On Friday we had a “Mountain Day” at work. Which basically means if we wanted to hike we could. So most of us did.
It was a gorgeous fall day, and we all met at 8am. We planned on hiking to Avery Peak via the Safford Brook Trail ~ 4.1 miles one way. Avery Peak is part of the Bigelow Mountain Range, one of the prettiest ranges in the western Mountains of Maine.
We took the Safford Brook Trail to Appalachian Trail to Avery Peak
The first 2 or so miles of the hike was pretty gradual and went quickly. We followed the blue blazes that mark the Stafford Brook trail. When we hit the Appalachian Trail things picked up a bit.
We have to go up there??
At least that is what we told Les. The trail goes around this rock formation, but we found some cool caves to play in. I might have been the only one who played. Shiney things distract me.
I get distracted easily
After I was done screwing around, we continued to hike up the trail. From here it continually climbs, and there are a number of false summits but the entire way is gorgeous.
Once we got above treeline, we could see forever. I get pretty excited as I get closer to a summit, especially on a gorgeous day. I walk faster and faster, running like I am going to miss something if I do not hurry up and get there.
I am kind of like a dog that way.
This is what I mean about it being gorgeous above treeline:
Katie with Little Bigelow in the background
Cooper wondering what is taking us so long
We made it to the top…
2000 mile mark of Appalachian Trail
…and it just got better.
Fall colors were popping!
West Peak from Avery Peak
Sugarloaf Mountain from Avery Peak
Little Bigelow
We spent quite a bit of time on top taking pictures and enjoying the view. We all ate what we brought for a snack or lunch. It started to get pretty cold because of the wind, and regrettably, it was time to head the 4+ miles back down to our trucks.
The trip down was pretty uneventful, but went by fairly quickly. We were back to our trucks right around 2pm.
I would say we spent about 5 or so hours hiking (~3 up, ~2 down) and the rest of the time stopping at viewpoints or caves or whatever shiney thing I saw and made everyone stop for. I highly recommend this trip if you want a solid day hike that provides you with a tremendous view.
You ever spend some time following Les on a bike? That guy is a machine! He’ll drop you in a heartbeat. I should know. He’s dropped me several times.
Absolutely incredible pictures and mountain views! You live in such an amazing place. Plus, you guys get “Mountain Days” to hike? That’s sweet!
Matt Smith recently posted..7 Bridges, Here I Come!
Beautiful views, especially Flagstaff Lake in the background! If you can’t get your inner dog to come out on a hike, something is truly wrong.
Kovas – Midwest Multisport Life recently posted..1000 Mile Goals: 14 Weeks Left
oh man, that is gorgeous!! what a great hike
Shannon recently posted..Amica 19.7 Boston
That’s a really beautiful place to hike around. Very cool that you get to hike for work too! Good choice.
Carolina John recently posted..OBX Number Two
Sounds like a perfect day at the “office”!
It’s beautiful there… can’t wait to see it in person some day!
Sounds (and looks) like a great day at the “office”!
Kevin recently posted..Random Updates
The girl I work with, her dad is out hiking the Appalachian Trail right now and I love it when she comes back with stories from his hiking! I bet the views with all the changing colors was incredible!!
Coy recently posted..Reality. I’m not built like a Kenyan.
I’m leaving to do this hike tomorrow. Quite excited for the foliage! Originally planned on doing the loop with a kayak, but due to weather, it will have to be a day hike. Thanks for sharing!