Pleasant Pond Mountain (ME) **6/14/2026**

Pleasant Pond Mountain

Location: Caratunk, Maine
Mileage: 3.5 Miles
Elevation Gain: 1140 Feet
Trails Used: Appalachian Trail
Views: 180+ from Summit and Several Ledges
Difficulty: Moderate
Hiking Lists: Appalachian Trail

Day two of our Maine mini trip. After we had breakfast at the Sterling Inn, we checked out and headed for our hike for the day before we headed to Amy's dad's camp in Bingham, Maine. Pleasant Pond Mountain was pretty close to where we stayed the night, so it wasn't that long of a drive. Once we got onto North Shore Road, and where the road signs pointed to the parking area, we decided to park and walk as North Shore Road was better suited to higher clearance vehicles. There was a light rain as we headed up the road to the start of this section of the Appalachian Trail.

We walked down North Shore Road to get to the parking area and where we would start our hike on the Appalachian Trail and summit of Pleasant Pond Mountain.

Weathered bog boards line this stretch of the Appalachian Trail, leading the way toward the summit of Pleasant Pond Mountain.

Down low on this section of the Appalachian Trail, there are some nice rock stairs, and right around here is where the elevation gain really started to kick in.

Steeper stretches appear along the Appalachian Trail as it winds its way toward the summit of Pleasant Pond Mountain.

Amy working her way up one of the steeper sections of the Appalachian Trail heading to the summit of Pleasant Pond Mountain

One of the nicer sections of the Appalachian Trail just below the summit of Pleasant Pond Mountain.

One last little steep rocky section before you get to the ledges before the summit of Pleasant Pond Mountain. Prepare for the views.

From just below the summit of Pleasant Pond Mountain, the views stretch north, west, and east toward distant peaks and far-off horizons.

The true summit of Pleasant Pond Mountain stands at an elevation of 2,477 feet.

From the ledges on Pleasant Pond Mountain, the views were stunning. Rain showers drifted through the area, and we even caught a refreshing one on our way to the summit.

The walk back down the Appalachian Trail to the car was peaceful, with the rain staying away and the sun occasionally breaking through the clouds. We didn’t see any other hikers, which made it even better. After that, we planned to check out a nearby waterfall, just a short hike from Amy’s dad’s cabin, as well as some snowmobile and ATV cabins where we’d be spending the night.

Houston Brook Falls (ME) **6/14/2026**

 Houston Brook Falls

Location: Bingham, Maine
Mileage: 0.4 Miles
Elevation Gain: 120 Feet
Trails Used: Houston Brook Falls Trail
Views: Waterfall
Difficulty: Easy
Hiking Lists: None

After finishing our first hike at Pleasant Pond Mountain, we decided to check out this waterfall. The rain had stopped, the air had warmed up, and it seemed like the perfect time for it. Amy had been here many times before, so it wasn’t new to her. It’s a popular swimming spot, and the waterfall definitely lived up to expectations today. We parked near the transfer station on Ridge Road, where there was space for about 5–6 cars—just be sure not to block the entrance.

The trailhead leading down to Houston Brook Falls is located off Ridge Road, right beside the transfer station.

Houston Brook Falls is a 32-foot waterfall with a refreshing swimming hole. It’s a popular spot, and there were a few people enjoying it when we stopped by.

It was an easy hike to see the waterfall. Amy had been here before since her dad has a cabin nearby, and it’s always a good time visiting a waterfall. One day we’ll have to come back to relax in the water. We ended up heading to the nearby grocery store so Amy’s daughter could pick us up and take us to her dad’s cabin. The rough roads leading to his camp were too much for Amy’s car to handle.

