Trailing On: Burnt Meadow Mountain

This particular adventure was planned after I obtained the holy grail of hiking guides, 50 Hikes in the Maine Mountains, from the Portland Public Library. Each little circle on a map of Maine indicated a glorious destination to which hikers migrate during different times of the year. Its a good thing Mike and I are so hard core - extreme seasonal fluctuations are no impediment to our massive muscles and steel minds. One circle in particular drew our attention because of its intriguing name, Burnt Meadow Mountain, and its promise of gorgeous views and semi-difficult terrain over a 2.4 mile hike that would take us about 2 hours, giving Mike ample time to paint en plein air and me ample time to explore the mountain nooks and crannies.

The history of Burnt Meadow and the adjacent town of Brownfield is tragic. (Source: www.nelsap.org/me/burntmeadow.html) In 1947 a large forest fire destroyed much of the area and town, resulting in the saying, "The Summer That Maine Burned" and, of course, 'Burnt Meadow Mountain'. It is estimated that 85% of the town was completely incinerated. Brownfield does have a cute little history museum that we plan to visit someday.

The town did not succeed in attracting industry back to the area so they decided to have a go at starting a ski resort. A state grant of $6200 was given to the town to study the prospects of a ski area and the report suggested that the area, "could become one of the top ski areas in Maine."

More money was allocated in 1967, unfortunately, heavy snows and generally terrible weather slowed down construction for years, although a 3400 foot lift was installed (which still stands in dilapidated form). The area finally opened for the 1971-72 season but more bad weather and competition from nearby already established resorts caused building and expansion to cease on Burnt Meadow. Ownership of the mountain changed a few times but it never did well as a ski resort and finally shut down in 1982.

Mountain summit

Today you wouldn't know the mountain was once burnt to ashes or made into a ski resort unless you catch glimpses of the old t-bar lift. Nature has taken back its own. Thank god for it - the place is incredible and the Presidential's can be seen in clear view from the top. The colors were what stopped us in our tracks. As you can tell, they were taken in late fall, not January, but we'll get back soon for a winter scape!