One of the best parts of spring hiking is waterfalls! McCoy-Chapman Forest in Gilead and Newry is one of my favorite places for a waterfall hike, and it didn't disappoint today!
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| Waterfall on Chapman Brook |
We started at the eastern trailhead on the Esker Loop, and followed the trail along the river. After crossing North Road, we headed up the McCoy-Gray Birch Trail to the viewpoint on the south slope of Wheeler Mountain. There were still some areas of packed snow and monorail on the trails, but they were mostly dry and were all easily hiked in just hiking boots. There were good views of the Androscoggin River Valley and White Mountains today from the viewpoint, and we took time to enjoy our lunch there.
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Androscoggin River from the Esker Loop |
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| Heading up the McCoy-Gray Birch Trail |
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| Viewpoint at the end of the McCoy-Gray Birch Trail |
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| The northern Presidential Range |
On the way back down, we turned right onto the Chapman Brook Trail. When there is good water flow, as there was today, this is one of the best waterfall trails in the state, passing countless waterfalls on two branches of Chapman Brook. We took our time, and enjoyed the waterfalls as we ascended along one branch, and then descended back to the McCoy-Gray Birch along the other branch. The almost turquoise water of one of the brooks made the cascades especially pretty!
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| Waterfall along the Chapman Brook Trail |
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| Waterfall along the Chapman Brook Trail |
Lower down, we followed the other section of the Chapman Brook Trail to the main parking lot, and then the north branch of the Esker Loop back to our car. It was an absolutely perfect spring hike on a beautiful spring day!
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| A beautiful pool near the end of the trail |
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| Sampson wallowing in the brook |