Mount Will - Moxie Falls (ME) 6/13/2026

Mount Will 

Location: Bethel, Maine
Mileage: 3.65 Miles
Elevation Gain: 1005 Feet
Trails Used: Mount Will Trail (North and South Loop), Bushwhack
Views: None from Actual Summit, Several Ledges with 180 Degree Views
Difficulty: Moderate
Hiking Lists: None

We took a three-day mini-vacation to Maine to visit Amy’s dad’s camp in Hingham. It wasn’t so much a vacation as a trip to spread some of her brother Paul’s ashes in places he loved to visit and hunt. We decided to take our time driving from New Hampshire into Maine, looking for a hike before heading to the Sterling Inn for the night. Along the way, we stopped a few times for bathroom breaks and to stretch our legs, and during one of these stops, I found a nearby hike that seemed perfect—not too long or difficult, and with great views. Mount Will is located in the Bethel Town Forest.

The trailhead parking kiosk off US Route 2 in Bethel, Maine offers a decent amount of parking for this hike.

At the junction of the Mount Will Trail loop, you can head toward either the South Cliffs or the North Cliffs. We chose the South Cliffs for our ascent.

Along the Mount Will Trail, a local school group has placed interpretive signs. It’s amazing the things you can discover while hiking.

After passing through a logged-out stretch of the Mount Will Trail, the path climbs toward the South Cliffs with a bit of steepness, but the switchbacks make the ascent more manageable.

From the South Cliffs of Mount Will, you can enjoy stunning views of Bethel and the gorgeous mountains that frame it.

The information sign just past the South Cliffs didn’t specify what kind of steps were being counted. I had us at around 4,000 for the hike so far.

The summit of Mount Will, at 1,729 feet, was reached after a short and easy bushwhack, but it was wooded, offering no views.

Several peaks—and a few peeks—come into view as we head north toward the stunning North Cliff lookout.

A vernal pool lies between the South Cliff and North Cliff areas. These seasonal wetlands usually fill with water in the spring and dry up in the summer, providing great habitat for frogs, turtles, and salamanders.

There are more interpretive signs on the North Cliff side of the Mount Will Trail, and I had no idea about the information on either of them.

This sign points the way to the North Cliff viewpoints.

The north cliff offers views stretching northward, of course, though my knowledge of Maine’s peaks is fairly limited.

The descent from the North Cliffs was quick and easy, with a few switchbacks guiding the way down the trail. We only came across one other person and their dog during the entire loop. Overall, it was a pleasant hike with decent views and minimal difficulty—a perfect late spring or early summer day out on the trail.

Moxie Falls

Location: Moxie Gore, Maine
Mileage: 1.8 Miles
Elevation Gain: 150 Feet
Trails Used: Moxie Falls Path
Views: Views from boardwalks around the falls
Difficulty: Easy to Moderate
Hiking Lists: None

After checking into the Sterling Inn for our Saturday night stay, we decided to visit nearby Moxie Falls, one of Maine’s tallest waterfalls, featuring a single drop of about 90 feet, before grabbing some food. The parking lot for the falls, located off Lake Moxie Road, is a decent size and can accommodate several cars. A light breeze kept the bugs away, making the short hike to the falls even more enjoyable.

                                                        

                                                                                                                                                

Most of the trail to Moxie Falls is wide and made of compacted dirt, making it an easy walk with minimal elevation change.

About half a mile down the trail to Moxie Falls, you’ll come across a woods road featuring a welcome sign for the Moxie Falls Scenic Area.

                                                                  

From the sign to Moxie Falls, steps and boardwalks guide you all the way down to the waterfall.

       

                                   

                                                                                                            

Moxie Falls as seen from one of the boardwalk viewing spots.

                                                                          

The view of Moxie Falls from above was stunning. I got as close as I could without risking a fall or hurting myself.

After a quick walk uphill, we made our way back to the car and headed to the Kennebec River Pub and Brewery for a bite to eat before returning to the Inn. It’s always a treat to witness Mother Nature at work and the power of rushing water, and these falls were such a fun stop to visit.

