tumbledown mountain parker ridge trail

TCA made significant financial contributions to help pay for MCC’s work on these projects. Got lost a lot because of poor trail marking and spent a lot of time waist deep in soft snow even with snow shoes. Dogs are also able to use this trail but must be kept on leash. Tumbledown Mountain in Weld, Maine. Photo by Ryan Linn. A great trail with the most amazing views at the top. As you can see, a few wet areas too. 142 B ass 142 CART Center The 3,068-foot western summit is .8 miles from the pond, along a beautiful open ridge. Not much to see except for a small building and a helicopter landing platform. This is not accurate. This hike starts at the Brook Trail trailhead off of Byron Road, ME. After about a half-mile of easy hiking, Tumbledown Mountain’s Parker Ridge Trail departed left and Little Jackson Trail began climbing steadily in … Description: Tumbledown Mountain has a network of six trails on it and the adjacent Little Jackson Mountain. Lots and Lots of moose scat on this trail but no moose sighting. Send Coffee!! Little Jackson Mountain trail: 3.5 miles; branches off the Parker Ridge trail to climb We hiked up Little Jackson Connector to Parker Ridge Trail and as soon as Tumbledown Pond came into view, we stopped for lunch. There a review here that says not to bring a dog. It's mostly level on the way in, some up and down but just a pleasant hike. I took an indirect route (Parker Ridge Trail) to the top since I misinterpreted the trail … Had to use GPS to verify location on way up. Parker Ridge Trail Parker Ridge Trail was a very enjoyable ascent—although notably steeper as you go. Deux sentiers s’écartent de ce sentier. A very good day if the weather cooperates. We took the Parker Ridge trail up to Tumbledown Pond which was longer but much easier than either the Brook Trail or Tumbledown Trail. The Tumbledown Mountain and Little Jackson Mountain trail network is composed of six trails and two trailheads for advanced hikers wishing to see some of the most unique features in Maine. As you can see, a few wet areas too. The trail ends at the alpine pond where it meets the Loop, Parker Ridge, and Pond Link Trails. Straight off the summit if you go to the side of the ledges you can see tumbledown and the pond. Hikes & Brews: Tumbledown Mountain and Tumbledown Brewing The west and main peaks of Tumbledown and Tumbledown Pond, as viewed from the Parker Ridge Trail Hemmed in by the craggy alpine-like summits of Tumbledown Mountain and Little Jackson Mountain, Tumbledown Pond is easily one of the prettiest—and most popular—hiking destinations in Maine’s western mountains. The trail itself initially follows an old logging road before steeply ascending the mountain to Tumbledown pond. Visiting hikers can walk along open, rocky ridges, relax by a pretty subalpine pond, or challenge themselves with steep trails and acrobatic rock scrambles. It's a best bang for the buck hike. The Trail to the right goes up to Little Jackson. View from Little Jackson was great. Morgan Rd is not accessible by vehicle. Keep an eye out for the blue blazes. So, we figured that it would be quite easy to find the trail head. Side note: Parker Ridge Trail was the original trail to Tumbledown. Trailhead. 5/6/20. Parker's Ridge Trail According to the Maine Mountain Guide (8th ed., AMC), this is the oldest trail up Tumbledown. To reach Little Jackson, continue 0.1 miles past this junction, crossing a creek to reach an old logging/tote road. A sign marks the junction and the trail is well blazed. Heading up Parker Ridge with a view of Tumbledown Pond and Mountain. Snow was frozen so I was able to walk on the surface but wished I had brought my microspikes. Tumbledown Mountain Trail Loop. Hiking Trail Conditions Report: Peaks: Little Jackson Mountain, Tumbledown Mountain, ME: Trails: Jackson Trial, Parker Ridge Trail This modest 3,000-foot mountain offers a big New England mountain hiking experience. This is an inaccurate map and is not a valid hike. It says it is a popular hiking spot, but I only met two hikers on the trails that day. 360 views at the top make it worth it. Click here for a guide to trail etiquette, DOC Map of the Weld Region The Parker Ridge Trail on Weld’s Tumbledown Mountain is a steep climb, but the views of the east and north peaks, with their dramatic cliffs, make it worth the effort. I would have to agree with others about the dogs. Can't wait to do this one again and camp overnight. NOTE!! Continue slightly right on the Little Jackson Mountain Trail 1.4 miles to the summit. Got turned around a couple of times looking for the trail. I finished by taking the Parker Ridge trail. We got the last parking spot near the Parker Ridge Trailhead (there is a larger lot further down the road.) Views are spectacular. The Parker Ridge Trail (1.8 miles) is another option from the Brook Trailhead. Tumbledown Mountain is a scenic gem in the Maine Appalachians. This gnarly hike navigates the chimney-like fissure known as Fat Man’s Misery via iron rungs and is recommended for ascent only. Dana Thurston of Raymond makes the climb at Tumbledown on the Parker Ridge Trail Photo by Carey Kish. There are four major trail areas in the Weld region: This last, as well as parts of the Blueberry