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 the second-highest pond in Maine, Speck Pond, which has a lovely new lean-to, tent platforms, and the opportunity to swim with beavers (if the beavers cooperate).

Route:

We have a few route options depending on weather:

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

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 using your hands, where you'll also want good balance, functioning knees, and a sense of humor for the steep terrain.

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 (no stairs available).

Gear:

We'll share a detailed packing list with folks on the trip. At minimum for yourself you'll want shoes, clothing, food, water, headlamp, sleeping bag, sleeping pad, and a backpack to carry it all in. You can rent a sleeping bag, sleeping pad, tent, and backpack from MITOC. Headlamps and Nalgene water bottles can be purchased from MITOC as well. We'll most likely share tents, stoves, and water filters amongst the group.

Costs:

You can expect to pay for your own food, your rental gear (see the price list here https://mitoc.mit.edu/rentals/prices), and to chip in for gas/wear and tear for the cars (budget $30-50 for carpooling costs). Financial aid is available for MIT students, please save receipts.

Lottery:

Please note that being selected in the lottery does not guarantee you a spot on the trip. We may shuffle the list at leader discretion based on car availability and if the trip is a good fit.