We’re lucky to be able to access great places to hike
By Allen Crabtree
When I sent my weekly hike report to all our hikers last week, I cancelled the group hikes of the Denmark Mountain Hikers for March and April but encouraged each of them to still keep hiking. I am hearing from several trail managers that I may have done too much of a good thing. Trails on four popular mountains in our area have been experiencing crowds of people hiking.
People seem to taking my advice to keep hiking and ignoring my advice not to hike in groups and to hike only in solo or with one or two others you know. Jon Evans from Loon Echo Land Trust reported that on Saturday last week the parking lot at the Pleasant Mountain Ledges Trail was jammed with 30 cars with large groups all hiking together ignoring the “keep your group small and stay six feet away from other hikers” advice. Peter Zack of the Healthy Sacopee Hikers reported seeing an overflowing parking lot at Mount Cutler in Hiram, 15 cars parked at the Limington Sawyer Mountain parking lot, and several families hiking the Jagolinzer Preserve. As good weather comes this spring and housebound people are looking for a chance to get out, I am concerned that the crowding on trails is only going to get worse. On top of that, there was an rescue effort mounted on Pleasant Mountain for an injured hiker a few days ago, and nearly 20 first responders turned out to help. On a rescue call, each first responder could be exposed to the virus as they are in close proximity to each other carrying an injured hiker out of the woods. When we hike, although accidents are not frequent, we still need to be aware that a call for rescue help will put many others at risk of infection.
Here are my words of advice for hikers in this time of coronavirus pandemic:
• Don’t stop hiking – being in the great outdoors is good for each of us physically, emotionally and spiritually. Hiking is not an excuse, however, for each of us tot follow these basic health rules when hiking in these times of pandemic.
• Limit your hikes to solo outings or at the most only one or two others that you know.
• Avoid crowds on the trails, trailheads, and on the way to the trailhead. If the trailhead is full, that means the trails are going to be crowded. Go to another trailhead and another trail — there are plenty to choose from in our area.
• Keep at least a 6-foot separation to other hikers.
• Don’t touch things at the trailheads such as benches, signs and water fountains.
• Wash your hands before you leave and when you return. Avoid touching your face.
• Wipe down surfaces with disinfectant wipes.
• If you are sick or showing any COVID-19 symptoms, stay home!
The U.S. Forest Service for the White Mountain National Forest advises “While the forest is open, if you choose to go outside and use nature during your social distancing practices, we advise that you still hold the same ground rules that you would for being in town. We want to keep everyone healthy and safe.” The AMC has closed all lodging and foodservice facilities and suspending all in-person staff and volunteer-led programming through the end of April to help slow the spread of COVID-19 and to minimize the risks to the most vulnerable among us. Due to the risks inherent with large gatherings, all AMC programs, trips, and activities will be canceled or postponed. The AMC has taken these actions out of an abundance of caution and with concern for the capacity of local healthcare facilities should the virus continue to spread. Keep on hiking but be safe when you do so and use common sense. Your life and others you love may be at risk if you are dumb.
By Matt Markot
Executive Director
Loon Echo Land Trust
The COVID-19 crisis reminds me once again how lucky I am to live in a place that offers abundant access to the outdoors.
Local organizations like Loon Echo Land Trust have spent over 30 years conserving lands like Pleasant Mountain Preserve, Bald Pate Mountain Preserve, Raymond Community Forest, and many more.
At times of crisis, I believe that conserved lands are more important than ever. Conserved lands give us the opportunity to go to the woods and listen to the quiet sounds of nature, support our mental and physical health, and offer moments of peace. Here in Maine’s Lake Region, we are uniquely gifted with thousands of acres of permanently conserved lands that are open to you and your family at this time, and at all times.
Just this past weekend I enjoyed a social distancing hike at Bald Pate Mountain Preserve and observed many others doing the same (remember to stay six feet apart even outside!). As I sat in the warm March sun on the famous “Pate,” I allowed myself the opportunity to be entirely in that moment, the thought of COVID-19 and the anxieties and fears that come with it were put to the back of my mind.
You don’t have to climb a mountain to access places where these moments can happen though. Many folks in the Lake Region are blessed with backyards full of birds returning from their winter homes, pine trees that glow golden in the early spring light, and sunsets that inspire awe. My backyard is in town, but I can walk to Pondicherry Park and be immersed in quiet seclusion only minutes from Bridgton’s Main Street.
As you consider an outdoor adventure during this time, it is more important than ever to be prepared and venture outside cautiously, conservatively and within your comfort zone. Now may not be the time to try that hike you’ve never done before. Fortunately, there’s something for everyone and every experience level on our region’s conserved lands.
COVID-19 will continue to be a source of stress and fear, but I would not want to be any other place in the world at this time. I am thankful for that privilege, thankful for those whose foresight helped to conserve the natural beauty of our communities, and eager to work in my capacity at Loon Echo Land Trust to make sure conserved lands will continue to be there for us.
