Lookout Rock 7/10/2026

Today's hike was a pretty straightforward one up to Lookout Rock in Township C. It had been a few years since I had hiked it, and the trail seems much the same, with the notable absence of the former trailhead sign (only the post remains). The trail itself is a moderately steep 0.6 mile long trail, marked with both blue blazes and flagging tape. It climbs to a ledge-top viewpoint on the side of an unnamed peak.

Start of the trail up to Lookout Rock

The lower part of the trail passes through hardwood forest.

The upper part of the trail is mostly in softwood forest

On our hike today, we found that the trail was pretty well maintained and easy to follow. We were treated to excellent views through Black Brook and Sawyer Notches, as well as of the South Arm of Lower Richardson Lake.

View towards Old Blue Mountain

View towards Black Brook & Sawyer Notches

View towards C Bluff Mountain and the South Arm of Lower Richardson Lake

After descending, we stopped by Silver Ripple Cascade for a swim. We had the cascade mostly to ourselves, and we also visited the adjacent Devil's Den.

Silver Ripple Cascade

Silver Ripple Cascade

Devil's Den

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Magic Falls Trail 7/5/2026

We spent the night of July 4th camped at MacDougall Pond Camp Sites in Caratunk. This first-come-first-served campground is rather basic, but it is affordable, the sites are large, and it has waterfronts on both MacDougall Pond and Wyman Lake. We got the last site available in the campground (Site 3), and spent the afternoon relaxing and swimming in MacDougall Pond.

Our campsite at MacDougall Pond Camp Sites

MacDougall Pond

Wyman Lake

On the morning of the 5th, we headed up to the Magic Falls Trail in Moxie Gore. This mostly easy trail runs from Take Out Road to the rapid called Magic Falls, which is one of the largest rapids on the Kennebec River. The unmarked and lightly used trail alternates between logged areas and more mature forests as it follows the rim of the Kennebec River Gorge upstream. At the rapids, the trail makes a steep descent into the gorge.

Magic Falls Trail

Magic Falls Trail

Magic Falls

We ended up timing our hike perfectly, and, when we arrived at the rapids, we watched numerous groups of rafters and kayakers run it. It was fun to watch, and we enjoyed the entertainment as we ate lunch beside the river. After lunch, we returned the way that we came along the trail. This trail definitely seems to get overlooked, and it is a nice hike with a unique destination!

Rafters running the rapid

Kayakers running the rapid

Rafters running the rapid

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McCoy-Chapman Forest 4/11/2026

 

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!

 

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.

 

Androscoggin River from the Esker Loop

Heading up the McCoy-Gray Birch Trail

Viewpoint at the end of the McCoy-Gray Birch Trail

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!

 

Waterfall along the Chapman Brook Trail

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!

 

A beautiful pool near the end of the trail

Sampson wallowing in the brook

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