Giant Slide/Sargent Mnt/Asticou Trails

It hardly feels like winter with the temperatures we've been having and the lack of snow. Maybe I'm a little anxious for the ski/snowshoe season to start. The shortened daylight has yet to start getting to me, which it usually does right around the time when we turn the corner.

The hike planned for this weekend was up the Giant Slide trail (starting at route 3), crossing over to the north ridge trail of Sargent mountain, down the south ridge trail, the Ampitheater trail, a short section of carriage roads before taking the Asticou trail over to the Thuya Garden where the second car was parked. Total distance was around 7.1 miles and we finished it in 4.5 hours.

It actually isn't too bad of a hike despite the distance and number of trails covered.

The Giant slide trail started out gradual ascent of Sargent Mountain (1373 feet). The moss covered forest floor was still a vibrant green and the stream the trail follows roaring with water from our last rain storm (no snow in sight). It wasn't until about three-quarters of the way up that their were any challenging boulders to hop over or under.

Two summers ago I actually took Bruno up this trail. I had to marvel at how intrepid my dog was in her younger years. He managed to scramble up the rocks along side of me. [image error]

The wet rocks were a little challenging this day. Plus the trail crossed the stream more than enough times to offer plenty of opportunities to soak a boot. I managed to stay out of the water until near the end of the Asticou trail when I almost ended up with a boot full of water.

By the time were started up the North Ridge trail of Sargent, I was huffing and puffing. It felt good to get out into the crisp, fresh air.

Within 1.5 hours of starting out, we reached the summit of Sargent in time for lunch. The sun had broken out of the clouds by this time. I had only been to the top once before and didn't realize how large the summit plateau is.

It was all down hill from there. The South Ridge trail is fairly gentle. There is an interesting intersection near Birch Spring that had us reviewing our map. Then it was onto the Amphitheater trail.

The Amphitheater trail doesn't get a lot of use, especially not the lower section. It offers great views of the rocks on either side (Penobscot Mnt and Cedar Swamp Mnt). Again the trail weaves around a stream with beautiful small waterfalls. A couple of times we almost wandered off the trail, that how in frequently it is used. In a park where most trails are worn down, it was a welcome change. It was almost like exploring. The trail passed under one of the picturesque stone bridges that dot the park.

After a short trek on the carriage roads, we hopped onto the Asticou trail and followed it all the way to the Asticou Map House. This trail had more stairs than I remembered, but the rise is still gentle. It is one of those relaxing trails to take on a hot day when the tree cover would be appreciated. From the Asticou Map House, we followed a road/path up to Thuya Garden. I was more than a bit envious of those fortunate enough to have houses in the area.  Never mind their houses were pretty impressive, but the location is great for walks in the evening.

I love the Thuya Garden. Usually I've visited when the flowers were in full bloom. It was an interesting to see it dormant waiting for spring. In a few months, the flowers will return and bloom again. But not before we get a good, snowy winter. At least that's my hope.