Last Friday, we set out for New Limerick to do one of Maine's many paddle hikes. Nickerson Lake is a long and narrow crescent-shaped lake with a small state park on its eastern side. On the south side of the lake is a network of trails, called the Crescent Mountain Trails, which can only be accessed by boat (or across the ice in the winter).
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| Sampson in the kayak |
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| Paddling on Nickerson Lake |
After putting-in our kayaks at the boat launch in the lake's southeast corner, we paddled west along the lake's southern shore. Sampson did a great job riding in my kayak, which was a new experience for him. It was a nice paddle, and the water in the lake was extremely clear.
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| The trailhead on the lake's south shore |
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| An old sign reading "This is Nickerson Lake" |
Upon reaching the trailhead, we checked in at the trailhead register and started by hiking the Mountain Loop clockwise. This well marked and maintained trail ascended gradually as it made its way to the low summit of Crescent Mountain. Before reaching the wooded peak, the trail passed a feature called "Pine Tree Perch." This rickety series of ladders and platforms allowed us to climb to near the top of a white pine, where there were good views to the north and west. Unfortunately, the tree is dying, and the perch will likely not be able to be used for much longer.
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| Pine Tree Perch |
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| View north from the Perch |
After completing the Mountain Loop, we made our way on to Lake's End Loop. We hiked that loop clockwise as well, traversing the hillside before dropping down to the shore of the lake. We ate lunch at a pair of Adirondack chairs on the shore before completing the loop. There was also a very nice cold spring on the trail, perfect for a cold drink on a hot day!
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| Cave along the Mountain Loop |
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| Chairs on the lake shore |
After finishing the hike, we paddled back along the south shore to the boat launch. It was a great network of trails with a lot of character, and paddling to get there made them especially unique!
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| The spring |
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| Bridge on Lake's End Loop |
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