Conners Nubble, The Bubbles and Pemetic

Hiking buddies: Jamie and Arnie

Weather: Low 70s, sunny

Mountains: Conners Nubble, North Bubble, South Bubble and Pemetic Mountain (Acadia National Park)
Elevations: 588ft (Nubble), 872ft (North), 768ft (South), and 1,248ft (Pemetic)
Ascents: Jordan Pond Carry, Eagle Lake Trail, Bubbles Trail, Pemetic Northwest Trail
Descents: Bubbles Trail, Pemetic Northwest Trail
Miles of trail: 5.9

Total miles this year: 70.9

Ever have one of those days where you just want to get lost in the woods? This past Sunday was an absolutely gorgeous, sunshiny day. Sitting in church, my feet were getting antsy for the trails. I couldn't even enjoy the church's annual picnic to its full extent! I mean, I love a good gathering around tables full of delicious, mouth watering food. Haddock Reuben anyone? Note to self, that was a brilliant idea! But, I was in a funk and knew the only cure was the park and to have its trails under my feet and its views overtaking my vision. 

I thought it would be difficult to convince my hiking buddies to get started early and to anticipate a longer hike than usual. Boy, was it easy!

One of my favorite loops in Acadia is the Conners Nubble and North Bubble loop. I love looking south down the island from the summit of The Nubble. I can see all my favorite peaks in clear view, towering over me, saying "Hike me! Hike me next!" Well, that's kind of what we did...

To start, we parked at The Bubbles lot and took the Jordan Pond Carry trail off of the Bubbles Trail. There is NO sign post for this trail. You'll see a little trail veering off the right side of the Bubbles Trail, maybe 0.1 miles from the start. If you want to try this hike, give me a shout out and I will be your guide. Seriously!

The Jordan Pond Carry trail is relatively flat, winding through the woods along a brook and atop planks, boulders and dirt paths.

You know my love of planks! Any trail... I will do it just for the planks. 

The trail will eventually lead to the edge of Eagle Lake, continue on your journey by taking the Eagle Lake Trail. But, first, walk to the water's edge and steal a glance of Conners Nubble from afar. It's so darn cute.

Conners Nubble and Eagle Lake

The Eagle Lake trail is also fairly flat, as it follows the edge of the lake towards the base of Conners Nubble. 

Warning: Extremely buggy during the summer months! But, I'm telling you, it's worth it. The trail will open up to the lake's edge, offering moments of a light breeze and cool air. Just before the trail reaches the carriage trails, you'll see a trail head post for Conners Nubble. In just half a mile you will reach the summit! 

Now, THAT'S the view I love. Cadillac, Pemetic, South Bubble, North Bubble, Penobscot and Sargent! All in one glorious shot. Gotta love it.

The trail continues onward, down to the carriage trail and then up the north ridge of North Bubble. Elevation is gained quickly, and quite soon you are bursting through the trees onto the summit of North Bubble overlooking Jordan Pond. 

We discussed the GENIUS idea of setting up a zipline between Pemetic and Penobscot. How absolutely crazy and awesome would that be?? Hmmm...

Now, I don't have the photo proof from the hike up South Bubble and Pemetic, you'll just have to trust me here. We did, in fact, decide to walk across the street and hike the Northwest Trail up to the summit of Pemetic Mountain. Five steps in I knew it was a bad decision, but I was determined to finish strong and make it to the top. You know I was moaning and groaning the entire time. It was certainly worth it; the sky was a clear blue, the sun was shining, and not another soul was at the summit (besides my awesome hiking buddies, of course). I sat atop the summit, overlooking Jordan Pond and the ocean, and relished in the complete silence. If that's not a good cure for being in a funk, I don't know what is! 

Here's to getting "lost" in the woods more often!

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...

North and South Bubble

Hiking buddies: Marina and Pheebs

Weather: Mid 50s, sunny

Mountains: North and South Bubble (Acadia National Park)
Elevations: 872ft (North) and 768ft (South)
Miles of trail: 2.0

Total miles this year: 33.2

The Bubbles, less formally known as "The Bubble Butt", is one of my favorite quick hikes on the island (next to the Beehive, of course). In just two miles you can reach the top of two peaks and see wonderful views, one of them being my all time favorite. 

Marina and I were supposed to do a 6 miler today, with 4 peaks, but I got a text from her this morning saying she wasn't feeling up for it. Darn breathing problems, who needs to breathe anyway? Not going to lie, I wasn't totally feeling up for it yet, either. 

I headed out for The Bubbles, my go-to hike for something short and moderate, and heard from Marina along the way. She decided to join me!

From the park loop road, after the parking area for Bubble Pond, there will be a parking lot for The Bubbles on the right. From there, the trail heads towards the base of both peaks. They have actually done some re-routing in this area. The trail heads towards North Bubble more before dividing. We decided to shoot up North first. 

Pheebster jumped up the peak like it was nothing to her. I still haven't decided if she truly enjoys the hike, or if she's absolutely terrified and is just trying to get it over with. Ha. North Bubble has a nice view of Jordan Pond, with Pemetic Mountain to the left and Penobscot and Sargent to the right. But, it's not my favorite view. Not yet! 

Once down North, take a right back onto the first trail and continue towards the Bubbles Divide path (less formally known as "The Butt Crack"). The Bubbles Divide trail heads to Jordan Pond, the trail for South Bubble will branch off on the left. A hop, skip, and a jump and you're at the summit! 

Continue on the trail to the right, towards Jordan Pond, for my favorite view on the island...

Perhaps, it's because South Bubble was the only "mountain" I would hike back in the day when I actually hated hiking. It was the only view from above I had ever witnessed. I just love the open face overlooking the pond, with mountainous creations flanking each side as the view opens up to the ocean and beyond. It really is quite wonderful, and you don't have to overwork your body to get a glimpse. That's why it's my favorite. 

Heading back towards the summit, a trail will branch off to the right heading towards Bubble Rock: a glacial erratic on the edge of a cliff. I remember taking a science field trip in high school to Bubble Rock. We took all kinds of measurements and such to determine the density and other cool science stuff. I'm so glad the schools on the island take the opportunities they can to get students out into the park. Why wouldn't you? The park is in our backyard, what a learning tool it could/can be! 

Bubble Rock

Pheebs enjoyed watching the cars zoom along the Park Loop Road below us. I always wonder what's going on in her brain while we're hiking. Does she know we're so high up? She kept looking at those poor cars as if they were ants... Phoebe loves ants. 

Another beautiful day, and an easy hike! It wasn't the 6 miler we originally planned on, but it's important to listen to your body and only do what you know you can handle in the moment. Hiking season is just beginning! Don't push it... yet!