Wilderness Adventure: Into the Heart of the Northern Forest

Wilderness Adventure Trips 2009

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The far reaches of western Maine hold some of the last true wilderness areas east of the Mississippi River. To explore this remote region, we invite you to accompany staff members and local experts on a journey through the heart of the Northern Forest where you'll experience the windswept, sub-alpine peaks of The Mahoosuc Range, the pine and spruce lined Androscoggin River, and the reflective waters of Lake Umbagog National Wildlife Refuge. Each day you will learn more about the efforts that TWS and our partners are engaged in to protect the delicate forests, mountain aquifers, and intact wildlife habitats that exist just outside the front doors of millions of American homes.

Through softened autumnal light the brilliance of this special place bursts from the hillsides, saturating the landscape with the same visual drama that inspired painters from the Hudson River School. There is a history, a legacy here of wildness in the notches and valleys that cannot be mistaken. Your guides will share their knowledge of the diverse ecosystems reaching from valley to summit, and you will bare witness to the consequences of climate change and see evidence of its impact on the Northern Forest at every turn.

September 10, 2009 - Day 1
Arrive at the Portland Airport where you will meet our guides for a relaxing country drive to the Victoria Inn in Bethel. This historic 19th-century property, which has been carefully restored with the décor of the Victorian Period, will serve as a restorative home base for our exploration of the region.

September 11, 2009 - Day 2
Begin your adventure early today with a variety of hiking options in the rugged Mahoosuc Range. The rising summits and deep sags in this region create many bog ecosystems sheltering species of all types and sizes from salamanders to white tailed deer. Explore the complexities of the Northern Forest and see first hand evidence of the effects of climate change on this fragile habitat. After lunch, depart for Lake Umbagog for a water tour of a fantastic wildlife viewing location where it is possible to catch a glimpse of nesting bald eagles and maybe even a moose feeding near shore.

September 12, 2009 - Day 3
Today we'll set out on a gradual climb through Grafton Notch to obtain 360 degree views on the historic Appalachian Trial. Here, cascading streams tumble down rocky mountain slopes and serve as the backdrop for the ascent through this ancient geological feature. All the notches of Maine and New Hampshire were carved by the receding glaciers thousands of years ago, leaving the boulder fields and rugged landscape that you see today. In Grafton, you will experience the small wonders as well as the great views. From the lichen to the leaf covered forest floor, there is an abundance to discover here.

September 13, 2009 - Day 4
The Androscoggin River once was a source of power and industry for this region. Today, with help from the Clean Water Act, the river has rebounded from years of harmful industrial use and logging in the region. Now, fish abound in these waters, and among the small islands you can often spot bear and moose wading for a drink. Explore the flat waters of the Androscoggin for most of the day before heading to some of the area's best places for moose sightings. The red maples lining the river will be colorful this time of year. And as they drop their leaves into the cool mountain water you will have a prime opportunity to bird watch as species prepare for their southerly migration.

September 14, 2009 - Day 5
Depart, or plan to stay in the area and continue to explore. When you return home you will be equipped with a deeper understanding of how The Wilderness Society works with local communities to raise awareness about the value of healthy, intact ecosystems and clean watersheds and the impact of land-use decisions on economic sustainability. Here in Maine, as in the rest of the country, The Wilderness Society continues to advocate wilderness protection in a way that recognizes the linkages between the benefits of land conservation and local community well-being.

Trip Details

Cost: $1,685 per person; $275 single supplement
Number of Spaces Available: 12
Fitness Level: This trip is designed for participants in good health who are able to perform 4-6 hours of physical activity each day (the equivalent of walking up to five miles at 2.5 mph pace over uneven ground and varied terrain).

For more information or to ask any questions you can email Sean Bowie, The Wilderness Society's Development Coordinator, or call Sean at 202-429-2680.