ticks in Maine. The ticks carrying Lyme Disease are indeed, already present in Acadia National Park for the season. Not only do ticks carry the disease, but there are five other not so spectacular diseases that they also carry. Don't mess around when it comes to these little critters. This shot of the thick woods is a wonderful reminder to always do a tick check after hiking!

After another 0.3 miles, the trail will come to an intersection with the South Ridge Trail of Sargent Mountain. Following the South Ridge Trail to the right for about 0.1 miles, we finally reached the summit of Cedar Swamp. Well, there are a few steep scrambles, expect to be a little out of breath once at the top! 

It's not the best summit picture I have ever taken, that is for sure! I was too enthralled by the conversation and company of my hiking buddies to snap shots. Oh well! Good conversation makes for a much better memory than a picture. Although, for you, as the reader, you're not getting a very clear shot of the view. Perhaps you need to get out and hike this one for yourself! Go for it, I dare you. 

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!