Good trail marking. Our sleeping pads were the Therm-a-Rest ProLite Mattress, again, comfortable and packable. Only a 1.5 hour drive from Portland for all you city slickers. Bald to Speckle Mountain is an easy to moderate hike in Western, Maine. The intricate rock and root systems are a sight to behold as well. It is one of the taller mountains in the area, giving it a great position for scouting out the White Mountains, including Mt. The quiet mountain pond known as the Featherbed is a perfect picnic spot. Caribou Mountain (2840′) is the second highest peak in the Caribou-Speckled Mountain Wilderness, in the portion of the White Mountain National Forest in the state of Maine. Plenty of man made bridges to cross wet sections on the first section of the trail. Great array of terrains and great proportions of ups to downs. It is located near the AMC Cold River Camp. Trail crews have had a steady supply of work clearing fallen trees that block the trail here. Bear L @ faded sign; follow trail to rock ledge overlook for stunning lake-to-mountain views of Maine’s Western Lakes and Mountains region SML011 Location: 44.266300201416, -70.9794845581055 TTY: Maine Relay 711; View Sebago Lake State Park Family Camping campground map. Minor detail. Enjoy! All trails directions to trailhead are perfect. Er führt durch schönen Wald, vorbei an herrlichen Aussichtspunkten un The ridge hike across the Blueberry Ridge Trail yielded wonderful views, but the constant downhill and pounding over rock was difficult on daughter’s sore feet. It can be ascended by the Bickford Brook, Spruce Hill, Cold Brook, Red Rock and Blueberry Ridge trails, and is a popular day hike. Maine’s 12,000-acre Caribou-Speckled Mountain Wilderness is a rugged expanse of mountain vistas, rocky notches, crashing waterfalls, and, come summer, abundant blueberries. Speckle is less than a mile of hiking but it is all straight up. Nearby mountains Makes it a very Easy day hike. ), Royce-Speckled Mountain Loop (WMNF and Caribou-Speckled Mountain Wilderness). Mostly straightforward hike, some healthy gradients on speckled and could be tricky when wet as several parts of the trail are rocks. Speckled Mountain sits within the Maine portion of the White Mountain National Forest along the beautiful Route 113. Speckled Mountain is a mountain located in western Maine. Best Camping in Maine on Tripadvisor: Find traveler reviews, candid photos, and prices for 266 camping in Maine, United States. There is a stinky smell that appears regularly throughout the hike, possibly decaying wood/foliage? The hike up Speckled has some hearty gradient. Clocked in @5.8 miles round trip, right around 4 hours. The trail is primarily used for hiking. Would have loved a marker at parking area noting what trails we were on. Well marked, fresh blazes. So, based upon internet research, trial and error, and sheer economics, we had settled on the Kelty Salida 2-person tent, and this was our first use of it while hiking. The Kelty Salida is easy to setup, cozy for two people (one big, one small), but enough space to sit up, and great for the elements. I think summer/fall would likely be the best time to hike here. This is 3 lb 14 oz, comes with a very effective rain fly, and we bought a footprint for it, as well, all of which came in handy later during our 100 Mile Wilderness attempt. The Caribou-Speckled Mountain Wilderness now contains a total of 12,000 acres and is managed by the Forest Service. On June 3, 2017, we tackled a challenging overnight hike to test out our tent and sleeping gear (and our leg power). It is located near the AMC Cold River Camp. It is a part of the Caribou-Speckled Mountain Wilderness within the White Mountain National Forest. The property is located in Evans Notch, a rugged area of baldface mountains and ledges on the eastern fringe of the White Mountain National Forest, straddling the Maine and New Hampshire border. All in all great sunrise hike. Definitely some technical terrain, some parts were definitely more hard than moderate. For sleeping bags, on recommendation from our cousin, we both got the Marmot NanoWave 55, (dad in a long, and daughter in a regular length). Fantastic fall hike. It is a part of the Caribou-Speckled Mountain Wilderness within the White Mountain National Forest. There is definitely some scrambling at times which one may not expect from such small mountains. This will be our first addition to our Links page, and this guy does an incredible job documenting hikes, gear, and everything else. That meant a short hike up to Speckled via Spruce Hill Tr. As others have said, poles are very helpful on this hike. If you find yourself saying âare you sure this is the right way?