This well-known destination in Acadia National Park makes for a perfect spring hike. It also features one of the few remaining fire towers in the area.
Hiking in Acadia National Park is a total blast, as basically every hiking trail features beautiful scenery. A bummer to some, especially Mainers, are the huge crowds that clog trails and crowd summits. So with spring finally here, it s OUR time to do some exploring throughout the park.
Paul Wolfe, Townsquare Media
Beech Mountain has an excellent loop trail that features beautiful overlooks, and a fire tower to enhance those glittery ocean views. The current fire tower was erected in 1962, and was only manned during times of high fire danger. It was last manned in 1976. Hikers can climb about halfway up the tower, as the upper section is locked-off from public access. The trail is 1.2 miles, which features a few steep sections that requires some rock scrambling. The loop trail is marked as moderate in difficulty.
Alpine touring numbers climb at Maine ski areas
Only time will tell if the trend translates into more backcountry skiers in remote wilderness areas.
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Dan Elliott of Rumford uses Alpine touring equipment to travel up Rumford Whitecap before skiing down. Backcountry skiing has been growing in popularity, but skiers must be versed in wilderness survival skills and know how to survive in avalanche country.
Dan Elliott photo
More skiers are embracing uphill travel, also called Alpine touring, at Maine ski resorts – and more ski areas are catering to those who opt to hike up instead of take the chairlifts.