N. Brother - BSP Trip

March 17-20, 2011


Second trip to Baxter State Park this winter for Justin and I. This trip started Wed morning with a 5:30 hour drive to Millinocket. We arrived at the Pamola Motor Lodge, checked in, and enjoyed dinner at Ruthies restaurant in downtown Millinocket before turning in early.

With only a 6 hour trip into the Nesowadnehunk Campground where we would be staying we slept in. Breakfast at the AT Cafe before starting the 35 mile drive to the trailhead. After unloading and gearing up we were under way, skiing along Williams Pond Road. Along the way we saw lots of moose activity on the trail and crossing it.

Coming to the end of the road we turned onto the XC ski trail for a short hike up and over a hill and down into the campground. Arriving at "Cozy Cabin" we unpacked, got the stove going, got water from a spring by the right side of the bridge going over the stream, and brought in a load of kindling and firewood from the wood shed.

Dinner tonight was steak, asparagus (both cooked in the stove) and a pasta side dish - no freeze dried food on this trip! The cabin is about 12 x 12 with 4 bunks - cozy for 4, but very nice for just the two of us. Chatting and reading filled the time before heading to bed. Over night, as expected we had some strong wind and rain.

With the forecast for wind and rain thoughout the day we had decided that we would not be hiking today. I read while Justin fit a ski in between periods of rain. Another great dinner - chicken, rice, green beans - and a plan to get up at 5 the next morning. Learned a good lesson - setting your watch as an alarm, but wearing ear plugs to sleep let's you sllep right through the alram going off.

By 7:45 we were well fed and off for the 3.5 mile trip to the Marston trailhead. Along the way we passed an area known as the Ledges which has great swimming in the Summer. Arriving at the trailhead we changed into our hiking boots and were off. The trail started out in great shape allowing for us to bareboot. But then we started running onto very thick spruce along the way due to very deep snow. It took us an hour to cover the 1.3 miles to the Coe Slide trail junction where we decided that we would focus on just N. Brother today. Good choice as the trail got even worse! At times we would have sworn we had lost the trail and were bushwhacking, only to look down and see a blue blaze half burried in the snow.

In the end it took us 5 hours to cover the 4.5 miles to the summit. But it couldn't damper our spirits - we were in the middle of nowhere under bright blue skies with warm temps. Life is good! The views in all directions were spectacular.

Before starting down I managed to reach Geri via the phone to let her know that we were safe on the summit, and to share in words the wonderful views I was experiencing. Next year she will be with me!!

The next morning we packed up, and made a quick hike/jog back out to the car. We stopped for breakfast at the AT Cafe before starting the 5 hour drive home. So long Winter 2011 - goodbye BSP - until next year, be well.

Directions to Trailhead
From Millinocket follow Route157 to Millinocket Lake, where the plowed public road ends. Bear left onto the adjacent private logging road, called the Golden Road, and follow it for @ 10 miles and continue over Abol Bridge. Continue for another 10 miles then turn right onto Telos Road, just after Big Eddy. Cross the bridge and continue for @ 7.5 miles. You will pass Frost Pond Road on your left, Harrington Pond on your right jut before mile marker 35. Continue for @ .5 miles to a pull out on your right and Williams Pond Road which is used by snow mobiles. Gear up hear and start following the snowmobile trail. In @ 2.6 miles you you will come to a split - although the mail road may appear to go to the left, stay right. At @ 5.5 miles from the start you will see a XC ski trail on your right - follow this into the campground. Cross the river, the Ranger cabin on your left, and you will find Cozy Cabin on the left.

Length of Hike:
3:00 hour ski/hike to Nesowadnehunk Campground - 6 miles
1:00 hour ski/hike to Marston trailhead - 3.5 miles
5:00 hour hike to N. Brother summit - 4.5 miles
2:20 hour hike back to trailhead - 4.5 miles
1:00 hour ski/hike to Nesowadnehunk Campground - 3.5 miles
1:46 hour hike/jog back to car - 6 miles





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