An Autumn View of Clearwater Lake from Pico Ridge in Industry, Maine

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)