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                    

                                                                                                            

Thompson Hill - Murdough Hill - Little Thompson Hill (NH) *6/12/2026*

Thompson Hill

Location: Hillsboro, New Hampshire
Mileage: 4.8 Miles
Elevation Gain: 1388 Feet
Trails Used: Wenny Baker Trail, Bushwhack, Road Walk
Views: None. Large cairns and rock walls
Difficulty: Moderate
Hiking Lists: None

After working the overnight shift on Thursday, I was surprisingly awake, so I decided to go for a quick hike Friday morning. I left work, drove home, grabbed my clothes, and headed straight to the trailhead. I had hiked Thompson Hill once before, back in June 2015. I got ready quickly, as the bugs were already swarming. There was a chance of rain the whole time, but it held off until I finished. Wow, was it ever humid and buggy.

The trailhead parking area for the Wenny-Baker Forest and the trail to Thompson Hill is located off County Road in Hillsborough, with space for just two or three cars.

The Thompson Hill Trail begins gently, but the steep climb soon takes over, and combined with the high humidity, it made for a bit of a challenge today.

The Thompson Hill Trail leveled off around this point, so I slowed my pace to cool down as I hiked toward the summit.

 The area is full of rock walls, and this stretch follows the Thomson Hill Trail.

An intriguing rock cairn appears as you approach the summit of Thompson Hill.

The true summit of Thompson Hill, at 1,780 feet, is reached by a short herd path from near the viewpoint in the summit area. On a clear day, you can enjoy views of Pats Peak Ski Area and even Mount Monadnock.

I didn’t take any more pictures after this point, as the rest of the hike from Murdough Hill to Little Thompson Hill was a loop bushwhack through scrappy woods and steep terrain. With swarms of blackflies and mosquitoes and bad weather rolling in, I decided to bag the two peaks quickly and get back to the car before the rain hit.

Thompson Hill, the tallest spot in Hillsborough, New Hampshire, sits within the scenic Wenny-Baker Forest.

Moxham Mountain (NY) *5/31/20206*

Moxham Mountain

Location: Minerva, New York
Mileage: 5.2 Miles
Elevation Gain: 1080 Feet
Trails Used: Moxham Mountain Trail
Views: 180 from Summit and Several Ledges
Difficulty: Moderate

Hiking Lists: Adk-9 Challenge/Adirondack 29er Challenge

On Sunday, before heading back home to New Hampshire, Amy and I stayed in Keene, New York after hiking Silver Lake Mountain, Cobble Lookout, and Panther Mountain the day before. We woke up early for the roughly hour-long drive to the Moxham Mountain trailhead, where parking fits about five to six cars if done correctly. We got ready quickly as the bugs were already swarming and hungry, then signed the kiosk logbook a few feet up the trail—always a smart step, since you never know what might happen on a hike.

The trailhead sign points you in the right direction, though it’s slightly tucked away among the trees at the start of the Moxham Mountain Trail.

Pink Lady Slippers were plentiful along the Moxham Mountain Trail, in numbers unlike anything I’ve seen on a single mountain. I had no idea it’s illegal to pick them in most states, so it’s best to enjoy their beauty by snapping photos and leaving them undisturbed.

                      About a mile into the hike on the Moxham Mountain Trail, the ledge views began to appear.

The Moxham Mountain Trail transitions from rocks and roots to rocky ledges, yet never becomes overly steep on the way to the summit.

                          A view of Gore Mountain, the largest ski area in New York, owned by the state.

A solitary patch of wild columbine rests just below the summit of Moxham Mountain.

The view from the ledges offers a stunning perspective toward the summit of Moxham Mountain.

More views from one of the eleven ledge outcrops just below Moxham Mountain’s summit, looking back down the ridge we climbed.

Cloudy skies surround us as we stand atop Moxham Mountain, at an elevation of 2,461 feet.

Overall, it was a pleasant hike. There was a simple water crossing, a muddy patch, and some bothersome bugs, but we made good time getting back to the car. We passed around ten people and a few dogs heading toward the summit. I brought my bug zapper racket and used it sparingly on the way down—it works, and who cares if anyone stares.