Trail Sign on Pemetic Mountain
On Wednesday, April 17th, Frosty and I headed up to Acadia National Park. The Park Loop Road usually opens April 15th, but not this year. We knew it was closed, so we altered our original plans, and decided to hike Pemetic Mountain. We parked near the Jordan Pond House and walked on the road to the trailhead for the South Ridge Trail.
A Bates Cairn in Acadia National Park Pemetic Mountain
There were still patches of ice in the woods. The temps were above freezing, so some places had a layer of melt water over the ice. It made it pretty slippery. We did put on microspikes, since we weren’t sure how much ice there would be. We only wore them on the way up. On the descent, we just skirted around the ice or walked very carefully.
South Ridge Trail of Pemetic Mountain
Once we got above tree line, the wind was a factor. We had to put on warmth layers. The views though were wonderful. Ocean, ponds, cliffs, mountains, trees… it made my soul happy just to take in the views and feel the solitude of the nature around me.
Frosty Hikes up Pemetic Mountain
It was great to be outside. The ledges were bare, a lot of the trail was bare as well. It had been a long time since we had hiked in such conditions. This was very peaceful and quiet hike. We didn’t run into any other people until over half way down the mountain.
Frosty Atop Pemetic Mountain
The Park Loop Road opened two days later. The carriage roads were still closed for mud season to prevent damage. If visiting Acadia National Park in late March, April, or even the beginning of May, it is a good idea to check the ANP website for any closures and plan your hikes accordingly.
A Trail of Bates Cairns Snake down the Mountain
To read a little about Acadia National Park’s Bates Cairns and cairns in our National Parks, click here.
Frosty on Pemetic Mountain
Looking up the South Ridge Trail of Pemetic Mountain Acadia National Park
Pemetic Mountain Acadia National Park