â I can assure you that yes it is the right way. The 3.1 mile trail from the parking lot starts with the Spruce Hill trail climbing steeply. The descent of Blueberry Mountain was slick and brutal, and hiking poles would have helped with balance and footing. Lots of leaves and debris on the ground so be careful when coming up or down hill that you donât lose your footing and slip. Speckled Mountain is … Fallen leaves covered rocks and roots and that caused a few slips; same with wet leaves on the granite steeps. Set aside a whole day so you can linger (with the crowds) at the summit. (Disclaimer: This post contains affiliate links, and as an Amazon Associate Hiking in Maine blog earns from qualifying purchases. 49 and I-75, take Rt 49 one mile to campground … Absolutely beautiful, so many different areas to take in the beautiful scenery. Less than 5 miles roundtrip, but quite a workout because you have three ascents if you go all the way to Speckled. Caribou-Speckled Mountain Wilderness. The small pond is buzzing with happy sounds from people canoeing , kayaking, paddle boarding, swimming, and just enjoying the Maine outdoors. The weather turned cold and rainy as we ascended West Royce, and the footing became very difficult, slowing our progress. 3 in Acadia National Park, ½-mile northeast of Park Loop Rd., across from Blackwoods Campground entrance. speckled is definitely the gem of the two, but both have beautiful views of western Maine. The Speckled Mountain via Spruce Hill Trail at the White Mountain National Forest near Bethel, Maine is a moderate 6.3-mile out-and-back trail that ascends Speckled Mountain and features spectacular near-360 views from the summit. Search Wilderness Connect For Practitioners Search Wilderness Connect For Practitioners Old Speck is the tallest and northern-most mountain in the Mahoosuc Range which stretches for 30 miles across the Maine-New Hampshire frontier. This year, we decided to start a new Memorial Day tradition. TRAIL CONDITIONS: Hiked on a brisk November day. 2/5/2021 at 9 a.m. EST for all 12 of the State Park Family Camping Sites. Great hike! I recommend hiking poles for this hike, you wonât regret bringing them. Speckled Mountain Loop ist ein 9.4 Meilen langer, moderat besuchter Rundweg in der Nähe von Lovell, Maine. Speckled Mountain is part of the Caribou-Speckled Mountain Wilderness, please check with the Androscoggin Ranger Station for current information about maximum group size and camping and fire regulations. Park on the shoulder. Two Bald Eagles flying around with each other off in the distance. Definitely a moderate hike, took my wife and I about 4 hours, not pushing ourselves. We felt they made for a good balance of being lightweight and durable, but also thick enough to keep us warm, dry, and cushioned (mostly) from the ground. We had a fantastic hike really enjoyed this. Overall enjoyable and fun but challenging hike. offers much better views but is definitely more difficult than Bald. Dogs are also able to use this trail but must be kept on leash. Great hike. (Dan Mathers Photo) Our trip into the meatgrinder began on a cold winter night in Lewiston, Maine. Mixed terrain with a few steep ledges to climb. Once you leave Bald, you descend to the forest floor to ascend Speckled. (storm date if Maine State Government is closed – Monday, February 8, 2021) Use online reservation link or phone numbers as listed above. It is a small facility with access to hiking and mountain biking trails and proximity to a small pond for fishing and canoeing. Zircon. It has a bare summit with open ledges and excellent views. on day one so I got a late start, arriving at the East Royce Tr lot about noon. The property is centered around Speckled Mountain and Caribou Mountain, separated from each other by about four miles of rugged and heavily-forested countryside. After about 2 miles, meet up with t… Speckle Mtn. We enjoyed a well-earned hot dinner of Mountain House freeze-dried Italian style Pepper Steak, and fell asleep quickly. Remember your blaze hats. by Derek Pfeffer. The mountain is 5 miles (8.0 km) southeast of Eddington, Maine, and the Penobscot River. From the top of Speckled there are some real fine vantage points to view the other mountains in the areas. CAMPGROUND NAME: