The Hikes
We have several hikes available this year! To register, use the links at the bottom of the page, or email coordinator@maineiat.org. There will be at least one more hike added, so please check back soon.
Nature Journaling on the Esker Trail, May 19, 2024
Leader: Amy Barker
Date: Sunday, May 19, 2024, meet at 9:30 at the pull off near the gate to the Loop Road. (Mile Marker 0)
Difficulty and length in miles: This is about 1.5 miles of hiking, but is a gentle, non-strenuous hike that is perfect for all ages.
Description of the hike: Join a Maine Master Naturalist and walk the Esker Trail at mile 0 of the Loop Road (Just in case to gate is not open). We will start at the small parking area near the gate to the Loop Road. This is a family hike, so all ages are encouraged to attend! It’s a short hike so we will be done by lunch time! We will do some wildflower and tree ID, see if we see any animal signs, and talk about some of the geology of the park, while we learn about nature journaling and start our own journals.
What to bring: Bring warm clothes just in case, bug stuff, good footwear for the trail may be slippery in places, lunch, and water. Nature journals, art supplies, and a handout on nature journaling will be provided.
Limit: The number of people is limited to 8 total, so make sure to register in a timely manner.
Contact information: Amy Barker coordinator@maineiat.org
Nature Journaling on the Deasey Trail, July 28, 2024
Leader: Amy Barker
Date: Sunday, July 28, 2024, meet at 9:30am at the gravel pit parking lot at the start of Deasey Pond Trail, to the right after you pass trough the Loop Road Gate.
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: Join Maine Master Naturalist Amy Barker and walk the Deasey Pond Trail 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 do some plant, tee, and bird ID, have a snack, and do some nature journaling. 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, and water. Nature journals, art supplies, and a handout on nature journaling will be provided, but feel free to bring your own. We should finish by lunch time, but feel free to bring lunch for after.
Limit: The number of people is limited to 8 total, so make sure to register in a timely manner.
Contact information: Amy Barker coordinator@maineiat.org
East Branch of the Penobscot River in Katahdin Woods and Waters, September 21, 2024
Leader: Milt Stein
Date: Saturday, September 21, 2024, 10:00am. Meet up at the Haskell Gate Parking Area at the North end of the Monument.
Driving Directions: Just past the Matagamon Wilderness Campground on Rt. 159, turn left on the New River Road and follow it approximately 3 miles to the parking area.
Difficulty and length in miles: This is an out and back hike of about 7 miles with minimal elevation gain. Estimated time on the trail, at a leisurely pace, including lunch and breaks, is 4 – 5 hours.
Description of hike: We will follow flat tote roads on the west side of the East Branch of the Penobscot River stopping at points of interest and scenic views including Haskell Hut, Haskell Deadwater, Pond Pitch, and Grand Pitch. Hopefully, bugs will be minimal and foliage maximal.
What to bring: Be prepared for any type of weather. Dress in layers, wear solid footwear appropriate for hiking, 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, email: steinm1@roadrunner.com, cell: (207) 356-2621.
For more information about the hike: See the Map Adventures Katahdin Woods & Waters Trail Map and the Maine IAT Guide and Maps online at maineiat.org.
Orin Falls, September 28, 2024
Leaders: Nancy Hathaway & Cliff Young
Date: September 28, 2024, at 8:30 AM. Meet at the Sandbank Campsite in Katahdin Woods and Waters National Monument. We will carpool from there to the Orin Falls Trailhead.
Difficulty and length in miles: The hike is approximately six miles round trip with very little vertical climbing.
Description of the hike: The hike will take us along the south bank of Wassataquoik Stream on old logging roads for most of the hike, followed by a short narrow hiking trail down to the falls. The falls are a series of cascades over and around huge boulders, a wonderful place to explore and perhaps dip your tired feet into the stream to cool off. Being late September, the water may be a bit cold for some tastes.
What to bring: This is a fall hike so weather conditions may vary. Bring warm clothes, good footwear for the trail may be slippery in places, lunch, and water.
Limit: The number of people is limited to 12, so make sure to register in a timely manner.
Contact information: Cliff Young cayoung114@outlook.com
For more information about the hike: Maine Trail Finder has a map & description of the hike.
https://www.mainetrailfinder.com/trails/trail/orin-falls-trail
Katahdin Woods & Waters Fall Camping and Hiking Adventure at the North End of the Park, October 11-13, 2024
Date: Friday October 11 – Sunday October 13, 2024
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.
Description of the hikes: Join us for a fall camping/hiking weekend at the Northern End of the Monument. 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 a hike to the Haskell Rock Pitch area. On Saturday there is a longer hike following the trail to visit Messer Pond and perhaps the old river road loop, weather depending. (10-12 miles) Sunday will be a shorter day with a hike along the Seboeis River Trail. This is just before the full moon, so it should be a great time to view the night skies.
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.
Contact: Eric Hendrickson, hendri.pqi@gmail.com
