Chase Outdoors

Little Bigelow Mountain in western Maine offers an excellent medium level hike with exceptional views of Carrabassett Valley and Flagstaff Lake.  The eastern most peak in the Bigelow Range, the entire three mile hike to the summit is within the pristine Bigelow Preserve.  We had a packed surface for our winter adventure, but carried snowshoes in case snow had drifted at higher elevations.  After passing the Little Bigelow Campsite, the trail climbed steadily to open ledges overlooking frozen Flagstaff Lake.  Continuing beyond the ledges, the snow and ice packed path ascended over exposed sections and through patchy, stunted coniferous growth to the ridge where we had spectacular views of the Sugarloaf Mountain Ski Resort and the surrounding mountains in the west.  Continuing along the ridge to the true summit, elevation 3,025 feet, we enjoyed sporadic views of the high peaks of the Bigelow Range, which are featured in our mountain guidebook, Mountains for Mortals – New England.   The conditions at the top were spectacular; clear and sunny with moderate temperatures.  We found shelter from north winds facing southwest on the edge of a precipitous cliff and savored a long, scenic lunch break.  For me, a most pleasurable aspect of the winter mountaineering experience is descending a well-packed trail on snowshoes.  One almost effortlessly glides down the trail with little of the rocky, hard-surface impact encountered during the other three seasons.  We had an uncommonly gentle descent and phenomenal day.  Our guidebook has 30 of the best, most scenic hikes in New England.  Each trek includes GPS coordinates, precise directions to the trailhead, comprehensive description of the recommended hike, trail map, elevation profile and other pertinent data.  For more information on our book and other outdoor adventures, visit our website at www.ronchaseoutdoors.com

This was my 19th winter expedition into Baxter State Park and one of the most enjoyable. Excellent weather, outstanding companions and new, less rigid park regulations made for a near perfect trip. Beginning our trek just west of East Branch of the Penobscot River in the northeastern corner of the park, our group skied 9 miles on the Perimeter Road to South Branch Campground Road where we picked up our heavily-laden sleds for the two mile slog to the bunkhouse at South Branch Pond. For the first time ever (for me), we availed ourselves of the option of having our sleds towed to the junction by snowmobiles. The bunkhouse sleeps eight and we were seven in total. Several members of our group slept outside each night so we had plenty of space to spread out and get comfortable. For our first full day at South Branch, we decided to hike what I consider to be one of the two or three premiere loop hikes in New England, Traveler Loop. About 11 miles in distance, it traverses North Traveler, Traveler and Peak of the Ridge Mountains, all in excess of 3,000 feet in elevation in one of the most remote wilderness settings in Maine. North Traveler Mountain is featured in our guidebook, Mountains for Mortals – New England. Breaking trail with snowshoes in moderate snow depth, we ascended North Traveler with glorious views of the Katahdin Massif to our south. After substantial trail searching, we reached the summit shortly before noon. The open ridge to Traveler afforded spectacular 360-degree views. However, drifted snow caused us to lose the trail in the wooded col several times. Infrequently visited in the winter, climbing to the top of icy, barren Traveler Mountain was a great treat for our entire group. From the summit, we had a clear view of exposed Peak of the Ridge. We took a compass bearing as we had another densely forested saddle to navigate and only about 3 hours of daylight remained. This was a wise decision as we lost the trail almost immediately and used our compass bearing to reach above-tree line on Peak of the Ridge. After a short break on the summit savoring wonderful mountain vistas for the last time, we again used a compass bearing to descend to South Branch Pond. Daylight disappeared as we crossed the ice on the pond to our cabin. On day three, we all skied in various directions including south on the Pogy Winter Trail. The following day, most of our group completed the South Branch Mountain Loop, which traverses South Branch and Black Cat Peaks and returns on the pond. We grilled sirloin steaks for our evening meal! Most skied on our final full day in the park, but close friend, Brent Elwell, and I climbed to the summit of Peak of the Ridge for more wonderful views. We had good conditions for our ski out with a snowmobile pulling our sleds the final 9 miles. For more information on our guidebook, visit our website at www.ronchaseoutdoors.com.

Mount Kearsarge North in North Conway, NH, is a favorite winter mountain hike for my wife, Nancy, and I when weather conditions and wind chills are severe.  It is a particularly good choice if winds are gusting out of the north or northwest and temperatures are low.  A recent forecast called for wind speeds in excess of 35 MPH from the northwest and a high temperature in the mid-teens.   Kearsarge North seemed the perfect hiking solution.  Arriving at the trailhead late morning, only two cars were in the small parking area and the trail surface was hard-packed snow and ice.  Since it’s a popular hike, we gambled that the trail would be packed to the summit and left our snowshoes behind.  In fact, the conditions were ideal for a first-time field test of our new micro-spikes.  They worked flawlessly and we consider them a better alternative to stableicers or instep crampons under most circumstances.  Ninety percent of our hike was sheltered from the blustery winds that roared above us.  At the summit, we found shelter in the old, enclosed fire tower and enjoyed a comfortable lunch protected from the harsh conditions with 360 degree views.  Mount Kearsarge North is featured in our mountain guidebook, Mountains for Mortals – New England, which provides GPS coordinates, directions, a detailed trail description, and additional pertinent information for this moderate 6 mile hike.  For more information on our book, visit www.ronchaseoutdoors.com. 

