Favorite hikes to start the season Tips should aid summer outing

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Summer’s here and the hiking is easy. Well, some hikes are easier than others. There are miles of hiking trails in the Maine outdoors, ranging from beginner to difficult. From the coast to the inland mountains, hikers want the scoop on which trail offers the best views, the quietest camping, the best wildlife viewing and the easiest access.

What follows is a review of favorite hikes that will get your summer hiking season started. The map numbers and grid references correspond to the trailheads in the Maine Atlas and Gazetteer, published by Delorme, in Yarmouth. They should help you get to the trailhead, but are no substitute for a good trail map on the hike.

The coast

Camden Hills State Park – Map 14, Grid C-3&4, D-3&4.

Where Located – Sitting beside what is probably the busiest portion of U.S. Rte. 1, the park has a network of hiking trails that vary in difficulty from easy to strenuous. Camping is available, but space is limited. A trail map is available at the gate.

The Trail – For the classic view of Camden Harbor and the village, it’s tough to beat the Mount Battie Trail. Fairly easy, the eighth-tenths of a mile trail takes you gradually to the top of Mount Battie. There’s a stone tower on the summit which you will share with others who drove up the auto road.

The Best – That view of the islands in Penobscot Bay.

The Worst – All that traffic on Rte. 1.

Best Tip – Start early to avoid traffic buildup on Rte. 1. If you get to the trail head early enough you can beat most of the crowds to the view.

Acadia National Park – Map 16, Grid A-D, 1-4.

Where located – Take state Rte. 3 south from Ellsworth. Pick up a trail map at the Park Visitor Center in Hull’s Cove. The trails vary from easy lakeside and seaside paths to difficult treks. Most start at sea level or a little above. Footing requires sturdy hiking boots on the more difficult routes.

The Trail – The Cadillac Mountain South Ridge Trail starts across from the Blackwoods Campground, located about eight miles from Bar Harbor on Rte. 3. It’s a 3.5-mile long, moderately difficult trail with some of the best views in the park. There are many geological features along the way to hold children’s interest, so it’s great for a family hike.

The Best – The ocean views, of course.

The Worst – Too many people on the summit who drove up the auto road.

Best Tip – Start early on this hike, too. It seems that many visitors don’t start hiking until 10 a.m. As long as you’re on the trail by 8 a.m., you should be greeting most of them when you’re on your way down.

Inland Mountains

Baxter State Park Northern District, Map 51, Grid A-1, B-1.

Where Located – The north end of the Park is approached by leaving Patten and driving west about 25 miles on state Rte. 159. Once through the Matagamon Gate you are in the park.

The Trail – Traveler Mountain Loop Trail is found at the South Branch Pond Campground, a great, quiet family campground on the shore of South Branch Pond. The trail is a 10.6 miles long, difficult loop over the three summits of Traveler Mountain. This is a new trail that connects existing trails to make the loop. The views of mountains, lakes and ponds in a remote location make this hike one of the jewels of the park.

The Best – The hike is steep, hard and rewarding. Unlike the Southern District, sites at the campground are usually available without a reservation, even in summer.

The Worst – The long drive just to get to the entrance of the park.

Best Tip – This hike is difficult, with major ascents. Wear sturdy hiking boots, start early, and carry lots of water as there is little water on the trail. Plan to spend the day, recommended hiking time is between 8 to 10 hours.

Baxter State Park Southern District, Map 50 & 51, Grid D-5, D – 1.

Where located – Togue Pond Gate is about 18 miles from Millinocket. To climb Katahdin from Chimney Pond, it’s another 8 miles on a dirt road from the gatehouse to Roaring Brook Campground and the trailhead.

The Trail – Helon Taylor Trail is a 3.5-mile long, difficult trail that leads to Pamola Peak and the east end of Knife Edge. There is no water along the trail, so carry plenty. To make a loop, you must cross Knife Edge, a difficult, exposed hike that involves arm pulling climbs in places across its length. This hike really defines summer for most hikers. Typically the loop takes between 8 to 10 hours.

The Best – Outstanding views, alpine ecology and hard hiking make this a rewarding adventure.

The Worst – Getting in to Roaring Brook Campground requires you to get to the gate by 3:30 or 4 a.m. The gate opens at 5 a.m. in the busy summer season.

Best Tip – Wear sturdy hiking boots for this strenuous hike and carry lots of water, at least two quarts. Do not attempt crossing Knife Edge in bad weather.

These hikes should get you started, then you can find others on your own that will make your summer in the Maine outdoors special. These are just a sample of some of the best. Maine’s 278 miles of the Appalachian Trail, for example, leads to other day hikes and longer backpacking treks. Keep the atlas handy, lace up the hiking boots and go. The adventure that is Maine summer is just beginning.