2015 is the 20th anniversary of when our northern neighbors began the extensive, fantastic hiking trail system which covers the distance from St. Augustin du Woburn (Rt. 27 Border Crossing) to Chartierville (N.H. Border Crossing), in Quebec, roughly along the ridge of the International Border hills, as well as many spurs on Mt. Gosford & Mt. Megantic, linking terrain that goes from mild to wild, & is appreciated year-round by hikers & snow-shoers alike! Our friends Andre & Monique paid us a visit to share their update: go check out their trails, if not this winter, next summer, for sure!! Bienvenue au Quebec!
Baxter Outdoors – Tundra 10K
Winter in Carrabassett Valley is truly a special time. Home to the highest concentration of 4000 foot peaks in Maine, CV is an outdoor enthusiast’s paradise.
The Frozen Tundra 10k will take place in the heart of CV, beginning along the banks of the Carrabassett River. The course will consist of an approx 6-mile segment of snow covered trails with moderate elevation gain/loss.
Participants will have two race options to choose from. They’ll be able to choose either a nordic ski 5k + snowrun/snowshoe 5k (10k total) or a full snowrun/snowshoe 10k. For those choosing the full 10k run, the entirety of the course will take place on ungroomed single track trail. Depending on the conditions, either snowspikes or snowshoes are recommended. For the nordic ski 5k + snowrun/snowshoe 5k, the first half of the course will be groomed for a classic ski and second half will be ungroomed (snowshoes or snowspikes suggested.
There’s one more catch. You must carry all of your gear with you. Nordic racers must run the final three miles with their skis on their back while snowshoers who transition into a snowrun or vice versa must carry their snowshoes with them at all times (strapped to a backpack tends to work well). This race is both a test of athleticism and agility, pitting speed versus strategy. You’re free to run the whole thing and keep your kit light, but depending on conditions, that may actually slow you down!
The race will begin and end at the Carrabassett Valley town offices.
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.
Take a Hike! West Kennebago mountain
Located just about an hour’s drive from the Sugarloaf region and 20 min. from downtown Rangeley is West Kennebago Mountain. This is a moderate hike taking about 3.5 hours with its summit elevation topping out above 3700 feet. Driving directions to the Trailhead from Rangeley: Take Route 16 west from Oquossoc (toward Wilson’s Mills) 4.8 miles to the dirt road on the right (Morton Cut-off Road). Go 3.2 miles and take a right at the intersection. Travel 5.3 miles to the trail. The trails is marked with a sign and red blazes.
Mt. Aziscohos Hike
The Rangeley Lakes region is full of great things to do in the outdoors. Whether it be fishing, boating, biking, hiking or just enjoying the sounds of the wind blowing through the trees or the birds singing, there is something for everyone. From the summit of Mt. Aziscohos you get a bird’s eye view of the Rangeley Lakes region. In fact over 20 lakes and ponds can be seen from the summit in all directions from Maine to New Hampshire and into Canada. This is a great day hike for all abilities including kids. One fairly steep, but short section of hiking along the trail rewards you with a breathtaking 360 degree view of the surrounding area.
To get there: From the junction of Routes 4 and 16 in Oquossoc: Continue on Rt. 16 towards Wilsons Mills. The easiest way to find the trailhead is to drive untill you reach Aziscohos Dam (on your right, before Wilsons Mills). From the dam, backtrack exactly one mile and park your car at a small turnout on the right. There is a sign that says “Trail” that heads into the woods from the right side (west) of the road.