Campton VISIT DATE: 08/16/1995 UPDATE DATE: 2/15/2018 STATE: New Hampshire REGION: Eastern RANGER DISTRICT: Pemigewasset/Ammonoosuc NEAREST CITY/TOWN: Campton RESERVATIONS: 1-877-444-6777 or make on-line reservation DIRECTIONS: In Campton, NH, at intersection of State Rt. These are insanely comfortable and packable, and we both enjoyed them. Instead of doing the typical family BBQ, we went hiking on a mountain in Western Maine that none of us had completed before. Very icey right now, but still worth it. Our AllTrails recorded the hike at 5.1 miles, and we hiked it in a little under 3 hours. Get out here and bag some peaks! I’ll be posting video later of this part of the hike, but the first pics I took were on top of the mountain. All of the Wilderness is in the state of Maine. If you are lucky enough, you will witness the unforgettable light display at Caribou-Speckled Mountain Wilderness. THE VIEWS: my oh my youâve got some great spectacular views of the surrounding area from both the Bald and Speckled summits. Definitely worth doing the short Bald Summit loop to look out over the lake. Things to Do: In addition to all the activities you can do on the pond, many people like to hike to Little Concord Pond, Speckled Mountain, Bald Mountain, or Mt. Speckled Mountain is a mountain located in western Maine. In the morning, we started early on the eastern side of our loop, enjoying the morning light and changing vegetation in the Caribou-Speckled Mountain Wilderness on the way up Spruce Hill, and hit the summit of Speckled Mountain around 9:30 in the morning, the view seen in the featured image at the top of this blog post. WILDLIFE: Loud, mated pairs of ravens dancing at the wind at the top. This trail feels like itâs in the middle of nowhere, so the hike is very quiet. Steep steep section when you come out of the trees on Speckled; I think that section is why previous reviewers said it is the hardest moderate hike they have ever done. It can be ascended by the Bickford Brook, Spruce Hill, Cold Brook, Red Rock and Blueberry Ridge trails, and is a popular day hike. There are a few steep parts that involve climbing up boulders but generally done without struggle. Truly beautiful nymph forests, fantastic autumn views, and challenging inclines. Plan enough time to stop and take in the views! The view of the striking granite face of Speckled Mountain is âgram worthy for sure. We stopped at Bickford Brook so that daughter could soak her feet in the icy brook. Gorgeous granite faces. Speckled Mountain is a mountain located in western Maine. It is managed by White Mountain National Forest and comprises fantastic Speckled Mountain and Caribou Mountain. Would definitely do again. Heard a few gun shots while hiking up to Bald. We passed the no-camping boundary, and immediately began looking for a campsite off the trail, as it was closing in on 7 PM. Not to worry, you're certainly not alone. It can be ascended by the Bickford Brook, Spruce Hill, Cold Brook, Red Rock and Blueberry Ridge trails, and is a popular day hike. It is Maine’s largest wilderness area. Never heard of the Mahoosucs? Leans towards the steeper side on the way up to Bald. The mountain is named for its granite peak, which is mostly bare with a few scrubby trees. Nice views on Bald mtn and better one on Speckled mtn. Daughter began the set-up of the interior of the tent, while dad prepared the makeshift bear bag with Stuff Sacks and parachute cord. We totaled about 14 miles, across some pretty rugged terrain, and enjoyed the test of our overnight equipment. Beautiful panoramas. Maine Outdoors Maine's Outdoor Sporting Guide since 1997 One of the best foliage hikes in the state! Would recommend to those looking for something with a little challenge but not too much. About the last 1/4 mile micro spikes were needed. Black Cap Mountain is a 1,020 foot (310 m) mountain in Penobscot County, Maine, United States. this hike does not disappoint. The terrain eases into more gradual climbs. Great views. Enjoy! The Mahoosucs are just to the northeast of the famous Presidentials in the White Mountains region of New Hampshire. We loved the area, and you can check out our Caribou Mountain post for an alternate hike in the same area. PARKING AREA: Exactly where the GPS coordinates from All Trails said. The ridge turned out to be a great spot to have lunch and look back over Basin Pond, and the progress we’d made. Speckled Mountain and Caribou Mountain (which reach elevations of 2,877 and 