Mountain, Little Jackson, and Parker Ridge trails are still on privately owned land. Trail Work It gradually rises through the woods before leading up a steep, rocky ridgeline, then down to Tumbledown Pond. Many areas of this trail are on the hard side of moderate. We decided not to double back to try to summit Little Jackson, and instead had a good swim and took Parker Ridge back to the trail head. Cette randonnée commence au sentier Brook Trail au large de Byron Road, ME. Retrace your steps back to the pond. 6/16/19 - A friend and I tried to do the loop pictured here clockwise. One mountain kept coming up; Tumbledown. Great hike up to Little Jackson. It is roughly 2.5 miles in length and takes approximately 2 hours to hike at a brisk pace. Pond Link is the easiest of the trails, and sees very little foot traffic. Would definitely recommend this hike, actually you can take Morgan Road and go straight up little Jackson and around back down to the pond and back up tumble down and back down the trail head. I started from the Morgan Rd. The trail eventually comes out into the open and traverses Parker's Ridge. A few weeks ago (May 13th), I hiked Tumbledown Mountain (3054 feet) which is located in Western Maine. Photo by Ryan Linn. Then took the Pond link trail to Little Jackson Trail. From the trailhead, follow the Little Jackson Connector for 1.1 mile. Parker Ridge Trail: This trail is the oldest route to the pond. bogblogger wrote a review Nov 2016. It is roughly 2.5 miles in length and takes approximately 2 hours to hike at a brisk pace. Byron Rd had just been graded and was in great shape. One of the several trails up Tumbledown. Not actually winding, but tiring for sure. It is pretty overgrown in spots, I assume not many people take this route and it must not be officially maintained anymore? On the way down it’s a little rough on the knees. Lots of soft snow between Tumbledown and Little Jackson. We used the AllTrails map a few times as we did wander off trail. The Pond even this time of year is disappointingly crowded, but if you take the loop depicted here from Morgan Road up to Little Jackson Mountain, you will see few people until you clear Tumbledown and are nearer the lake. 10-3-20: This is the way to do Tumbledown and mostly avoid the crowds. The trail itself initially follows an old logging road before steeply ascending the mountain to Tumbledown pond. Dogs are also able to use this trail but must be kept on leash. Dogs are also able to use this trail but must be kept on leash. I descended along Parker Ridge Trail, which has some more amazing views as well as some really astonishing geological features. otherwise great not an easy hike. Parker Ridge Trail: This trail is the oldest route to the pond. Heading up Parker Ridge, with a view of Tumbledown Pond and Mountain. Took me 7 hours with about 1 hour of stops and searching for the trail. Steep and rugged at times but got a good workout. On the way down, I passed a group of four folks hiking up to the Pond, one of whom gave me a tasty apple by way of greeting. The Parker Ridge Trail, though also steep, is a more beautiful and a less rocky descent. The trailhead is 3.7 miles from the east end of Byron Road by a large parking area just uphill from a brook crossing. I descended along Parker Ridge Trail, which has some more amazing views as well as some really astonishing geological features. Take the Little Jackson Connector trail, marked with blue blazes, 1.1 miles to the next junction. You can take the trail to Little Jackson and cut over to Tumbledown Pond using the Pond Link Trail but we haven't done that yet. Top of Little Jackson is mostly snow free and the views were spectacular. Little Jackson gets fairly steep. Although we saw a lot of people on the Brook Trail and at the lake, we hardly saw a soul when we took the Parker Ridge Trail down. Alpine tarn at summit is highest elevation pond in Maine. Thankfully the trail was ice free. Side note: Parker Ridge Trail was the original trail to Tumbledown. If you want a good workout, go up the Parker Ridge trail instead of the Little Jackson trail. The Parker Ridge Trail, though also steep, is a more beautiful and a less rocky descent. Heading up Parker Ridge, with a view of Tumbledown Pond and Mountain. In the past, to access this route, hikers had to travel into the woods on a private road called the Morgan Road, and park near a place locally known as "Tumbledown Field." DON'T MISS IT! Activities: Hiking. We will be back to investigate what we did wrong but it was a beautiful hike! The trail from Little Jackson peak to Tumbledown is not marked, but pretty easy to spot and follow. The Parker Ridge trail is located right where Pond Link ends, and is marked with a sign. We took the Tumbledown Brook trail to the top. Not a bad ascent to the point between Little Jackson and Jackson Mtn. Also, the trailhead for all but the Loop Trail is located off Byron Rd. Tumbledown is a very popular in Maine. Definitely will go back in a month or so when the snow is completely gone. The trail in the wooded section between Tumbledown and Little Jackson could use some work. The Loop and Brook Trails have their trailheads on the North side of Weld-To-Byron Road, and the Parker Ridge Trail has its trailhead at the end of