Ski Shelter Trail: easy relaxing hike

While my chicken is baking I can write my trip report #2!

     Gorgeous day! It was sunny, high 30’s. A couple of friends, Richard and Tom, met me at the Camden Hills State Park parking area at noon. I showed them my new super cool hiking gloves that color-coordinate with my jacket. They didn’t seem impressed. We began our hike by taking the Megunticook Trail which then connects to the Ski Shelter Trail. This trail is graveled and graded, 5 miles long. There are some beautiful views of the coast through the trees on the right, mossy rocks and ice crystal streams.

     After 2 miles we reached the Megunticook Ski Shelter. This shelter was built back in the late 1930’s and served as a warming hut at the base of several ski slopes. It closed by the end of the 1950’s and eventually fell into disrepair. It was rebuilt in 2005. I don’t need to describe how charming the interior of the shelter is, since the pics speak for themselves. After Richard made a lewd coment about what he would do with a date in the shelter, we just ignored him and sat down for a nice, cozy lunch.

     We got back on the Ski Shelter trail and walked Tom back to the parking area. I got to give him credit…he is a frail man of advanced age but that won’t stop him from joining our hikes. However, he runs out of steam quickly. Richard and I proceeded back onto the Megunticook Trail. It was an opportunity for some great conversation while enoying the wooded, sun bathed surroundings. We cut across Adam’s Lookout Trail to Tableland’s Trail. After about a mile we reached the Mt Battie’s auto road. Richard had to head back to town so it was up to Florry (my dog) and I to reach Mt Battie’s summit solo.

     After about a half mile of a pleasant, narrow trail and some nice flat rocks and ledges, we reached the summit just in time for sunset. Great views of Penobscot Bay, multiple islands in the horizon and town of Camden below. I enjoyed it, my dog didn’t give a crap. A stone tower  stands where the Summit House, built in 1898, once stood. The tower was built  “in grateful recognition of the services of the men and women of Camden in the World War, 1914-1918”

I’m very excited about spending New Year’s Eve at the Ski Shelter. There are still 3 bunks that are open and plenty of room for sleeping pads/bags for anyone who wants to join for a day and night of hiking, stargazing by the outside fireplace and welcoming what will hopefully be a great new year!

Peace!

I'm going to Camden to check out the Ski Shelter I rented for New Years Eve (separate Meetup). If you are interested in joining me for a lovely, easy hike on Dec 6th, sign up! It is a beautiful 2 mile hike to the shelter and from there we are free to continue hiking any trail that the group might be interested in, or simply meet downtown Camden afterwards for coffee, hot chocolate or a bite to eat. Doggies in ugly winter sweaters welcome!

Ski Shelter / Multi-use Trail

(5 miles, moderate): Trail runs from Camden Hills campground to ME Route 173, its well graveled and graded surface accommodates all user groups. The trail follows an easy contour at the base of Megunticook through mixed forest and nearby bogs where birds and wildlife abound. At midpoint, users will find a recently completed replica of a ski lodge constructed some 70 years ago. The Multi-use Trail also provides access to several trails in the northern section of the park. During the winter this trail is packed for cross country skiing from the main entrance of the park to the Ski Shelter.

For your comfort and SAFETY: dress in layers, no cotton. Microspikes to avoid slips/falls. Bring snowshoes in case there is deep snow or recent snowfall.