Cycling the bikes trails of Florida has become an annual winter ritual for us New England mountain lovers.  The omnipresent trails offer an escape from the harsh northern temperatures and a gentle alternative to ascending steep snow and ice covered northern peaks on skis, snowshoes and crampons.  This year, we spent nearly a month exploring the truly exceptional paved trails and wilderness preserves of Florida, plus an additional three days on peaceful and scenic Jekyll Island off the coast of Georgia.  Initially staying with friends on the southern edge of Ocala National Forest for two weeks, we explored the Gainsville, Withlacoohee Bay, West Orange, Lake Mineola, Withlacoochee, Seminole-Wekiva, Van Fleet, and Auburndale paved bike trails in the central part of the state.  Two more days were occupied investigating Merritt Island and Woodruff Wilderness Preserves.  Afterwards, traveling northwest to the Panhandle, our intrepid band of cyclists rode the Nature Coast and Tallahassee-St. Mark’s Trails en route. A cozy cottage at Grayton Beach State Park was a comfortable and convenient base camp for riding the circuitous Timpoochee Trail along the beaches and through the picturesque coastal villages of Santa Rosa, Seaside, Blue Mountain, Grayton Beach and others.   In addition to wonderful riding, Florida’s trails offer an abundance of wildlife.  During a four hour solo ride on the Van Fleet Trail, I spotted three feral pigs, a gopher tortoise, two snakes, an alligator, two turkeys and a deer – an episode that has the makings of a great holiday song.  Thousands of birds and scores of different species entertained us in the Merritt Island Preserve and an enormous alligator blocked our path while riding in the Woodruff Preserve.  The only thing lacking in the Florida biking experience is a quality guidebook.  As author of the hiking guidebook, Mountains for Mortals – New England, I’m ready for the challenge and in search of a publisher.   Visit my website, www.ronchaseoutdoors.com, for more information on my book and a record of other published works.  Our southern getaway ended on beautiful and historic Jekyll Island, located a few miles southeast of Brunswick, Georgia.  A labyrinth of ubiquitous bike trails makes the island a cyclists’ paradise.  Trails take riders through Jekyll Island’s historic district, to ancient ruins of an old plantation, past golf courses, resorts and picnic areas and along beaches and dunes of the Atlantic.  Our thirst for sunshine and warm weather quenched, we departed for more adventures in the frigid mountains of the northeast.    

Normally, we plan a substantive winter trip in the mountains over the New Year’s holiday.  In the past, we’ve enjoyed expeditions to Baxter State Park climbing Katahdin or the Traveler Peaks, backpacking in the White Mountains of New Hampshire or peak bagging Vermont’s Green Mountains.  The goal being to take full advantage of our wonderful New England summits.  This year a bad weather forecast and congested personal calendar precluded an extended mountaineering adventure.  Our choice was a day hike with friends climbing little-known and secluded Bald and Speckled Mountains in Maine’s Oxford Hills on New Year’s Eve.  Beginning near Shagg Pond in the Mount Zircon quadrangle, we ascended to the ledges at the summit of Bald Mountain where we enjoyed expansive views of the Oxford Hills area.  Our group encountered steady snow as we descended through a sparse hardwood forest and then climbed steeply on the south slope of Speckled Mountain.  We used micro spikes and stableicers for traction on icy, precipitous ledges near the top.  Falling snow negated the usual spectacular views, but stormy weather in the mountains is a uniquely compelling experience.   Finishing our trek in just under five hours, we were able to escape the rugged mountain roads ahead of the full force of the storm.  For details on 30 of the best, most scenic mountain hikes in New England, refer to our book, Mountains for Mortals - New England or visit our website at www.ronchaseoutdoors.com.

How do you pronounce Chocorua?  I’m not sure, but anyway you say it, Mount Chocorua is an exceptional hike.  Located a little southwest of Conway, New Hampshire, in the southern White Mountains, Chocorua is a 7.6 mile out-and-back hike to an alpine-like summit.  Uncertain of snow and ice conditions at higher elevations, our overly cautious Trip Coordinator (that would be me) recommended carrying snowshoes and crampons on a recent Penobscot Paddle and Chowder Society mountaineering trip.  An intrepid group of eight began hiking in a foot of well-packed snow and circumstances remained uniformly good throughout the trek.  After steadily ascending for more than 3 miles in a mixed hardwood and conifer forest with sporadic views north and west, junctions for Middle Sister and Piper Trails were passed.  Shortly beyond, harsh, blustery winds welcomed as we emerged above-tree line for a summit attempt.  Expecting an icy surface on the precipitous, alpine pinnacle, instead we encountered dry rock and drifted snow rendering crampons unnecessary.  After cautiously navigating to the top for phenomenal 360-degree views, unrelenting winds and severe chill factors dictated a prompt descent.  On our return, many trip members pondered aloud the wisdom and judgment of the Trip Coordinator’s imperious suggestion to carry snowshoes and crampons.  Fortunately, before mutinous violence erupted, the hostile band was distracted by an entertaining trio of ice climbers on frozen Champney Falls.  Heavy packs provided everyone with a good workout.  For information on more great hikes throughout New England, see our book, Mountains for Mortals - New England.  Readers will not need an imperious Trip Coordinator on the recommended hikes as directions, map, trail description and other pertinent data are provided.  Our website, www.ronchaseoutdoors.com, offers more information on our book and many other outdoor adventures.

