Great Pond Mountain

Hiking the Stuart Gross Trail to the summit (elevation 1020 ft) of Great Pond Mountain was relatively easy (about 2.5 miles round trip) and the views are spectacular near the top. There was at least a 60 degree radial view (Northwest to Southeast) at the summit. Ahead of us a party of six that included a three-year-old and five-year-old who seemed to be having fun and not complaining had just reached the summit. The little ones were happy to sit on a boulder and have a snack – us too.

I recommend going on a day when the air is clear to optimize the view and avoid black flies which come out in late May to early June.

We didn’t need a trail map as the path was well marked. Much of the summit was granite including parts of the trail. We wore hiking boots but I think in summer I could do this in a decent pair of decent walking shoes. Poles aren’t necessary, although I was happy to have mine to help ease the burden on my knees which I would like to keep in good working condition for as long as possible. There were a few places where the granite was wet.

We neglected to download a map on the website before we left home in the morning. We stopped at a Shell station on Rte 1 in Orland, Map 23 of the Maine Atlas and asked the locals how to get to the mountain.  As it turned out one of the regular customers was going in that direction and we followed him – amazing luck! Downloadable Trail Map recommended.

To get there take Rte 1 east from Bucksport, and look for signs for the fish hatchery, then take a left onto Hatchery Road. Follow it past the Hatchery and onto a dirt road with quite a few deep potholes. Go to the 2^nd parking lot if you want to hike to the summit.

We had been on our feet all morning at the Kenduskeag Canoe Race near Bangor, in the morning so even though this hike was relatively short I was happy to relax my feet with a foot warmer pad in the evening. I bet some of the racers who fell in the 48 degree water during the canoe race would have been happy for a Maine Warmer as well.

Early Spring Hike up Sawyer Mountain on the Limerick Side

I like day hiking and having fun. I don’t mind a challenge but I don’t want to race, compete, hike

beyond my abilities, deal with difficult weather conditions, or get lost. So, after learning a few hard lessons, I choose optimal times and make sure I know where I am going. The latter can be difficult if the printed trail maps at the site conflict with a web site map. Which one do you believe?

There are so many day hikes in Maine that are listed by community. Find an area where you want to get outside and enjoy the day, then Google “Public Lands,” “Land Trusts,” “Public Land Preserves,” or look up a community and see if there are public lands for exploring. 

Even a few hours outside for a walk on the beach or in the woods I find helps me clear my mind and feel better. It reminds me of meditating but it’s oh so much more fun.

In early April, we headed to Mt. Sawyer in Limerick, Maine with a group from MOAC (Maine Outdoor Adventure Club).  It was a 

lovely day, sheltered from the brisk wind along the coast. It’s only a 3 mile walk round trip, but because there are a few steep places it slows the walking time a bit. We enjoyed a leisurely pace, and stopped to look at frog eggs in a large puddle, spring flowers, and woodpecker holes in rotted trees.

Although it was not a long hike it was a bit rocky on the return loop and I was glad I had poles to help with balance. 

Here’s a link to more info.

At home that evening as I put my feet up, I was 

glad I had a foot warmer pad from Maine Warmers to relax and soother my tired feet.