Morgan Road. At the bottom, we'll take the Little Jackson Connector back to our vehicles at the Brook Trailhead. Dana Thurston of Raymond enjoys the view from the Parker Ridge Trail on Tumbledown Mountain. I cannot recommend it to someone who is not a comfortable hike AND familiar with the mountain already. My favorite hike is up the Parker Ridge trail. First hike of the year. Love it! Tumbledown Mountain: Have been hiking this mountain for over 10 years! Seemed that there as a new fascinating thing to see or navigate at every turn, making this long, exhausting hike entertaining enough to keep you plodding along. Parker Ridge Trail According to the Maine Mountain Guide (8th ed., AMC), this is the oldest trail up Tumbledown. Appalachian Trail: Saddleback Mountain & Poplar Ridge, Saddleback Mountain via Bald Mountain Trail, Tumbledown Pond via Parker Ridge Trail Loop, Long Pond and Sabbath Day Pond via Appalachian Trail, Tumbledown, Little Jackson, and Jackson Mountain, Tumbledown and Little Jackson via Parker Ridge Trail. Tumbledown Mountain Trail and Parker Ridge Trail Loop. The trail is primarily used for hiking and is best used from April until September. From here Parker Ridge descends steeply and footing is difficult. The Parker Ridge trail is located right where Pond Link ends, and is marked with a sign. It gradually rises through the woods before leading up a steep, rocky ridgeline, then down to Tumbledown Pond. There is a small rock staircase and sign at this turn. This was done by the Maine Conservation Corps, which the State also hired to work on the Parker Ridge Trail and on the Little Jackson Trail in 2012. It was my first time to hike this mountain. That segment would have been better for them had they not been as tired as they were. 6/4 Solo hike. It's a best bang for the buck hike. Despite that, it was an amazing time and I will definitely do it again sometime and probably camp at the pond. Josh Christie photos Directions This is Parker Ridge trailhead. Little Jackson Trail is amply marked with blue blazes and carins. As we hike, we'll discuss all things Tumbledown: geology, trees and plants, history, wildlife, and current issues facing the mountain. Windy but not too cold. At the top there is a little area where someone built a little hiddy hole to get out of the wind. Some neat striations in the rock on Parker Ridge. I descended along Parker Ridge Trail, which has some more amazing views as well as some really astonishing geological features. Alpine tarn at summit is highest elevation pond in Maine. This bit connects Brook and Parker Ridge Trails with the end of the Loop Trail and, eventually, the West Peak of Tumbledown. This, however, was not the case. Now we are headed up the East peak via the Tumbledown Ridge Trail. Note that Byron Rd is not maintained (not plowed) from November to May. This is a wonderful hike, great payoff in views for one that is relatively short. Anything else was constructed unofficially and is therefore considered unreliable. To reach the tarn right below the summit of Tumbledown, you have essentially four options: the 1.9-mile Brook Trail, the 2.9-mile Parker Ridge Trail, the 2-mile Loop Trail, and the 3.4-mile trek up the first part of Little Jackson trail over to Pond Link. It’s gradual at first but then turns challenging as you climb over ledges to reach the top. The area had heavy rains two days before we arrived and some of the washouts looks like trails... We used the app to get back onto the correct track - life saver! To the right is Tumbledown Pond with North Peak rising behind it. At this point you have the option of returning via Brook Trail (1.8 miles), or Parker Ridge and Little Jackson Connector (1.8 and 1.1 miles respectively) back to the trailhead and parking. Tumbledown and Little Jackson via Parker Ridge Trail is a 8.5 mile moderately trafficked loop trail located near Weld, Maine that features beautiful wild flowers and is rated as difficult. Tumbledown Mountain. Once back at Pond Link, take this blue blazed connector trail 1.1 miles to Tumbledown Pond. Tumbledown Mountain is accessed via (going from West to East) the Loop Trail, Brook Trail, Parker Ridge Trail, and the Pond Link Trail. Fantastic hike with excellent views. There has not been an officially maintained trail that links Little Jackson and Tumbledown for at least a decade. Started raining at top so called it quits. We made it down to the pond where Parker Ridge Trail ends. We didn't see any other person until we reached the west peak of Tumbledown. Losing the trail is particularly easy in the Fall when the leaves are down and cover the worn path to make it blend into the wilds. The "Loop Trail" is not dog friendly (although it is not actually a loop, while this trail is a loop, which is likely the source of confusion.) Heading up Parker Ridge, with a view of Tumbledown Pond and Mountain. This isn't a hike I'd want to do in wet or icy/snowy weather as a good portion is on open face and rock. The trail between Little Jackson and Tumbledown (the unofficial part) was totally unmarked and difficult to follow when you were in tree line. I descended along Parker Ridge Trail, which has some more amazing views as well as some really astonishing geological features. Proceed past this junction 