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Posted by jin (70.33.141.95) on 03:49:07 10/15/06
Acadia National Park was struck by a pretty serious, for Maine, earthquake on October 2nd. The quake resulted in rock slides that closed a couple of hiking trails, including the famous Precipice trail. Combined with the usual closure of the Precipice during the perigrine falcon nesting season, the trail will probably be closed all of next year.
There are some alternate hikes similar to the Precipice. On Dorr Mountain there is the Ladder trail, which was temporarily closed by the quake, but will remain open during repairs. At the southern end of Champlain Mountain, which was most affected by the quake, there is the Beehive, a short and not very high smaller version of the Precipice. Near Jordan Pond is the Jordan Cliffs trail which gives much of the same excitement as the Precipice trail. The Jordan Cliffs trail is also subject to closure during the perigrine falcon nesting season.
A great loop hike is to start on the Spring trail behind the Jordan Pond gift ship. After 0.3 mile, turn right on to the Jordan Cliffs trail and follow it for 1.4 miles. Ignore the side trail to the summit of Penobscot Mountain and continue to Deer Brook. Cross Deer Brook and climb the East Cliffs trail 0.8 miles to the summit of Sargent Mountain for fabulous views. From Sargent's summit follow the ridge south 0.7 miles to the beautiful little pond nestled between Sargent and Penobscot Mountains where you can cool off with a swim. From the pond descend to Deer Brook again and then take the short climb to the summit of Penobscot Mountain. Follow the Penobscot ridge south for a mile to the junction with the Spring trail and turn left for a short but steep descent, a little bit like the Precipice, to where the Jordan Cliffs trail branches off, and continue straight back to the Jordan Pond House. This hike totals about 5 miles and rises about 1,100 feet from Jordan Stream to Sargent Mountain, and includes nearly two miles of scenic ridge walks, plus a mountain pond.
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