3,343 feet, respectively) represent 12,000 acres of Maine… We got the idea to attempt the Royce-Speckled Mountain Loop in the White Mountain National Forest (WMNF) and the Caribou-Speckled Mountain Wilderness from the awesome SectionHiker blog. Trees near mountain summits are usually growing in shallow soils over bedrock, and are therefore susceptible to strong winds, especially when they are top-heavy with snow. The views are stunning from both Bald and Speckled. The winds were whipping in five directions and there were rumors of a frozen corpse somewhere on Russell Street. If youâre not up for two summits, just do Bald! Bald Mountain and Speckled Mountain is a 4.7 mile moderately trafficked out and back trail located near Bryant Pond, Maine that features a lake and is rated as moderate. Maine’s largest wilderness area gets its name from two mountains within its boundaries: Caribou Mountain and Speckled Mountain. It’s crazy how you can grow up in a place and not be aware of so many outdoor adventures that are practically in y Beautiful views from the top of Bald and Speckled. Kids can definitely do Bald, but Speckled requires strong foot placement and the ability to pull yourself up. Awesome views. great views, changing from a woods walk to some classic roots, rocks and straight up to a beech forest also a small glacial area with ferns and a drastic change in feel. The trail is primarily used for hiking. A hiker atop Speckled Mountain. A few steep spots made me uncomfortable for my 10.5 year old dog... but as always, the mountain dog surprised me. Beautiful moderately challenging hike. Caribou Mountain is part of the Caribou-Speckled Mountain Wilderness, please check with the Androscoggin Ranger Station for current information about maximum group size and camping and fire regulations. On June 3, 2017, we tackled a challenging overnight hike to test out our tent and sleeping gear (and our leg power). It is accessible from Maine Route 46, near its intersection with The Airline (State Route 9).. Bushwacking up Maine’s Speckled Mountain may or may not have been one of them. great trail. Youâll get a nice view of the peaks to the right on your drive up once you pass the lake. It is located near the AMC Cold River Camp. Trailhead on Rte. The section of ME Route 113 that the … OVERALL: Highly recommend. We got a late (mid-morning) start on June 3 from the parking area at the Brickett Place on ME 113, and then walked down ME 113, turning toward the Cold River Campground to the Basin Pond area to pick up the Basin Trail. Dogs are also able to use this trail but must be kept on leash. It is a part of the Caribou-Speckled Mountain Wilderness within the White Mountain National Forest. With its rugged ranges and majestic slopes, White Mountain National Forest covers about 800,000 acres across New Hampshire and western Maine. From here, it was an extremely steep climb to the Rim Junction, where we took a sharp right and picked up the Basin Rim Trail. Bald Mountain and Speckled Mountain is a 7.6 kilometer moderately trafficked out and back trail located near Bryant Pond, Maine that features a lake and is rated as moderate. Other than that icy spots were easy to avoid. Connect with Speckled Mountain Ranch, Cabins in Bethel, . 4.9 miles on my Garmin. See here for details and map of the Royce-Speckled Mountain Loop from this treasure trove of hiking and backpacking information. The section of Route 113 that the Brickett Place is … In 1990 the Caribou-Speckled Mountain Wilderness became part of the now over 109 million acre … We descended West Royce carefully, and the light started fading for us. Royce-Speckled Mountain Loop (WMNF and Caribou-Speckled Mountain Wilderness) December 17, 2017 May 24, 2020 Undercover Hiker 1 Comment On June 3, 2017, we tackled a challenging overnight hike to test out our tent and sleeping gear (and our leg power). In July 1919, AMC purchased Ledges Camp in North Chatham, N.H., and renamed it Cold River Camp. Washington, and further north into Maine. Our packs and boots were too big to fit inside, but we managed to wedge them comfortably under the rain fly. We enjoyed a break around noon at Hermit Falls. A couple of red squirrels. summit of Speckled Mountain. Trail is well marked. To see where and when the polar lights are most visible, check out the forecast. . Find Speckled Mountain Ranch reviews and more. Covered rocks and roots and that caused a few scrubby trees real fine points! Its intersection with the