Hike Parkman Mountain

Parkman Mountain is already a lesser-hiked trail in the summer, and if you snowshoe it in the winter, it is very likely you’ll have the entire mountain to yourself. It offers exceptional views, a good amount of exposure, and solitude that is inspiring.

From Parkman Mountain Parking area, walk past the gate. Once on the carriage trail, take a right. About 100 yards later, you will see an intersection with many different trial signs. Continue around the corner, following the “Around Mtn” sign. Stay on the carriage trial, do a couple of switchbacks, and look for the Parkman Mtn Trail Sign on the left. Should be visible with other snowshoe tracks. Look carefully though, because if no one has been on the trail, the trail marker could be hard to find. Once on, follow the blue blazes up. There will be a few steep sections, one of them has an iron bar for support in the summer, but this will most likely be covered by snow in the winter. You will come to ridge point just past the half way mark.

This is my favorite spot to stop and take pictures, because it offers amazing views, while be surrounded by mountains. I like this feeling more than being on top. As you gaze towards the ocean, you’ll be surrounded by Bald Mountain, Penobscot Mountain, and Parkman Mountain on your left. Look to your right, and you’ll see Norumbega Mountain, and the quiet west side mountains of Acadia. Continue your way up the trail, or if you’re short on time, follow your tracks back to the trailhead.

Be sure to take your time finding the trail once you reach the exposed areas. Normally you would follow the short cairns up, but because the snow covers these, you must follow other tracks or look hard for any trail markers.