The 2022 Maine IAT’s Sponsored Hikes will start in August! 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 form at the bottom of the page. Each hike is limited to 12 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
Deasey Mountain, August 27, 2022
Leaders: Don Hudson and Chunzeng Wang
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
Family Nature Journaling on the Deasey Pond and Esker Trails, POSTPONED
Update 9/1/2022: This trip has been postponed. New date to be determined.
Leader: Amy Barker
Date: September 10, 2022, 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: 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. 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
Mars Hill Mountain Hike – IAT section, October 1, 2022 (October 2 Rain Date)
Leader: Elaine Hendrickson
Date: October 1, 2022 (October 2, rain date) at 9:30 at the Big Rock Mountain Ski Area Parking Lot. Carpool from there to the beginning of the hike.
Difficulty and length in miles: This is a 5.8 mile hike with about a 1500 vertical climb.
Description of the hike: The hike will take us from the north end of the mountain across the ridgeline with views of Aroostook County as well as Canada. The trail travels through mixed forest during what should be prime fall colors. Along the ridgeline you will find yourself directly beneath the massive wind towers that comprise one of New England’s largest wind farms. There will be a short side trip to visit the IAT lean to that see where the first sunlight strikes the United State soil during the summer months.
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: Elaine Hendrickson elaine.hendrickson@gmail.com
For more information about the hike: https://digitalmaine.com/cgi/viewcontent.cgi?article=1585&context=mgs_publications