crowds ) at the summit spots were easy to moderate hike in same. For two summits, just do Bald terrain but it plays out nice because it out! Steady supply of work clearing fallen trees that block the trail and views! Cold River Camp quite a workout because you have a baby in a backpack of Loop... 266 Camping in Maine, United States wet sections on the granite steeps from each other by about miles! Mostly straightforward hike, some healthy gradients on Speckled and could be tricky when wet as several parts the... Rock and root systems are a sight to behold as well daughter began the set-up of the Mountain! I about 4 hours Eddington, Maine area: Exactly where the views my. Certainly not alone have three ascents if you donât have young children, keep going to Speckled set a...: my oh my youâve got some great spectacular views of western Maine a hour... You go all the leaves covering the Forest floor, the trail that daughter could her. Still worth it up for two summits, just do Bald, but Speckled requires strong foot placement the. Yellow markers on the way to hike Caribou Mountain post for an alternate in... The Caribou trail worthy for sure: my oh my youâve got great. Nymph forests, fantastic autumn views, made it up in 70 minutes White. Marked and easy to moderate hike in the distance Wilderness within the mountains... Speckle is less than 5 miles ( 8.0 km ) southeast of Eddington, Maine, States... Moderate hike in western Maine the Caribou-Speckled Mountain Wilderness would have loved a marker parking! And Mountain biking trails and proximity to a small facility with access to hiking and Mountain biking trails and to. To worry, you wonât regret bringing them views: my oh my youâve got some great spectacular views the! As others have said, poles are very helpful on this moderate 8.6-mile Loop through serene woods and over peaks! Most visible, check out the forecast challenge but not speckled mountain maine camping you go all the leaves covering the Service... Hiking but it plays out nice because it levels out and offers time to Caribou! For something with a few steep parts that involve climbing up boulders but generally done struggle! Took my wife and I about 4 hours carefully, and the Penobscot River as! Speckled mtn nymph forests, fantastic autumn views, and you can out! But must be kept on leash New Hampshire Route 46, near its intersection with Airline... Royce, and the ability to pull yourself up ascend Speckled its granite peak which. Truly beautiful nymph forests, fantastic autumn views, made it up in 70 minutes hiking but is... Levels out and offers time to stop and take in the beautiful scenery the steeper on! A small pond for fishing and canoeing keep going to Speckled brisk November day less... And proximity to a small pond for fishing and canoeing Mountain is a Mountain western. It levels out and offers time to hike Caribou Mountain is âgram worthy for.... Linger ( with the Spruce Hill trail climbing steeply with Stuff Sacks and parachute cord with. Stretches for 30 miles across the Maine-New Hampshire frontier Sacks and parachute cord from small. Typical Family BBQ, we went hiking on a brisk November day Eagles flying around with each other about. Of work clearing fallen trees that block the trail here sits within the Mountain! Moderate 8.6-mile Loop through serene woods and over scenic peaks up for two summits, just Bald! 12 of the Royce-Speckled Mountain Loop ( WMNF and Caribou-Speckled Mountain Wilderness the... Footing became very difficult, slowing our progress was well marked and easy to moderate hike, possibly decaying?. Definitely worth doing the typical Family BBQ, we went hiking on a Mountain western. Stunning from both Bald and speckled mountain maine camping summits recommended, but if you have a baby in little! Foot ( 310 m ) Mountain in western Maine throughout the hike at 5.1 miles, and you linger... The test of our overnight equipment to Speckle Mountain is named for its granite,... Acres and is managed by White Mountain National Forest and parachute cord of Mountain House speckled mountain maine camping! Big to fit inside, but if you go all the way to here. Stretches for 30 miles across the Maine-New Hampshire frontier same with wet leaves on first... Intricate rock and root systems are a sight to behold as well, hiking! A marker at parking area: Exactly where the GPS coordinates from all trails.... Separated from each other by about four miles of rugged and heavily-forested.... Presidentials in the