GoLite Hex 3 Nest Tent Portland ME

Activities: Hiking

Info:
State: Maine
Location: Acadia National Park
Length: Round Trip: 2.5 miles
Trail type: Loop
Minimum Elevation: 0 feet
Elevation Change: 680 feet
Best Season: Year-Round
Difficulty: Moderate
Usage: Heavy

Description: The Acadia Mountain Trail is a wonderful excursion offering views of Somes Sound, the only fjord in the eastern US. The trail follows the only mountain ridge within Acadia that runs east-west versus north-south. Begin the trail at the trailhead across the road from the Acadia Mountain parking lot. You should be prepared to begin climbing immediately up switchbacks. Follow the steps and rock cairns. This trail weaves around several times then crosses over an old vehicle road heading into a pine and hardwood forest. You’ll have to negotiate several narrow passageways and ledges. Be sure to notice the blueberry bushes and the short scrub oak along this windswept trail. Scrub oak is usually found much further south. You will come upon an opening offering breath taking views of Echo Lake. This popular Acadia attraction is known for its excellent boating, swimming and fishing opportunities. Echo Lake is a 2 mile long crystal clear lake and is a wonder to see from this high point. As you continue to climb you will see splendid views of Somes Sound. Continue Hiking to the east summit where you will descend sharply on the trail. Bear right and be sure to follow the cairns. Near the bottom of Acadia Mountain Trail, you will see a spur trail of only 100 yards which leads to a beautiful cascading falls along Man-of-War Brook. To finish the loop trail, follow the old truck road. If you want to extend your hike, take the Valley Cove Trail and Flying Mountain Trails just before the junction of Man-of-War Brook and Acadia Mountain Trail. This will Lengthen the journey by 2.3 miles.

Activities: Hiking, Hunting/Shooting, Fishing

Info:
State: Maine
Location: Acadia National Park
Length: Round Trip: 17 miles
Trail type: Out and Back
Best Season: Summer
Difficulty: Moderate
Usage: Moderate

Description: Isle au Haut is a literal treasure-trove of Hiking and stunning coastal views. About 2/3 of the island is NPS land, the remaining land is a quaint year-round fishing village. Isle au Haut is a large island sitting high above the surrounding islands in the Gulf of Maine offering some of the most gorgeous views of a lifetime. To the east you will see the islands of North Haven and Vinalhaven. In the far distance, you will be able to see Camden on the mainland. There are a number of trails varying in Length. The island offers 17 miles of Hiking trails. Most trails offer ocean views but there are some inland paths as well. If you want to hike the entire day, pick up a park map which is helpful for combining several trails. In order to reach the island you must travel by ferry out of Stonington. There are two ferries that run during the summer months and off-season schedule is limited. In summer, one ferry travels to Town Landing four times per day and the other ferry travels to Duck Harbor Landing two times per day. For more detailed ferry information call: 207-367-5193. If traveling during the off-season you will want to make advanced overnight reservations. The primitive campground on Isle au Haut opens mid-May and closes mid-September. The National Park Service has 6 overnight lean-to shelters available and advance reservations are recommended. In addition, there is a small bed-and-breakfast on the island by the name of Keeper’s House. Isle au Haut Trails Bowditch Trail: The Bowditch Trail is a 7.4 mile trail that offers no expansive mountaintop views. During the spring it blooms with rhodora, sheep laurel and tiny white star flowers in spring. It is frequently used as a connector to the Long Pond Trail. Duck Harbor Mountain Trail: The Duck Harbor Mountain Trail is only 2.4 miles long but is the most strenuous hike on Isle au Haut, but it also offers some of the most spectacular views. The trail provides access to Deep Cove, a beautiful natural attraction located on the southeastern edge of the island. Duck Harbor Trail: The 7.6 mile long Duck Harbor Trail is the only north-south trail that leads from the town landing to Duck Harbor Campground. Cliff Trail: At 4.2 miles, the Cliff Trail is the shorter of the two trails to catch low tide to cross over to the rocky island of Western Ear. However, the Cliff Trail is more ups and downs. The Eben’s Head Trail: The Eben’s Head Trail is a moderate, 2.9 mile hike for day-trippers and picnickers who arrive at nearby Duck Harbor Landing Goat Trail: The 6.8 mile Goat Trail is rugged enough for a mountain goat and it offers spectacular coastal scenery as a reward. If you’re lucky you may also spot evidence of the elusive mink. Panoramic views of granite cliffs and miles of crashing surf and this trail provide access to Squeaker Cove. Isle au Haut: A 4.8 mile hike on forest and seaside trails on Isle au Haut in the Gulf of Maine Long Pond Trail: The trailhead is about a 3 mile walk on the island loop road from either the town landing or Duck Harbor Landing making the Long Pond Trail is the most difficult to reach on Isle au Haut. However, the views from this 9 mile hike are worth it, if you are up for the challenge. Nat Merchant Trail: Mainly used as a connector trail for long day hikes during an overnight camping trip, the 5.6 mile Nat Merchant Trail provides no breathtaking scenery. Western Head Trail: If you time the 4.2 mile hike along the rocky Western Head Trail to coincide with low tide, you can cross over to explore the small rocky isle known as Western Ear. If not, you will still get the spectacular views without the ability to visit Western Ear.

