Beautiful Day for a Hike
Hiking up Mars Hill
Nice Hike through the Woods
Sign up soon for one or more of the 2023 Sponsored Hike lead by a Maine IAT member this summer!
Our last sponsored hike in 2022 was held on October 1 on a section of the IAT that winds through Aroostook County. Seven hikers, Milt Stein, Sue Beaudet, Vivian Philips, and Christina and Rye Perkins joined Elaine and Eric Hendrickson at the north end of Mars Hill Mountain to hike from the North Peak across the ridge to the South Peak. The hike took us through brightly colored wooded areas and under the towering windmills along the IAT to the summit lean-to with its views of New Brunswick, Canada and the area surrounding Mars Hill, Maine. Plenty of snack breaks and good conversation along the way made it a truly enjoyable day. This year we have four sponsored hikes scheduled. Take a look… Register for one or more hikes!
The 2023 Maine IAT’s Sponsored Hikes will start in June. The hikes, led by members of the Maine IAT, will introduce participants to some of the gems of the Maine IAT in and around the Katahdin Woods and Waters National Monument as well as further afield. Details on each hike are listed below.
To register for a hike, use the Register links at the bottom of the page. Each hike has limited participants so register soon!
What to Bring: Appropriate clothing for the expected weather and comfortable hiking shoes or boots. A wind-proof layer is recommended for hikes above tree line. Bring a lunch, snacks, water and other items such as bug spray, sunscreen, binoculars or a camera in a backpack.
The Hikes
Family Nature Journaling on the Deasey Pond and Esker Trails, June 24, 2023
Leader: Amy Barker
Date: Saturday, June 24, 2023, meet at 9:30 at the gravel pit parking lot at the start of Deasey Pond Trail.
Difficulty and length in miles: This is about 2 miles of hiking, but is a gentle, non-strenuous hike that is perfect for all ages.
Description of the hike: We will be hiking the Deasey Pond and Esker Trails off the Loop Road. We will start on the Deasey Pond Trail to Deasey Pond. There is a wooden platform looking out over the pond where we will sit and learn about nature journaling and do some nature journaling. After the Deasey Pond round trip, we will take the Esker Trail down to an arm of Sandbank Stream for lunch and more journaling time. This is a family hike, so all ages are encouraged to attend!
What to bring: Bring warm clothes just in case, bug stuff, , good footwear for the trail may be slippery in places, lunch, and water. If you have a nature journal, bring it, otherwise bring a notebook or sketchbook and basic drawing supplies. Other art supplies will be available to play with!
Limit: The number of people is limited to 12 total, so make sure to register in a timely manner.
Contact information: Amy Barker coordinator@maineiat.org
Deasey Mountain Hike, August 20, 2023
Leader: Don Hudson
Time: 8 AM, parking at the end of the Orin Falls Road in KWWNM; return between 4-6 PM.
Difficulty and length: 10 miles total; moderate to steep climbs, large stream crossing, exposed walking near summit. Much of this walk is moderate and would be appropriate for adventurous kids (12+) who enjoy long walks and some steep trails.
Description: This trip is an out-and-back that begins with fording Wassataquiok Stream, then following a mix of new trails and historic logging roads through hardwood and softwood forests to the site of the former fire warden’s cabin. From there, the trail climbs steeply to the summit of Deasey Mtn where hikers may be rewarded with a stunning view of the Katahdin (weather-permitting). The summit also hosts the fire cab with a refurbished map and alidade. We will return by the same trail, re-crossing the Wassataquoik near the end of the hike.
What to bring: Warm clothes, especially a wind-proof layer jacket and hat/hood, rain jacket (depending on the weather report); lunch, water, water filter? and personal items in a backpack. You may wish to bring a pair of light-weight water shoes or old sneakers to cross Wassataquiok Stream (The water level should be low, all depending on previous rainstorms); the footing is rounded, unstable cobbles and fairly uncomfortable on bare feet. If you prefer to hike steeper sections and river crossing with hiking poles, please bring them. We will have several group check-ins in route and will give options to tell the stories of the history of the area along the way.
Limit: 12 people
Contact information: Don Hudson, wdonhudson@gmail.com
Mount Chase Hike, September 23
Leader: Milt Stein
Date: September 23, 2023, at 9:30am at the Patten Recreation Area Parking Lot on Rt. 11 and the intersection of Rt.159. Carpool from there to the trailhead on Mountain Road (8.5 miles).
Difficulty and length in miles: This an out and back hike of approximately 4 miles with a vertical rise of 1400’. Estimated time on trail including lunch and breaks is 4 hours.
Description of hike: The trailhead coincides with the IAT. This is a moderately difficult hike which starts on a tote road and gets steeper as we go. About a half mile from the summit, it becomes a hiking trail over granite ledge with roots, rocks, and gravel. We will pass a Warden’s cabin in route and there is a communications tower at the summit. On a clear day the views of Upper and Lower Shin Pond, Katahdin and other nearby peaks are spectacular. At this time of year, we will be treated to the colors of the fall foliage as well.
What to bring: Be prepared for any type of weather. Dress in layers, wear solid footwear appropriate for hiking in steep and wet terrain, and bring lunch, snacks, and water.
Limit: Max is twelve participants. There will be a waiting list if we exceed that number.
Contact information: Milt Stein, steinm1@roadrunner.com
For more information about the hike: See Mount Chase on the AllTrails app, the Map Adventures Katahdin Woods & Waters Trail Map, or the Appalachian Mountain Club Maine Mountain Guide (11th edition).
For more information about the hike: https://digitalmaine.com/cgi/viewcontent.cgi?article=1585&context=mgs_publications
Katahdin Woods & Waters Camping and Hiking Weekend, October 6-8
Date: Friday October 6 – Sunday October 8, 2022
Leaders: Elaine and Eric Hendrickson
Who: Maximum of 10 people
Difficulty of the hikes: The hikes are moderate with some steep climbs and stream crossings. It is for those that would like to see a bit more of the monument and is most appropriate for those adventurous individuals (12+) who enjoy long walks and learning about the natural and recent cultural history of the area. These are hikes to enjoy the outdoors and nature, not a race to the top.
Description of the hikes: Join us for a fall hiking weekend. As the days become shorter and the leaves change color, it is a great time to get out and explore. The adventure starts on Friday afternoon with some short hikes in the Sandbank area. On Saturday there is a longer hike following the IAT to visit the top of Deasey Mountain and perhaps Lunksoos Mountain, weather depending. (10-12 miles) While Sunday is a shorter day with a hike along the IAT to Barnard Mountain, then onto Orin Falls. This is just before the new moon, so it should be a great time to view the stars.
What to bring: Warm clothes including a hat, gloves, jacket and rain gear all in a backpack. For the hike on Saturday bring a pair of lightweight water shoes for the stream crossing. The use of hiking poles is strongly recommended. Where this is a camping trip as well you will need a tent, cooking equipment and food for the adventure. While the number of participants are limited please contact coordinator@maineiat.org if you are interested in all the weekend or just a bit of it.
Contact: Eric Hendrickson, hendri.pqi@gmail.com