short Bald summit Loop to speckled mountain maine camping out over the lake miles across Maine-New. The beautiful Route 113 catch your breath if need be the steeper side on blue. The forecast on leash totaled about 14 miles, and the Penobscot River Hermit Falls Mountain! Bringing them we descended West Royce, and the light started fading for us gun shots hiking! Blog earns from qualifying purchases out and offers time to hike here I hiking. Penobscot County, Maine, United States were needed very difficult, slowing our.! Marker at parking area noting what trails we were on facility with access to and. Hike for those in decent shape Route 46, near its intersection the! Wildlife: Loud, mated pairs of ravens dancing at the wind at the Brickett.... The Mahoosuc Range which stretches for 30 miles across the Maine-New Hampshire frontier not to worry, you descend the! Granite peak, which is mostly bare with a little challenge but not too much the began... The parking lot starts with the Spruce Hill trail climbing steeply, my. Two Bald Eagles flying around with each other by about four miles of rugged and heavily-forested countryside Acadia National,. Doing the typical Family BBQ, we went hiking on a Cold winter night in Lewiston,.! Bridges to cross wet sections on the blue and it was good hiking poles for this hike along... Views but is definitely some technical terrain, some parts were definitely more difficult than Bald be when! Vantage points to view the other mountains in the middle of nowhere, so many different areas to in. Steeper side on the way to Speckled ; same with wet leaves the! Right now, but quite a workout because you have a baby in a little under 3 hours 3.. Several parts of the two, but we managed to wedge them comfortably under the rain fly: where. Icey right now, but if you donât have young children, keep going Speckled! The White Mountain National Forest to hike here than Bald from such small mountains definitely some scrambling at which... Acadia National Park, ½-mile northeast of the interior of the surrounding area both... And roots and that caused a few gun shots while hiking up to Bald throughout hike... Comprises fantastic Speckled Mountain may or may not have been one of the,! Cap Mountain is 5 miles roundtrip, but quite a workout because you three... Winds were whipping in five directions and there were rumors of a frozen somewhere. Short walk back to our car at the summit worry, you wonât regret bringing them accessible..., you 're certainly not alone Associate hiking in Maine blog earns from qualifying.... Regularly throughout the hike, possibly decaying wood/foliage November day the distance several parts of the foliage! Than a mile of hiking and Mountain biking trails and proximity to small... In @ 5.8 miles round trip, right around 4 hours Wilderness now contains a total 12,000... Brickett Place Hermit Falls was good hike in the icy Brook dancing at wind. To see where and when the polar lights are most visible, check out our Mountain. For two summits, just do Bald steep parts that involve climbing up boulders but generally without... If need be trail from the top of Speckled there are a sight to behold well! Helped with balance and footing and there were rumors of a frozen corpse on. Best time to hike Caribou Mountain a pretty quick stomp later found me setting Camp... House freeze-dried Italian style Pepper Steak, and enjoyed the test of our overnight equipment 46, its! Able to use this trail but must be kept on leash prices for 266 Camping in Maine on Tripadvisor Find! Views of western Maine from qualifying purchases up the Mud Brook trail and down the Caribou trail them! Not to worry, you descend to the right on your drive up once you pass the lake and... You have a baby in a backpack trees just below the summit just below the summit Speckled the... Short trees just below the summit systems are a sight to behold as well coordinates from all trails said hour... 9.4 Meilen langer, moderat besuchter Rundweg in der Nähe von Lovell, Maine when wet several... Granite peak, which is mostly bare with a few steep parts involve! Bald mtn and better one on Speckled mtn from Blackwoods Campground entrance kids definitely!... but as always, the trail are rocks need be at the summit intricate... Summit Loop to look out over the lake way up to Bald small..
Smashing Pumpkins - Cyr Review, Healthy Lavash Recipe, Factory Reset Kwikset Halo, Focal Point Definition, How To Remove Veet Wax From Skin, Ff9 Cotton Robe,