Season Visited: Summer
Trail Length: 5.4 miles there-and-back
Time to Hike: 3 hours
Difficulty Level: 2 out of 5
I revisited Mount Kineo three weeks ago, and instead of taking the beloved Indian Trail up the mountain, I walked the length of the island with my husband and parents on the Carriage Trail.
As noted in my previous post about Kineo (linked above), the only way to get to the mountain is by boat. All of the information is the same as it was three years ago, except that the price per person was jacked up to $12. Or you can take your own boat, if you have one. Donations at the island are encouraged, but I've never seen anyone actually pay.
From the dock, the Carriage Trail is on your left. It's the only trail there, so you can't get lost! In front of you is the majestic Mount Kineo.
The most dramatic view of the mountain is the first one. After that you'll be spending time following the edge of the lake with the mountain on your right-hand side until it sinks into the forest. On the map below you can see the Carriage Trail on the western edge of the island.
You'll pass through a variety of environments on your walk. The trail begins with gravel, but eventually becomes a thinner dirt trail (around the time you pass Bridle Trail on your right) and sometimes a mud trail covered with thin boards. Navigating the boards can be just a little tricky, as they are in pretty rough shape.
Rock slide.
The trail has blue blazes.
The end of Carriage Trail is Hardscrabble Point, featuring camping and even a primitive toilet! Good times!
The way back is simply retracing your steps.
More boards.
You might even get lucky and see Maine's state bird, the adorable black-capped chickadee!
Overall, this is a very nice hike with lovely views throughout, and is a good way to explore the Kineo area if you're not confident in your ability to go all the way up the mountain. Older people often explore this trail while their younger party members climb the Indian Trail. The length may present a challenge to a very out-of-shape hiker, but you can of course turn around at any time. I had no issues with it at four months pregnant, but I was definitely ready for a meal afterwards!
Keep on wandering.
