Red Hill

View from Red Hill of Whitecap's granite cliffs

Red Hill rolls up old logging roads and snow mobile/ATV trails in the shadow of Whitecap Mountain and Black Mountain. Follow the road long enough to the southwest and you end up looking at Rumford. Go north, as we have many times, and you end up wedged between the backsides of Whitecap and Black Mountain. To complete the loop, we climb up over the backside of Black Mountain, down the slopes, and back to the care as we did recently: Longest Hike of the Season. 

All through the year, and especially in the winter, these roads are passable. Someone plows part of the road for cabin owners; other sections are packed by snow mobiles. As you walk up the road, old cellars on the right-hand side reveal where farms and barns dotted the hillside in the early 20th century (or perhaps even in the 19th century). On the opposite side of Red Hill, legendary UMaine football coach and Rumford native, Walt Abbott, has a cabin with multiple outbuildings. Retired and widowed, Walt isn't seen much at UMaine anymore. But looking at his property, I can tell he's been up keeping care of it. Red Hill is a fun exploration and a gentle, cool-down climb after mountains like Whitecap.      

Mid-hike and expecting a treat. 

Post hike and feeling the effects of the time change, 

Bailey is waiting impatiently for dinner. 

Ready for bed!