It’s a Maine Thing - Hezzy’s Sidewalk Talk

Autumn in Maine is always such a special time with the foliage alive in its annual splendor! The annual ritual of the rich crimson of the blueberry fields, the soft fall colors of the heaths and fields bordered by the brilliance of the trees makes a treat for the eyes! Every year offers a different experience, however, this year takes the Maine prize for autumn excellence. The colors are so brilliant that they border on being psychedelic. Unlike the past few years, when the rains and winds blew in just before the foliage peaked leaving a path of foliage destruction of wet leaves as the ground cover, this year has all the makings of a memorable fall. The days are warm, with light breezes, the nights are comfortably chilly and everyone is in a good mood. The current money woes are right under everyone’s radar, but the magical, wondrous beauty of the moment is the perfect escape from it all and everyone seems to be embracing it. In our view, hiking, biking and canoeing on quiet waterways are the best ways to take it all in. Get your boots on, garb the paddles and head outside. Forget about your stock portfolio and other woes for a few hours and take in the striking beauty of a splendid fall day. Here is one of our favorite coastal hikes that can be enjoyed by everyone. Check in with our bog regularly as we are regularly reporting on other great outdoor fall adventures.

Celebrate Maine! Realize the Spirit!

Great Pond Mountain Hike, Orland: 1 1/2-2 hours hike.
Vertical rise, 650 feet.  This is the ideal family hike that is a casual walk that offers terrific visual rewards. Only a few minutes from both Ellsworth and Bucksport, as well as being easily accessible from the Dedham area through the Great Pond Wildlands, this mountain offers one of the most splendid vistas along the coast of Maine. Not the dramatic scenery as experienced from the mountains of Acadia, but sweeping views reminiscent of a Maine gone by with gentle views of back roads, blueberry fields, farmland, nearby hills and sweeping views of Penobscot Bay to the south with the dramatic profile of the mountains of Acadia National Park to the east. From the top of Great Pond Mountain one can see south to Owls Head and as far east as Schoodic Mountain located in eastern quadrant of Hancock County. Great Pond Mountain borders on the Great Pond Mountain Wildlands which is owned by the recently organized Great Pond Mountain Conservation Trust. Getting there from Ellsworth and Bucksport is easy. Turn at the Craig Brook Hatchery sign 13 miles south on Route 1 from Ellsworth and 5 miles north of Bucksport on Route 1. Proceed 1-2 miles. After a passing the Craig Brook Hatchery, the oldest salmon hatchery in the US,  pass over the wooden bridge, which takes you on a gravel road. Follow up hill 1 mile where you can park along the road. The trail is located to about 200 feet south of the Private Road sign.  The beginning of the trail head is a washed out stream bed that can be muddy after a rain. Follow the stream bed up until it becomes an old logging road which takes you to the top. The colorful, mixed foliage along the path, along with the conifer forest, makes for a nice outing that can be enjoyed by all. This relaxing hike reminds us of the Maine less traveled that is from another era. Unlike the groomed, well-used trails of Acadia National Park area, the Great Pond Mountain pathway is old-fashioned in its makeup and has a feeling of wildness to it. For winter enthusiasts this would be a rewarding experience on snow shoes. We’ll report on that outing in the winter months.

Get out and enjoy this special place! Celebrate Maine! Realize the Spirit!