Graffiti Foliage

October races through tunnels of gold,

A graffiti artist spraying rainbow paint,

Striking matches in mountain groves,

And torching cobalt skies.

Too soon, neon tags fade to grime,

Leaving only memories of maple shine.

Bear Mountain in Hartford, Maine

Last Friday my son and I welcomed summer by taking a day hike. We had the mountain to ourselves. 
There are many Bear Mountains, but this one is a bit over an hour from our home. 
The closest "town" is North Turner, Maine. It's an easy two miles up to the 1,200 foot summit. 
The fall foliage is spectacular in autumn, but wear bright orange if it's hunting season.

 Hiking boots are necessary as the trail is 
like climbing a rocky, muddy river bed uphill. 
The trees provide plenty of shade and ticks.

The bare rock summit is a fine place for a picnic.
By midsummer there will be wild blueberries.

After an uphill climb, nothing beats a wallow in the mud. Wait a minute. What are you doing, Scout? Bloody dog!

Muddy or not, you are still carrying your drinking water, buddy.

Time to enjoy the view of the White Mountains. Camden Hills were visible on this clear day too.

Driving directions to Bear Mountain 
from midcoast Maine:

Take the River Road north to Auburn. 
(less scenic option is Rt. 196.)
In Auburn follow signs to Rt. 4 North. 
(Miss turn and get lost.)
In North Turner, take a left on 219 West.
First right on Bean Street. 
Immediately left onto Berry Road.
 2.2 miles later, right on Bear Mountain Road.

Or plug these coordinates into Google Maps:
44.36112,-70.290846

Park in the mowed field with a sign for hiker parking. No facilities.

Hiking Directions:
On foot, follow the dirt road
past houses and a 19th century cemetery.
Road becomes a rocky snowmobile trail in the woods.
Go straight up past a left turn off and past a right turn off.
At a big intersection, take a right for the mountain trail. 
(Don't follow sign to Bear Mt. Road straight ahead.)
Summit to base round trip is about 4 miles.
It was under 2 hours of hiking and another hour relaxing on the summit.
This non-technical trail is ideal for kids and dogs.
Sorry, not the best directions!