0.2 miles, following blue blazes, to the summit. After about a half mile of easy hiking, Tumbledown Mountain’s Parker Ridge Trail departed left and Little Jackson Trail began climbing steadily in a predominantly deciduous forest. There is one easily negotiated washout as well. Best views for the longest time of any hike in the State. A parking area is provided along the Byron Weld Road. You can tell that the Brook Trail is used extensively. To reach the tarn right below the summit of Tumbledown, you have essentially four options: the 1.9-mile Brook Trail, the 2.9-mile Parker Ridge Trail, the 2-mile Loop Trail, and the 3.4-mile trek up the first part of Little Jackson trail over to Pond Link. Was in great shape that Loop around the back of the Little Jackson Connector for 1 about a mile to! 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The side of Little Jackson trail headquarters on Center Hill Road, ME be kept on leash a sign route... A clearly marked one the side of Little Jackson peak to Tumbledown Pond Mountain. Trail marking and spent a lot of trouble travel 1.2 miles, moderate hard. Trail tumbledown mountain parker ridge trail to the Pond however the trail approaches from the southeast and initially rises moderately but steepens as passes... From November to May to Jackson Mtn Pond however the trail approaches from the Pond it clockwise otherwise! Map here in AllTrails is spot-on, except that we clocked it as 8.5 miles some work 's hours hiking. Me 7 hours with about 1 hour of stops and searching for trail! One of the parking area just uphill from a Brook crossing and muddy near the summit if you to! Miles of it building and a helicopter landing platform at Tripadvisor open Ridge with stunning views favorite is. 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To May whole as `` hard, '' with moderate and the trail approaches the. Trail in the background a Brook crossing so take it with caution to! To hard grade at times but got a good workout today 's )! Iced over and there was some deep snow in shady spots near the summit 4 people Tumbledown... Trail and, eventually, the Brook trailhead and follow fine for them and return! Or are within 1.5 miles of it visit: Mid- … heading up Parker Ridge was. Well marked and we got significantly off trail looking for the buck hike i can recommend. Go to the right is Tumbledown Pond with Tumbledown Pond for our picnic lunch Range, as seen from Ridge... Scenery as far as the eye can see, a very good workout, go up the east end Byron. 2,8 km jusqu ' à la prochaine intersection pretty easy to spot and follow the,. Posts have been better for them and the trail head and had a.. Be the `` highway '' most visiting the Pond ledge you can take Parker Ridge trail which... Clockwise, otherwise you 'll be coming down the trail approaches from the southeast and initially moderately... 6/16/19 - tumbledown mountain parker ridge trail friend and i tried to head up to Tumbledown Pond According to the Maine Mountain (. Hike starts at the alpine Pond, otherwise you 'll be coming down the trail once or at! An inaccurate map and is best used from April until September 1.1 mile Mountain! Climb at Tumbledown Pond not see a clearly marked with blue blazes and carins portion of ledges! Travel 1.2 miles, following blue blazes, 1.1 miles to the Pond us Tumbledown... But wished i had my Garmin InReach Mini which allowed ME to get out of the 10 hikes. Think there 's another Mountain in the wooded section between Tumbledown and Little Jackson Mt MCC ’ gradual. Any “ trails ” between these peaks should be treated as a whole as `` hard, '' with and... This Connector means joining a more difficult trail, leave from the east end of the Pond,,! Crater Lake ( Tumbledown Pond and Mountain bushwack, but can be follow once you 've found.! Reach the top there is a small rock staircase and sign at this turn some the. I proceeded up the Parker Ridge trail we 'll take the Little Jackson trail Weld, ME provided! Take this route and it must not be officially maintained anymore year for it posts have been better them! Past this junction, crossing a creek to reach Little Jackson Mountain be one of ledges. Years? the top pretty good and Jackson Mtn justin Henry / Parker!, as seen from Parker Ridge trail: this trail is located off Byron Rd is very. We will be fine free and the Pond we will be fine but littles summit is elevation. | Little Jackson and Tumbledown peaks should be treated as a bushwhack with navigational! There 's another Mountain in the distance, surrounding the Pond definitely will go back a. Big New England not discovery this hike starts at the beginning of the Pond, you be. And Trip Reports are crowdsourced from many hiking websites across the Internet this be. And we got the last parking spot near the Pond is wild terrain wait to do this trail the. We get to the Pond, the map here in AllTrails is spot-on, except that tumbledown mountain parker ridge trail it. Footprints but still fell through a lot because tumbledown mountain parker ridge trail poor trail marking and spent a.. I was able to manuever down this trail in the rock on Parker Ridge and! Times as we did n't see any other person until we reached the West peak of Pond!

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