Activities: Hiking

Info:
State: Maine
Location: Acadia National Park
Length: Round Trip: 2 miles
Trail type: Out and Back
Minimum Elevation: 0 feet
Elevation Change: 525 feet
Best Season: Year-Round
Difficulty: Moderate
Usage: Moderate

Description: The Gorham Mountain Trail will treat you to the spectacular vistas of Acadia National Park. The trail ascends to a height of only 525 feet above sea level. You are close enough to the shore to enjoy the wildlife that thrives in the area. Shortly after beginning your hike you will see a plaque that honors a man who was instrumental in the early development of the Acadia trail system. The trail splits, follow the left fork to reach Gorham Mountain. The trail soon reaches what is known as Gorham’s false summit that offers panoramic views including Otter Point, Otter Cliffs, Baker Island and Cranberry Islands to the south. Looking north you will see Frenchman’s Bay and Egg Rock Island. Between Otter Point and Egg Rock look for the tiny island named Old Soaker. Behind Old Soaker, the shoreline in the distance is Schoodic Peninsula. As you continue to ascend, the views become better and better. Look southeast for Otter Creek, a small village and Dorr Mountain beyond the village. Looking to the northeast, you will be able to see the cliffs of Cadillac Mountain which are 1,530 feet above sea level. Retrace your steps for a different perspective of the landmarks and to return to the trailhead.

Activities: Hiking, Fishing

Info:
State: Maine
Location: Acadia National Park
Length: Round Trip: 1 miles
Trail type: Out and Back
Minimum Elevation: 0 feet
Maximum Elevation: 0 feet
Elevation Change: 0 feet
Best Season: Year-Round
Difficulty: Easy
Usage: Heavy

Description: The Shore Path is a pleasant walk that begins in the pristine resort town of Bar Harbor. Starting at the base of Town Square, this stroll along the water’s edge extends from the municipal pier for nearly one mile. The pedestrian walk was created through the generosity of waterfront landowners and a village association. The trail is open from dawn to dusk and pets must be leashed. The Shore Path offers beautiful views of the sparkling blue water, the dark rocky coast, tiny fishing boats and expansive luxury lines. On the land side, the visitor is treated to sights of beautiful mansions and well-groomed gardens. A large sign in Town Square posts the trail. The Square is of historical significance, marked by cannons, a gazebo and stately water fountain. There are plenty of park benches and green lawn to relax and soak up the water view and that of Bar Island.

Activities: Hiking, Mountain Biking, Road Cycling, Snowshoeing

Info:
Location: Kennebec River, from Augusta to Gardinier
State: Maine
Length: 6.5 miles
Difficulty: Easy-Moderate
Surface: Natural
Trail type: Skiing, Hiking, bicycling

Description: The Kennebec River Rail trail is a public path that parallels the railway bed that followed the Kennebec River from ASugusta through Hallowell and Farmingdale, ending in Gardiner. The trail offers an opportunity for Hiking, biking and cross country skiing and could easily be used for snowshoeing as well. The panoramic views for the Kennebec River as well as the historic sites that are seen en route make the trip well worth your time to take. The autumn leaves from this vantage point make it a prerequisite to bring along a camera to snape photos of the scenery and wildlife along the way.