Monson, ME to Baxter State Park

Day 2, Saturday, September 2

Wilson Valley Lean-to to Chairback Gap Lean-to, 15.6 miles

I get an early start this morning at 6:30 AM. I’m expecting a tough day over the Barren Chairback Mountains and I want a good start. I’m hiking by 7 AM.

Two hours later at 9 AM I cross the Long Pond Stream and reach the Long Pond Stream Lean-to at 9:20 AM. I stop for a short break before continuing up the mountain for the climb of the day. It’s a pretty good ascent up to the Barren Ledges, a huge rockslide off the side of the mountain that offers an exceptionally sunny view back to the south over Lake Onawa and Sebec Lake in the distance. I stop to enjoy the sun for a few minutes. It’s 11 AM and I move on up the mountain and reach the top of Barren Mountain at noon. I stop for a rest and lunch at the old fire tower and take a few pictures.

I need water and by 1 PM I cross a small stream and fill up. I reach Fourth Mountain Bog at 1:30 PM and the top of Fourth Mountain at 1:50 PM. I’m making pretty good time so far, but it turns out to be a long afternoon as I start to get tired. I pass over Third Mountain and continue on toward Columbus Mountain by 5 PM.

It’s a quick descent into Chairback Gap and the lean-to by 5:30 PM. I get water from the swamp spring for a quick shower and water for supper. The bath feels great, cool and refreshing. I eat cold food this evening, mostly crackers and candy bars.