Sunday Stroll: Blueberry Mountain

On the Sunday before Labor Day five of us climbed Blueberry Mountain in the Benton Range. It wasn’t a perfect day for a hike. It was muggy and cloudy with a forecast of some thundershowers, but, no lightning or thunder was seen or heard; either would have turned us back.

Though the weather and the seasons change the nature of a hike’s reward, there always is one. We walked in conversation punctuated by moose track sightings and gathering huckleberries. At the top, the distant summit of Moosilauke showed darkly through clouds that softened the view and intensified the quiet. In those moments there was a sense of being separated from the world.

Unfortunately our time was limited and however peaceful we were, we needed to start back. We left reluctantly but with the certainty that we would carry our reward for body and soul on with us. Join us some time; I think you’ll enjoy it.

J. Roger Hanlon, Trustee & Sunday Stroll Leader

Note: I had been told that the trail was to be closed because of a newly started timber operation. The trail may have been closed the rest of the week but on this particular Sunday there were no signs regarding a closure. Due to a washout on Long Pond Road the gate was closed to vehicle traffic adding 1.6 miles to the hike. A sign at the trailhead gave notice of the timber operation and the trailhead and the lower part of the trail had been bulldozed into a road. The trail leaves that newly created road on the right where a yellow trail blaze is clearly seen. Since conditions may change over time take this into account should you choose to climb Blueberry Mountain yourself someday soon.