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Adams Mountain
Stoneham, ME
Trailheads, measurements, times, distances, and maps are all approximate and relative to the hike(s) as shown below.
Looking down the old Shuss Nut ski trail
Route: Shuss Nut ski trail
The old Evergreen Valley ski area had been on my hiking to-do list for a few years. After being presented with a bushwhacking-friendly crust and longer afternoon sunlight, I decided to head up to Adams Mountain.
Though I had visited the base area of the old ski area once before, I wasted a good half an hour trying to find it, as I turned too early off Route 5 onto West Lovell Road. The turn, terrain, and subsequent road signs all looked similar. Nonetheless, I had mixed up my rural 'west' Maine town names.
Finally at the base area, I parked in the old ski area parking lot, which appears to be plowed in the winter for snowmobile trailer parking. Walking back to the base lodge, I followed some older foot prints up to the old summit double base terminal area, then proceeded uphill, following some old snowmobile tracks. Though technically off limits to sleds, it looks like someone had cut a narrow trail up the old 'Shuss Nut' (spelling courtesy the old trail map) ski trail.
As I climbed, I was struck by the great views to my right and to my back - the area east of Evans Notch is definitely underrated.
Taking note of old chairlift footings on either side of me, I made my way up the increasingly steep ski trail. As I neared the summit, the pitch lessened a bit. Ascending above the old chairlift top terminal area, I soon reached some nice view ledges and what looked to be the highpoint. Just in case, I continued west a bit, keeping my eye out for any higher land or additional views. Finding none (though there are some ledges to be found downhill a bit, but I was running low on daylight), I returned to the near-summit ledges and took in some nice southerly and easterly views. In addition, there were some views to the north nearby.
After checking out the top terminal footing and following the novice trail a bit, I returned to the Shuss Nut trail and headed down to the base. Instead of doing the very brief roadwalk back to my vehicle, I followed some tracks along an old footpath connecting the base lodge to a still-operational inn. It was particularly neat to see old dome lighting in the woods - I bet those lights haven't been used in decades!
| Hike Ratings |
|
Getting To Trailhead: |
Moderate |
| Destination: |
Adams Mountain |
|
Length: |
Moderate |
|
Steepness: |
Difficult |
|
Navigation: |
Moderate |
|
Views: |
Excellent |
|
Crowds: |
Minimal |
|
| Hike Stats |
|
Date Hiked: |
Friday, March 13, 2009 |
| Hike Commenced: |
4:57 PM |
| Parking Elevation: |
540' |
| Destination: |
Adams Mountain |
| Ascent Commenced: |
5:04 PM |
| Summit Reached: |
5:33 PM |
| Time Elapsed: |
00:29 |
| Trailhead Elevation: |
560' |
| Summit Elevation: |
1,650' |
| Vertical Gain: |
1,090' |
|
|
| Hike Ended: |
6:17 PM |
| Hike Time Elapsed: |
01:20 |
| Hike Vertical Gain: |
1,190' |
|
The bottom of the chute leading to the old Shuss Nut ski trail
Looking at Lovell Lake and Pleasant Mountain from near the summit of Adams Mountain
Directions to trailhead: Take Route 5 north from Lovell. Take a left onto West Stoneham Road. West Stoneham Road will become Adams Road. At one point, bear right to stay on Adams Road. After passing a pond (right) and set of abandoned tennis courts (left), take a right (still Adams Road), passing an old ski lodge (left). Almost immediately after passing the lodge and crossing a brook, there is a plowed dirt parking lot on the left. The old ski trails can be accessed either by walking back to the ski lodge area or following an old path on the northwest side of the parking lot.
Back to Adams Mountain Profile
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