Mount Megunticook - A Great Winter Hike
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.