Next month will mark the fifth anniversary of our moving here to Maine. This also marks the longest we have ever lived in one place. After moving around for several years, we are proud to call Maine our home. During our almost five years here, we have yet to explore a lot of the state. The wonderful thing about being here is you may not be able to see and experience all of the natural beauty Maine has to offer in just one lifetime. This leads me to my next point, for example, we have been driving by Pico Trail all this time and just discovered Pico Ridge in Industry. We had no idea with just an easy hike through the woods, we were missing such a breathtaking and panoramic view of the mountains and Clearwater Lake.
To get to this trail, take Route 43 from Farmington to Industry and make a left on Route 148. The road leads up a hill and Center Hill Cemetery will be on the left side of the road. There is a place to park on the right side of the road with a few spaces. Your best bet is to park at the Industry Fire Station on the right about 1/4 mile after the cemetery. Make sure to park on the side of the building, as to not block emergency trucks and vehicles. Parking at the fire station is especially helpful during the winter, because there may be no where to park on the side of the road. When you get to the cemetery, stay on the left and here you will see the entrance to the trail at the opening of the woods. While on the trail make sure not to veer off the trail. As a reminder to hikers, you will find several amusing signs along the way that serve as a reminder to stay on the trail. The trail will lead you up a 1/4 mile gradual incline. At the end, make a left on the snowmobile trail and after walking a short distance, there will be an opening on the right and you will make your way to the overlook. As a reward for this short hike, you will be able to experience a view that encompasses Mount Blue, Bald, Jackson and Little Jackson mountains, as well as Clearwater Lake. If you get a chance to go, make sure to bring a camera!
The following photographs were taken after 3 o’clock in the afternoon and I experimented with three different lenses: A Canon 55-250mm lens, Canon 18-55mm lens and a Sigma 10-22 wide angle lens. I hope you enjoy the view and I hope to get back up to the overlook in a few months for a winter hike and photographs.
The trail on the left side of Center Hill Cemetery
The Pico Trail sign
Pico Trail opening
A few signs along the trail
500 feet to Pico sign
The sun coming into the trail
Another trail sign
A structure in the woods
300 feet to Pico sign
A private land sign
Hiking up the trail
Keep on trail sign
Autumn beech leaves (Fagus)
Taking the snowmobile trail to the ridge
Oak trees along the ridge (Quercus)
A sun burst coming through the trees
The edge of the ridge
Rolling mountains
A view of Clearwater Lake
Boat docks on Clearwater Lake
Wind Turbines
Autumn colors
A view of the mountains
Autumn oak leaves (Quercus)
Clearwater Lake in the autumn
Water’s edge
A close-up view of the docks
A scenic view of Clearwater Lake with the mountains in the background
Catching some rays
Heading back on the snowmobile trail
Walking back down Pico Trail
A fallen autumn maple leaf (Acer)
[…] The following photographs were taken after 2 o’clock in the afternoon and I experimented with three different lenses and filter: A Canon 55-250mm lens, Canon 18-55mm lens, Sigma 10-22 wide angle lens and a circular polarizing filter. I hope you enjoy the view and if you are interested in making the hike yourself, you can find directions here. […]