Chase Outdoors

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.

I consider a hike to the summit of Hamlin Peak on Mount Katahdin to be the best kept mountaineering secret in Baxter State Park.  Except for the crowds, it has most of the positive qualities of its counterpart, Baxter Peak; majestic summit, spectacular views, and a phenomenal, exposed ridge ascent. Last winter, three friends and I chose the route recommended in our book, Mountains for Mortals - New England.   While climbing the ridge on that magnificently clear, sunny March day, we experienced an unparalleled panoramic vista of Baxter and Pamola Peaks and Knife Edge enveloped in ice and snow with frozen Chimney Pond about a thousand feet below.  Opposite, the barren Howe Peaks towered above remote North Basin extending south towards the summit.  It was one of those magical moments that Hamlin often confers on its visitors.  On that particular day, we were the sole beneficiaries.  In our book, we provide a detailed trail description and map, an elevation profile, photos, park information and other pertinent data.  Visit our website at www.ronchaseoutdoors.com for more information on this and many more New England hikes and adventures.

Cherry Mountain is another great bad weather hike featured in our book, Mountains for Mortals - New England.  It lies a few miles west of the Presidential Range in north-central New Hampshire.  The summit of Owls Head (the north peak of Cherry Mountain), elevation 3,263 feet, provides excellent views of the Presidentials, Crawford Notch, and the peaks surrounding Franconia Notch.  An easy to moderate hike in difficulty, normally exposure to climatic conditions is not a problem on our suggested route to the summit as it is entirely below tree line.  We do not recommend this hike during periods of high water because a swampy area near the beginning of the trail can become immersed in mud and water and a stream crossing further along may become impassable.  However, it is an outstanding fall and winter ascent.  Visit our website at www.ronchaseoutdoors.com for more information on our book and the 29 additional New England mountain hikes recommended.  We have focused on the easiest, most scenic hikes to the most dramatic summits in New England and provide precise directions, detailed trail descriptions, maps, elevation profiles, photos and other pertinent data.

Known primarily as a skiing destination, Jay Peak is also a great hike.  At an elevation of 3,770 feet, Jay is one of the easiest hikes to a One Hundred Highest Peak in New England.  Situated in northern Vermont near the Canadian border in an area known as the Northeast Kingdom, experience some ledge scrambling and beautiful views in all directions on the rugged summit cone.  On a clear day, the White Mountains of New Hampshire and  Adirondacks of New York are visible.  In the winter, take a day off from skiing and snowshoe to the top following the easy route described in our book, Mountains for Mortals - New England.  You’ll surpise your skiing friends at the top of the lift.  Included in the chapter dedicated to this outstanding hike are precise directions, detailed trail description, elevation profile, trail map, photos and other key information.  Visit our website at www.ronchaseoutdoors.com for more information about our book and other outdoor adventures.

Located north of Franconia Notch in upstate New Hampshire, the summit of distinctive Mount Garfield, elevation 4,500 feet, was formerly the site of the Mount Garfield Fire Tower.  The high point provides outstanding 360-degree views of the White Mountains.  Because most of the hike is below tree line, exposure to adverse weather is not normally a significant problem.  At the summit, remains of the fire tower foundation provides some shelter from gusty winds and tree line is just a few yards away.  The Mount Garfield Fire Tower was built in 1940 and operated by the White Mountain National Forest for eight years.  It burned in the 1950s.  Perhaps its most famous fire-spotter was a young Frederick Milan, who worked in the tower after graduating from high school in the summer of 1942.  He went on to become a renowned anthropologist, mountaineer and skier.  Multiple stream crossings can be problematic during periods of high water.  Consult our book, Mountains for Mortals - New England, for comprehensive information on all significant aspects of what we consider to be the easiest, most scenic route to the top.  We also provide directions to the trailhead, map, elevation profile, photos and other valuable information.  Visit our website at www.ronchaseoutdoors.com for more information on our book.

