After years of trying to track someone down to be on our Mountain Report show to talk about this historical event that happened so ‘long ago’ but not at all ‘far away’, we found two locals who are part of the ATHS, Kenny Wing & Rocky Freeman, right under our noses! The story of Benedict Arnold’s march to Quebec City from Newburyport, Mass. is a tale of heroic efforts, valiant attempts to persevere… & harsh weather & conditions that led to very high attrition along the way…. with some of their worst terrain & experiences right in our backyard north to Lac Megantic! Check out arnoldsmarch.com for more info on this fascinating piece of history that you can explore.. re-trace their route & imagine as you go…!
More on Hiking Bigelow via the Appalachian Trail
A few years ago when we made a commitment to bringing local information to our viewers to make their stay in the Maine High Peaks Region the best it can be, two of the first videos produced by our intrepid “Lonely Hiker” were for hikes on the AT at either end of the Bigelow Range. At the NW end is Cranberry Peak & at the SE end is Little Bigelow, both moderate hikes, &, in these videos, both are a good snowshoe trip in the winter, too!
Our production quality has become better since those days, but we trust the info is still useful for anyone who wants a glimpse at our region’s Appalachian Trail sections. We celebrated the 75th Anniversary of the completion of the last two miles of the entire AT between Sugarloaf & Spaulding Mtns. on Aug. 18, 2012.
Burnt Mountain Hike
Click here for a video hike up Snow Mtn located just below the Chain of Ponds area in Franklin County. Snow mountain is a great wilderness hike with a very rewarding summit view via the old fire tower. If you like fishing….well… bring your pole… that’s all we’re saying. [Read more…]
WSKI Local Waterfall Tour
The Maine High Peaks are full of unique natural areas. The local waterfalls can make a great destination for a picnic, a quick hike or just enjoying the beauty of the area. In this short video we take you along to just a few of the hidden gems that can be found right here in the greater Sugarloaf region. Driving directions: Reed Falls, Kingfield. The starting point for Reed falls begins on rt 27 between Kingfield and Carrabassett. Look for a small parking area on the Carrabassett river side of the road just before the Claybrook (Ira mtn) bridge. The hiking trail follows Reed brook to the falls. The trail starts behind the gaurdrail opposite of the parking area. Smalls Falls, Sandy River. Smalls Falls is a state rest area located off rt 4 in Sandy River. Head north on rt 4 from Phillips or south from the town of Rangeley. A large sign on the west side of the road leads you to the rest area, which includes restrooms, picnic tables, and area information. Angel Falls, Township D. From the intersection of rt 4 and 17 in Oquossoc Village in Rangeley, follow rt 17 south for about 18 miles and turn right onto Houghton Road (about 1.2 miles beyond a bridge crossing the Swift River). On Houghton Road cross a bridge over the Swift River, and at the T-intersection, turn right onto Bemis Road and drive 3.4 miles Park on the left side of Bemis Road just before the yellow sign marking the trailhead. Sarampus Falls, Chain of Ponds. From the village of Stratton (7 miles north of the Sugarloaf Access road) drive north on rt 27 towards the Canadian border for approx 13.5 miles. You’ll find the Sarampus Falls rest area on your right. West Mountain Falls, Sugarloaf (Carrabassett Valley). To reach West Mountain Falls turn onto the Sugarloaf Ski Resort access road off of rt 27 in Carrabassett Valley. Once on the access road turn right onto the West Mountain road. Just after passing underneath a chairlift turn to the Sugarloaf Golf club. As you drive down to the golf club parking area you’ll pass the sign and trail leading to West Mountain Falls. Houston Brook Falls, Carrabassett Valley. From the center of Carrabassett turn off rt 27 onto the Carriage road. In about .25 mi turn left onto the Houston Brook road (dirt road). Follow Huston Brook Rd for 2.0 miles (passing through a gate at mile 0.4) and you will find a parking pull off on the left with room for three or four cars. A short hiking trail leads from the road down to the falls. Poplar Stream Falls, Carrabassett Valley. These falls can be reached a variety of ways. Shortest: From rt 27 in Carrabassett Valley, turn onto the Carriage road. Continue 1.8 miles down Carriage Rd and take a right onto an unmarked road. Follow this dirt road for 0.2 miles to a parking area. Walk just beyond the green gate to start exploring the two falls. For a longer adventure .2 miles into the Carriage road from rt 27 turn right onto Gauge road and find the Maine Huts and Trails Gauge road trailhead. Once at this trailhead there are maps and information on how to get to the falls. It’s a pleasant 2.3 mile hike to the falls area.
Take a Hike! Mt. Blue
There’s no mistaking Mt. Blue. It’s cone shape and tower on the top can be seen most anywhere in Franklin county. Located in the Mt. Blue State Park, Mt. Blue is a short but moderatly difficult hike with very rewarding views from the summit. [Read more…]
