Mount Battie hike to kick off New Year

CAMDEN – Coastal Mountains Land Trust will sponsor a New Year’s Day hike to the Mount Battie summit to celebrate the first sunrise of the 21st century.

Mount Battie has one of the earliest sunrise views in the nation. The hike will begin at 6 a.m. in the parking lot of the Mount Battie entrance to Camden Hills State Park, and will proceed up the summit road.

Rain, snow or sleet will cancel the hike. More than 100 people hiked last New Year’s Day.

Warm, windproof clothing is recommended, and boots with ice grippers are advisable in icy conditions.

In the event of snow, skis or snowshoes might be useful. Expect a vigorous 45-minute hike from base to summit.

The trust will offer hot beverages at the summit. Call the trust at 236-7091 so refreshments can be planned.