When the weather conditions are too severe on the higher peaks in the White Mountains, Potash Mountain is often a good alternative.  Most of the climb to the summit is below tree line with little exposure to the elements.  A relatively easy, four plus mile hike to a 2,669 foot peak, Potash provides outstanding 360-degree vistas of the southern White Mountains.  Open ledges on its southern face offer spectacular views of Hedgehog and Passaconaway Mountains and beyond.  At the barren top, enjoy phenomenal panoramic views. Numerous peaks are visible to the north and west including Mount Carrigain, the Hancocks, the Bonds, the Osceolas and Tripyramids.  Avoid this hike during periods of high water as there is a major stream crossing and be prepared for steep, protracted summit ledges.  Carry crampons or metal cleats when ice or snow is present.  Get all of the pertinent information in our book, Mountains for Mortals - New England.  Safety tips, detailed description, trail map, photos and directions to the trailhead are provided.  Additional hiking opportunities, camping and lodging options are also discussed.

For me, Mount Katahdin is simply the best!  It has it all: High point in Maine, northern terminus of the Appalachian Trail, Knife Edge, Chimney Pond, challenging mountaineering, remote location, compelling history and much, much more. I first climbed Baxter Peak, the highpoint on Mount Katahdin, 33 years ago.  Since then, I’ve returned to the summit 21 times.  Each climb was a demanding outdoor adventure with its own special story.  My wife, Nancy, has joined me on several ascents and I have special memories of early climbs with my sons.  Adam, my youngest, was only seven when we reached Baxter Peak and traversed intimidating Knife Edge.  See our book, Mountains for Mortals - New England, for a photo of the two of us plotting our course across Knife Edge on that personally memorable occasion.  Winter is my favorite time to visit Baxter State Park, home of Katahdin.  I’ve had the privilege of climbing Baxter Peak five times in the winter.  There is something unique about the challenge of pulling a heavy sled on skis or snowshoes for 16 miles to Chimney Pond, donning crampons, clasping an ice axe and ascending steep, icy Cathedral Ridge to the summit in gusty, frigid weather.  Our book provides detailed directions to the trailhead that ascends the Appalachian Trail to the summit, a scenic route that passes by Thoreau Spring where author, poet, philospher and explorer, Henry David Thoreau, was turned back on his summit attempt over 160 years ago.  Baxter State Park opens its winter season December 1st.  This year, they’ve announced new policies that simplify winter access and use.  No surprise, my friends and I are planning our next winter expedition in the park.  Visit our website, www.ronchaseoutdoors.com, for photos of Mount Katahdin and more information about our book.

Anytime of year is a good time to hike Tumbledown Mountain, one of Maine’s most popular hikes.  With its three craggy, barren peaks dominating the landscape, Tumbledown is also one of the most distinctive summits in Maine.  Not particularly tall at an elevation of 3,088 feet, a hike to the top is moderate in difficulty.  The trail system on Tumbledown has a reputation for being perplexing and expect some hand-over-hand rock scrambling just before emerging above-tree line. The rewards for your efforts are outstanding views of the mountains and lakes of the region.  After traversing the huge granite boulders of Parker Ridge, drop abruptly and visit a picturesque alpine tarn, Tumbledown Pond.  Our book, Mountains for Mortals - New England, provides directions to the remote trailhead and we recommend careful use of the trail map and detailed description provided to navigate the bewildering route to Parker Ridge.  Several trails lead to Tumbledown or connect with nearby Little Jackson and Jackson Peaks.  We selected what we consider the best, safest and most scenic itinerary.   Yesterday, while leading a hike on Little Jackson for the Penobscot Paddle and Chowder Society (www.paddleandchowder.org), some snow and ice were encountered.  We recommend carrying stableicers or similar footgear for added traction this time of year.  Visit our website at www.ronchaseoutdoors.com for additional information about our book and more outdoor adventures.