Crescent Mountain Trails 8/7/2026

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).

Sampson in the kayak

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.

The trailhead on the lake's south shore

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.

Pine Tree Perch

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!

Cave along the Mountain Loop

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!

The spring

Bridge on Lake's End Loop

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Salmon Brook Lake Bog 8/5/2026

On our way back from Madawaska last Wednesday, we went for a hike at the eloquently named Salmon Brook Lake Bog Public Land. Located in Perham, this public land largely consists of an ecological reserve encompassing much of the bog.

Trailhead Kiosk

Boardwalk

Sampson at a trail junction

From the trailhead on Tangle Ridge Road, we started down the narrow, but easy to follow trail. The blue-blazed trail wound it's way through mature forest, crossing multiple wet areas on bog bridging along the way. At the first trail junction, we went right, going counterclockwise around the loop. After a bit of easy walking on the rail trail, we reached the picnic shelter and boat launch on Salmon Brook. 

Walking along the Bangor & Aroostook Rail Trail

Another boardwalk

Picnic Shelter next to Salmon Brook

After having lunch at the picnic area, we made our way back along the other side of the loop. Along the way, we stopped at the observation deck in the bog. We returned to the first trail junction and retraced our steps along the first section of trail back to the trailhead. We had the entire trail system to ourselves, and it was a great scenic hike for a hot day!

Bog bridging

Observation deck in the bog

AllTrails Activity