The document recounts a fall hiking adventure on Bald Mountain in Wilton, Maine, detailing the 3-mile hike with a 1,200-foot elevation gain. The author shares personal experiences, challenges faced due to asthma, and the stunning views encountered along the way. Key points include the hike's moderate difficulty, preparation tips, trail conditions, and plans for future hikes. The narrative emphasizes the beauty of Maine's autumn landscape and the joy of outdoor exploration.
Maine Moment:
Discover a fall adventure on Bald Mountain in Wilton, Maine. This 3-mile hike offers stunning views, moderate difficulty, and 1,200 ft elevation gain. Perfect for autumn foliage and pre-winter fitness.
As the crisp autumn air nipped at my cheeks, I set out to conquer Bald Mountain in Wilton, Maine on November 10,2024 with Brian and Daisy (aka Side Quest). This 3-mile adventure that would test my stamina (sadly) but reward me with breathtaking views. Today, with the fall painting the landscape in vibrant hues, I embarked on this moderate hike as part of my pre-winter fitness journey. Little did I know that this 1,200-foot climb would challenge my 47-year-old asthmatic lungs, surprise me with early signs of winter, and leave me with unforgettable memories of Maine's natural beauty. Join me as I recount my journey up Bald Mountain, where every step brought new discoveries and a deeper appreciation for the rugged charm of the Pine Tree State.
Trip Overview
- My Adventure's Goal: I'm kicking off a series of fun hikes this month before the snow hits. It's all about building up my stamina and seeing how fit I am. I plan to revisit these trails in spring and see how much I've improved. Plus, who doesn't love soaking in the beautiful fall vibes?
- Weather Wonderland: Wow, I lucked out with the weather today! Partly Clear skies with a few dramatic clouds. It started off a bit chilly in the 30s, but warmed up to a comfy 50°F by 10 AM - perfect hiking weather! There was a touch of ice at the top of Bald Mountain, but nothing too scary.
- Fun fact: Bald Mountain is actually privately owned by Carrier Timberlands. Cool, right?
High 53°F, Partly Sunny
Getting Ready for My Adventure
Trail Tidbits: Here's a little history I learned - this trail used to go all the way to Saddleback Wind. Sadly, that part's off-limits now. The guidebook "50 Hikes in the Maine Mountains" (from before the closure) said it wasn't in great shape anyway.
What I Packed: For this short and sweet hike, I kept it simple. My day pack had the essentials:
- Comfy hiking pants and sturdy boots
- A cozy sweatshirt (because layers are your friend!)
- Hunter orange beanie (because it’s hunting season!)
- Plenty of water to stay hydrated
- Yummy snacks for energy boosts
Extra Info: While I can't hike the Saddleback Wind Ridge Trail anymore, I found out there's still a way to see Saddleback Wind! According to a 2018 post by Maine By Foot, you can start from the Saddleback Ridge Wind Office on Winter Hill Road. There's a half-mile footpath beyond the turbines. How cool is that?
Next time I'm in Wilton, I'm definitely checking this out. Those giant windmills in the middle of nowhere are just fascinating!
Trail Lowdown: Bald Mountain (Wilton)
- How Far? 1.5 miles (with an extra 0.5 miles past the summit if I'm feeling adventurous)
- How High? We're talking 2,386 ft, with a climb of 1,200 ft
- Difficulty Level: It's a bit of a challenge, especially for me - a 47-year-old with asthma who's not in peak shape. I found it tougher than I expected, but for most folks, it's probably a moderate challenge. If you're a seasoned hiker, you might find it a breeze in summer.
- Heads up about Wilson Stream: No bridge, but plenty of rocks to hop across. Just be careful after rain or when the snow's melting - it could get tricky!
- Watch Out For: I had to keep an eye out for Step I and II (the ledges). They're a bit trickier, but don't worry - there are easier ways around if you need them.
- My Journey: Most people do this in about 2 hours, but I took my time and finished in 2.5 hours. The cool air wasn't playing nice with my asthma, so I took a few breathers. I couldn't resist exploring a half mile past the summit - sometimes you just gotta push those boundaries!
- Trail Conditions: Pretty much what I expected - lots of roots and rocks to keep things interesting. Those fall leaves made it a bit slippery, so I had to watch my step! I was surprised to see some ice already - it looked like little clear toothpicks sticking up from the ground. A few puddles were frozen over too.
Maine Trail Finder should have the most accurate trail status and information.
What I Saw and Felt
The Good Stuff: Let me tell you, when I first popped out of the woods, the view just took my breath away! After being surrounded by trees, seeing that wide-open vista really got me pumped to reach the top. Looking out at Webb Lake and Hills Pond brought back great memories of my summer kayaking trips. The trail was buzzing with other hikers enjoying the beautiful day. While I didn't spot any unique critters, the ground was like a colorful carpet of yellow, red, and orange leaves - remnants of the peak foliage from a couple weeks ago. Scrub pine and lichen were everywhere. Oh, and the trail was super easy to follow with freshly painted blue blazes.
The Tricky Bits: Crossing the stream was a breeze today, but I can imagine it might be a bit of a dance to keep my feet dry in spring when the water's higher. Once you have made it to the ledges pay attention to the “Steps” both I and II have alternate routes for a less challenging approach (I used the alternates) I've read about people conquering Bald Mountain in winter, some with snowshoes and others just in hiking boots. Not sure how I'd handle that, but it sounds like quite an adventure!
How I Did
- Distance and Climb: I covered 3 miles total (1.5 miles each way) and climbed up 1,200 feet.
- Time and Pace: The whole trip took me about 2 hours. I had to take a few quick breaks to catch my breath in the cool air.
- What I Achieved: I conquered a 1,200-foot climb in about a mile! This is my starting point for Katahdin training. Even though I had to pause a few times on the way up, I made it to the top. And let me tell you, those views were worth every step!
- Room to Grow: Oh, definitely! I'm planning to tackle this hike again in spring to see how my winter training pays off. My next big adventure this fall? Hopefully Pleasant Pond Mountain - it's a longer hike but with a similar climb.
- What's Next: Pleasant Mountain is calling my name!
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