Views striking atop Maine's bald mountains

Given that Maine is the most heavily forested state in the United States, hikers here are accustomed to trekking beneath thick canopies of beech, maple and birch; spruce, fir and pine. We delight when our forested path leads us to hidden ponds, lakes and streams, where we can get into the open some and maybe spy a moose feeding along the shore or a hawk drifting overhead.

Many of us, however, go in search of the higher places; the precious outlooks, ledges, ridges and mountaintops where the sky opens up and we can see for miles. Given this penchant for views, I am naturally curious about any mountain with "bald" in its name, a descriptive that conjures up images of wide-open rocky peaks and expansive vistas.

Check the index in the back of the Maine Mountain Guide, published by the Appalachian Mountain Club, and you'll discover seven "bald" mountains listed. These bald mountains are scattered about the state, from the Canadian border to the Down East coast. They range in elevation from 1,234 to 3,640 feet and are reached via an easy one-half mile jaunt to a five-mile trek (each way). All are day hikes, and one makes a fun backpack. Trailhead access is by passenger car for all but one peak, where a sturdier vehicle (or mountain bike) is necessary.

Climb any one of these "balds" and you'll surely get your views, with each providing a unique and rewarding hiking experience.

The easy half-mile trail up Dedham Bald (1,234 feet) follows an old two-wheel track up bare ledge for most of the way. From numerous outlooks and the old fire tower on top there are terrific views of Phillips Lake and the surrounding farmland and hills. Poke around for evidence of the old ski area and come prepared to pick blueberries in season.

From Barnestown Road, hike gradually up via switchbacks to several viewpoints across the valley to Ragged Mountain, verdant farms and blueberry fields. Hosmer Pond and the ocean come into view as you angle up across granite slabs. Swing back around to the peak at 1,272 feet, where Camden village and Mounts Megunticook and Battie take the distant stage.

Follow a woods road to picturesque Little Concord Pond. Climb steeply over rocks, then more easily up a ridge shaded within big red oaks. After a mile, reach an airy perch on top (1,692 feet) at a dramatic cliff overlooking Shagg Pond and beyond to the White Mountains. The sharp peak of Speckled Mountain is visible to the northeast and is well worth the additional mile of walking.

Cross Wilson Stream (a great spot to cool off post-hike) and climb through a heavily logged area before entering thick forest. Look for interesting patterns and pretty white dikes of quartzite in the rocks higher up. Pass through ferns and white birches before topping out at 2,370 feet. Mount Blue, Tumbledown and Big and Little Jackson are your reward for this mile and one-half hike.

Take the wide, well-worn path into the woods. The going is easy until a steep pitch requires some scrambling over rocks and roots. Pass by a number of rock outcrops before reaching the summit ledges after a mile. Extensive views from the lookout tower at 2,443 feet take in forests and mountains from Mooselookmeguntic Lake to Cupsuptic Lake.

Just beyond the south end of Moxie Pond at Joe's Hole rock hop across Baker Stream. Follow the Appalachian Trail north, rising gradually to the lean-to at Bald Mountain Stream (a good overnight option). Beyond, ascend steeply to a junction. Bear right and hike beneath cliffs, then steadily up slabs to the alpine summit of Moxie Bald (2,630 feet) and 360 degree wilderness views. Loop back via the bypass trail (old A.T.) for a 10-mile round trip hike.

Well, six out seven isn't bad, right? Friends tell me the rough 4 wheel-drive trip into Boundary Bald is well worth the effort. I haven't made it in there yet, but given that its lofty 3,640 foot summit may soon be adorned with a wind tower, it's probably time to make the hike. It's on my "to-do" list for this coming fall. Want to join me?

The AMC guidebook describes each of these hikes in detail, except for Bald Mountain in Camden. For that hike, contact the Georges River Land Trust (www.grlt.org) for trail info and a map. And for navigation to the mountains your best resource is always the DeLorme Maine Atlas and Gazetteer.

Carey Kish of Portland is looking for some fun company to hike Boundary Bald Mountain this fall. He can be contacted at: maineoutdoors@aol.com.

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