Our decision to hike South Moat Mountain turned out to be the perfect antidote to an extended period of indoor confinement.  The six of us had endured several days of windy, snowy weather and another storm was forecasted mid-afternoon.  We were overdue for an outdoor fix.  Located in the heart of New Hampshire’s White Mountains, a hike on South Moat is easy to moderate in difficulty and usually completed in 4 or 5 hours.  Snowshoes were unnecessary as the trail was well-packed when we embarked at 9:30 A.M.  Winds were gusting at approximately 30 miles per hour at the barren summit but the 360-degree views of the White Mountains and Saco River Valley were phenomenal.  Finding shelter behind a large rock formation, we bundled up in our down parkas and enjoyed a hasty lunch.  Storm clouds approaching from the south and west dictated an abbreviated respite.   Affixing micro-spikes to our boots for the descent, spitting snow and increasing winds accompanied us on the return trek to our vehicles, arriving prior to the storm.  South Moat Mountain is an ideal hike when you’re limited to just a few hours, but want an exciting adventure with outstanding views.  Consult our book, Mountains for Mortals - New England, for directions to the trailhead, a detailed route description and map of the hike.  Visit our website, www.ronchaseoutdoors.com, for additional information on our book and more great New England hikes.

Recently, I violated one of my hiking rules - “Don’t hike alone in the winter.”   The good news is you’re never really alone when hiking popular Mount Megunticook in coastal Maine’s Camden Hills.  A little more than a hour from my home in Topsham, which is 30 minutes north of Portland, Megunticook offers multiple hiking alternatives all culminating with spectacular views of picturesque and expansive Penobscot Bay.  Breaking trail in about six inches of fresh snow, I arrived at gusty Ocean Overlook, which I consider one of the “Top Ten Views in Maine.”  From the edge of precipitous Megunticook Cliffs, conditions were so clear that it seemed I could almost reach out and touch rugged North Haven and Vinalhaven Islands perhaps ten miles away.  The North Haven Ferry was in the middle of the bay and motoring home.  I found myself reminiscing about the scores of ferry rides I had taken to the islands as a young Revenue Officer with the IRS over 25 years ago.  So many adventures, I need to write a book.  After hiking to the summit of Megunticook, I followed trails to the tower on Mount Battie overlooking the Town of Camden, a popular tourist destination.  More phenomenal views on a very special day.  I’ve probably hiked Mount Megunticook 50 or 60 times over the years and hope to return many more.  For detailed information on locating and hiking Mount Megunticook, obtain a copy of our book, Mountains for Mortals - New England.  Additional information can be found on our website, www.rochaseoutdoors.com.

I keep returning to Pleasant Mountain, located in the Lakes Region of southwestern Maine.  It has an addictive quality.  An ascent earlier this week with friend Dave was my fourth of the year - perhaps as many as fifty in total.  Accessibility is certainly a factor, as it is less than an hour’s drive from Maine’s primary population centers.  With four trails to the top, numerous hiking variations are available.  We did a scenic traverse in several inches of fresh snow that required a short road walk at the finish to complete a loop.  The open summit provided partial views of the Presidential Range in the White Mountains of New Hampshire, while snow squalls were observed enveloping the nearby Mahoosucs of western Maine.  Our book, Mountains for Mortals - New England, recommends what we consider the easiest, most scenic route to the 2006 foot summit, dominated by a picturesque fire tower formerly operated by the Maine Forest Service.  The other trails are also discussed.  Visit our website, www.ronchaseoutdoors.com, for more information on this hike and other scenic treks throughout New England.

Perhaps the most remote mountain hike in our book, Mountains for Mortals - New England, North Traveler Mountain offers climbers many unique features. Located in northern Baxter State Park on the east shore of picturesque South Branch Pond, it is one of the more scenic and isolated hikes in Maine.  Surrounded by mountains, South Branch Pond has the character of an inland fjord.  The ascent is moderate in difficulty but the summit and much of the exposed trail offers panoramic views of this beautiful, rugged and unfrequented area.  Our book provides details on obtaining access to the park, precise directions to the trailhead, a recommended route to the summit, map, elevation profile, photos and other pertinent information.  Additional hiking opportunities and the availability of camping and lodging in the area are also discussed.  Visit our website at www.ronchaseoutdoors.com for more information.