|
Sunday, September 28, 2003
Bald Mountain hike 'gives you a different perspective on life'
Copyright © 2003 Blethen Maine Newspapers Inc. | |||||
 |
Also on this page: Photo | ||||
Bald Mountain in the Rangeley Lakes region is a precious gem in an area well-known for its abundant natural beauty. At 2,443 feet in elevation, Bald Mountain isn't very big by mountain standards, and is overshadowed by many higher, big-name mountains nearby. Its unique geographic location, however, gives the mountain a real leg up when it comes to outstanding views. "When you look at Bald Mountain on the map, you see that it is centrally placed between the lakes of the region," said Nancy Perlson, executive director of the Rangeley Lakes Heritage Trust. "And when you get to the top, you get a real bird's-eye view of the entire Rangeley Lakes region. It gives you a different perspective on life." The one-mile trail to the summit gains 1,000 feet in elevation, and takes about an hour one way. It's an easy and enjoyable hike that provides just the right amount of challenge. "The reward is tremendous for the effort," said Perlson, referring to the magnificent scenery that awaits hikers at the top. "And the hike is suited to all levels of age and ability. It is truly a family hike." The Rangeley Lakes Heritage Trust is credited with purchasing and preserving Bald Mountain, which was owned by International Paper Company and was up for sale in 1993, according to Perlson said. The trust was formed out of this preservation effort and the mountain was purchased with funds from the Land for Maine's Future program. Ownership was transferred later that same year to the Maine Bureau of Parks and Lands, the agency that now manages the 1,900-acre unit. "Area folks wanted to protect it," Perlson said. "It would have been unfortunate to lose public access." The trail head is located two miles west of the village of Oquossoc. To get there, take Route 4 from Farmington to Rangeley and continue west, or take Route 17 north from Mexico. Parking at the trail head is limited and fills up fast on a nice day. Alternate parking may be found nearby at the state boat ramp at Haynes Landing. A connector trail leads from there to the main trail. The Bald Mountain Trail begins with a gradual climb through hardwood forest on a wide, well-worn path that is marked with blue paint blazes. Further on, you'll ascend more steeply for a short distance over a rough trail full of rocks and roots. The trail soon levels off as you scramble over and around rock outcrops through spruce, fir and birch. Just beyond, you'll reach the mountain's summit ledges and the lookout tower. Bald Mountain is a very popular hike, so you typically won't find much solitude here. On a recent visit, the trail was busy with hikers of all ages trying to squeeze in a little more outdoor fun before the end of summer. Families crowded the picnic tables on the summit and a steady stream of hikers clambered up and down the tower. Take in the expansive view from the deck of the tower, rebuilt in 1999, and you'll see for yourself what draws the throngs of hikers here. Spread out before you is a nearly unbroken panorama of forests, lakes and mountains. From Rangeley Lake to Mooselookmeguntic Lake to Cupsuptic Lake; from the Bigelows to Saddleback to Bemis Mountain; the view from here rivals any in the state. Bald Mountain makes a great hike anytime of year, but the fall foliage season may be the best time to go. Plan to make a day of it: take a leisurely drive to the Rangeley area, have breakfast on the road, visit a farmstand to pick out a pumpkin, and stop at the scenic turnouts along the way. Then load your pack with a picnic lunch and water (note: there is no water on the trail) and take a memorable hike. Enjoy! CAREY KISH is a freelance writer and fanatical hiker from Portland who writes a hiking column for the Maine Sunday Telegram. He can be reached at: happycamper@careykish.com
|
|||||
Get 
Reader Reviews
To top of page