As I sit here on a very snowy Tuesday, I decided to go and look at some of the pictures I had taken this past fall. I came across some of the pictures I took when I hiked the Big Moose Mountain in Greenville.

I then realized that I had not written about that hike here in TheBlackFly.com. Sorry about that.  One would think that if one was to have a blog, that person would write in it more often. And with that said, I will try my best to do just that.

I failed to take a decent picture of the trail head, and had planned on taken a better one when we got back to the truck.  We did not return to the truck until after dark, needless to say I did not get a picture.

The first picture that came out well was about half way up the trail.  This used to be the fire ranger’s camp during the month’s he was posted at the fire tower. (as you can see, it has seen better days.

The trail started to get more difficult after we passed the run down camp.  It looked like who ever the fire warden was, he (or she) put alot of time and energy into maintaining the trail up to the fire tower.  He (or she) had built steps into the side of the mountain. Here is a picture of just part of the steps system that was built by  this over ambitious fire warden. lol

As you can see by the picture, some of the steps were built from logs and boards, well other parts of the steps were made  with well placed flat rocks amongst the ares where the rocky ledges had broken up from many years ago by the glaciers.

The trip up to  where the old fire tower stood was not all that bad considering. I mean yes, it IS a mountian you are climbing. So it is strenous to a degree. But it is not as difficult as some of the other mountains I have climbed where there is nothing more then an over glorified deer trail called a path.

At a regular pace you can get to the top in about 2 hours. This is including stopping at the cabin half way up and looking around, stopping at intervals to catch your breath and admire the view. After all, what is the point of hiking if you don’t stop and “smell the roses?”

At the top of the trail you will find what is left of the original Fire Tower. (not much and not safe to climb. Matter of fact most of the ladder has been removed)

I unfortunately did not get a picture of the tower remains that was fit enough to post (or keep for that matter. Damn sun!)

The old Fire Tower is no longer required to be manned, as it has been replaced by new age technology like every thing else. 

Here is one of the views that await you at the top. This is looking out at MooseHead Lake.

one of the many views atop Big Moose Mountain

Over all I would give this hike a Difficuly  score of 7   simply because of all the steps you have to climb.

If your legs are not in shape, you will know it the next day.

Big Moose Mountain Trail =  Maine’s Natural Stair Master