Blustery Day on Mount A

The view from the top

              I've got the hikin' fever! Spring is coming and nice weather screams out to me:  "Get out into the woods!"  With the impending rainy week ahead, my two boys and I decided to make the most out of the nice, yet blustery, day and headed down to York to hike around Mount Agamenticus.

All smiles

              Mount A has a little something for all levels of hiking.  Those who are in for a workout can park at the entrance and complete the Ring Trail to the Summit and down.  Our family enjoys driving up to the Summit and checking out the Learning Lodge before venturing down the mountain.  Today we went down Vulture's View.  It was mostly smooth rock faces which proved a little tricky with the water covering them from the snow melt.  I would suggest taking down the Witch Hazel Trail and then staying along the Ring Trail.  The Ring Trail  has several interactive signs for young ones detailing a moose named Moss' journey home and for those desiring more information about local flora and fauna.  Regardless of which trails you decide upon, make sure to take in some time at the Summit.  The view of the White Mountains is amazing and on a clear day Mount Washington is clearly visible.

Looking for a picnic spot

             The Mount Agamenticus area hosts a variety of animals including fox, moose, black bear, turtles,  and deer.  In the upcoming weeks Mount A's vernal pools will serve as breeding grounds for many types of frogs and salamanders.  In the Fall they showcase a variety of migrating raptors that can easily be viewed from the Summit.  Mount Agamenticus trails are made available for hikers, bikers, horses, and ATV's so make sure to check out the map for the trail that fits your needs.

Shelter-providing snag 

                  Mount Agamenticus is the perfect place to help your child search for animal signs!  Mount A is home to several areas of snags (dead trees) that provide shelter for many animals and are fun to stop and explore.  We found animal prints in the mud, animal holes in the trees, cracked shells stacked together after the insides were eaten, and tracings of moles who had traveled underground. Although the wind was whipping and the air smelled of rain, we happily spent another beautiful day in the Maine woods!  For more information on Mount Agamenticus check out http://www.agamenticus.org/recreation.html.  Happy Travels!