The Best Walk

Planning the Trip

This could be one of the best walks ever! But, you ask, “Where is Jackman?” It’s near Canada. We went through it once before on the way back from Quebec City. Other than knowing we passed through there once, I know very little about it. However, this weekend tow of my son’s and I will be going there Friday night. With any luck, we ‘ll be on the road at noon and get there before dark. The plan is to walk, hike, and swim all day Saturday. Then, on Sunday we’re booked on a white water rafting trip. Why am I writing about this in advance? I’m excited about it!

My research shows that there are many good walking and hiking areas. Those will be listed, but first a bit about Jackman compliments of www.kvcog.org/Towns/jackman.htm:

Jackman, the Switzerland of Maine, is located just 16 miles south of the Canadian border, and 73 miles north of Skowhegan on U.S. Route 201 in the Moose River Valley. The Town is 41 square miles and is located primarily along U.S. Route 201 and State Route 6 & 15. The Town is a commercial center for a large extent of unincorporated area surrounding it, and for travelers on Route 201. It is also a seasonal resort area. In the summer Attean Pond, Big Wood Pond, and Long Pond as well as the Moose River provides water recreation such as fishing, canoing,kayaking, and swimming, Jackman also is in close proximity to a Class IV rafting river with one rafting company being based in the Moose River Valley. Mountain biking and hiking transcends the seasons with both being available in the spring as new growth blooms, the summer with the unrivaled natural beauty of the area on display, and in the autumn when nature is in her glorious colorful finery. (It should be noted that Jackman’s foliage season is from mid to late September into October, about two weeks earlier than southern Maine.) Autumn also provides for excellent opportunities for the sportsman with various hunting seasons available. In the winter Jackman offers cross-county skiing as well as an extensive regional snowmobile trail system that links to other areas in Maine as well as to trails in Quebec. Jackman’s close proximity to Quebec provides for easy day trips to Saint George and Quebec City which can provides unique cultural experiences.

Jackman is surrounded by the most majestic mountains, most of which have a designated trails to hike and climb. The trails take you through incredible forests, over varying terrain and up to amazing scenic vistas. There are many trails that offer moderate to strenuous workouts and are each clearly marked. For specific directions, please ask your host or contact the JMRRCofC. Pack a picnic lunch to enjoy while you soak in the views at the summit. Don’t forget to take a camera! And remember to take along the appropriate gear for navigation and weather changes and of course, plenty of water.

Now to plan the trip. Here the choices according to www.jackmanmaine.org/maine-hiking.php:

Hiking Trails in the Jackman and Forks area

(Trail information by Christopher Keene “North Woods Walks”)

Sally Mountain

4.8 miles

Moderate challenge

Captain Samuel Holden, the first to call this remote region home in 1820, looked out over the quiet waters of Wood Pond at an unnamed mountain. One day, he took his young daughter’s hand, looked into her eyes and said, “That’s your mountain now. That’s Sally Mountain” Blueberries flourish up here during late July to early September so you’d better pack an appetite.

Boundary Bald Mountain

2.6 miles

Strenuous challenge

The hiking trail was built in 1911 and used to reach the wooden fire tower. Now a radio repeater station sits in its place on the open summit. (3,640feet)

Coburn Mountain

3,718 feet

Strenuous challenge

Tallest of all mountains between the Bigilow range to the South and the peaks of Baxter State Park; It is nicknamed Enchanted Mountain. Your vehicle needs to have good clearance to get to the trail. The 24 foot steel fire tower on Coburn was built in 1914 but was crushed in 1938 by ice. Abandoned until 1966, rebuilt, and in 1968, high winds blew off the cap. In 1999 it was repaired and the platform is now sturdy enough to stand on while you take in the views.

Cold Stream Falls

A short drive from the Coburn trailhead. It is not the largest, nor the most majestic, but it is the most remote. A cool dip in the pool after the hike may be what you need.

Burnt Jacket Mountain

1.5 miles

Moderate challenge

This mountain is visible from US 201 when approaching Jackman, a clumsily shaped ridge is located just six miles south east of the Canadian Border. The hiking trail leads to open summits from which there are dramatic views of the Moose River Valley

Moxie Falls

0.6miles

Very Easy

One of the highest set of falls in New England: the main drop is over 80 feet, which plummets into a deep slate gorge.

So where are we going. Well, we’re pretty sure we’ll combine Sally Mountain and Moxie Falls to get the best mix of exercise and scenery. Watch for the photos next week! After Sally Mountain and Moxie Falls? Well, we’ll just keep walking.

Filed under: Maine on August 6th, 2007by Hank