We're heading up to Maine for a one-night backpacking adventure! We'll be visiting Old Speck, a classic Maine 4000-Footer about 3.5hr from Boston with 360° views from its rickety observation tower. We'll then spend the night at Speck Pond which has a lovely new lean-to, tent platforms, and the opportunity to swim with beavers (if the beavers cooperate).

We have a few route options:

1. Out and back to Speck Pond via the AT starting from Bear River Rd (Route 26)
2. Point to point from Bear River Rd to Success Pond Rd via the AT and Speck Pond Trail
3. Point to point from Bear River Rd to Success Pond Rd via the AT and traveling through the epic boulder field of Mahoosuc Notch, often claimed to be the hardest single mile on the AT!

The route options sit around 8-10 miles with 3500-4000ft of gain total across the two days, though differ in technical difficulty. Mahoosuc Notch includes squeezing through narrow openings and scrambling over roots and boulders.

Fitness/Experience Requirements:

This trip is open to beginner backpackers but you should be a moderately strong hiker, able to hike at least two days in a row and comfortable with steep and rocky New England terrain. This should not be your first time sleeping outdoors - front country camping experience is required. If you'd like to get the 360° views from Old Speck, you should have a head for heights enough that you can climb a tall fire tower ladder.

~~More details to come soon!~~