Black Mountain, Sumner

By CAREY KISH

Copyright © 2005 Blethen Maine Newspapers Inc.

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Trail name: Black Mountain Nearest town: Sumner Region: Western Lakes & Mountains Length: 3 miles roundtrip Difficulty: Advanced Elevation gain: 2,133 feet Directions: Take Route 219 in Sumner to Greenwoods Road to Black Mountain Road. Maps: Get driving directions from MapQuest. View a topo map from Maptech MapServer.

This three-mile round-trip hike starts out on an old woods road leading into a forest of beech, maple and birch. In a small open area, bear left and cross a brook on a stone culvert. Beyond, go right, uphill, crossing a skidder trail.

For the next half-mile or so, make your way through logging slash, which often blocks the route, forcing you to bushwhack around frequently. It appears the landowner has plans to widen the road, so this section of trail may become more obscure in the future.

Cross a large brook and enjoy unobstructed hiking once again. Follow a wide, rocky path, ascending gradually, with an occasional cairn to mark the path. The road eventually narrows to a footpath. At the next fork, bear left at the rock cairn.

At a large birch log across the trail and another cairn, turn right uphill. If you come to a steep gully with a small stream, you've missed the turn. We did, and you likely will too. If so, double back 100 feet and go left.

Climb steadily up an eroded path. The guide book says this part of the trail is poorly marked, but beyond the easily missed turn, it's no problem. Cross a small brook in a level area, then resume climbing through a fragrant forest of spruce and fir.

Finally, break out onto the rocky summit with fine views to the southeast. Bear left and walk along the plateau, but don't miss the old carvings in the rock (dating back to 1889) just steps from the trail on the left.

The summit ridge is crisscrossed with paths, and we followed along for a quarter-mile to another outcropping before stopping for a snack, water and more easterly views. The black flies didn't allow for much of a rest, so we packed up quickly and descended, following the same route back to the car.

Just up the road from the trailhead, a stream with a perfect body-sized pool was just right for a refreshing post-hike dunk.

Both mountains (Bear Mountain and Black Mountain) can be easily hiked in a single day. There will be blueberries galore in season on both peaks, so come prepared. Litchfield's General Store in Sumner makes a convenient stop for a cold beverage and snack between the two hills. And the public beach at Bear Pond in Turner is a good place to cool off after your hike.

Carey Kish of Portland is a Registered Maine Guide and has hiked and camped extensively throughout Maine. He can be reached at maineoutdoors@aol.com