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Whitecap Mountain
Rumford, ME
Trailheads, measurements, times, distances, and maps are all approximate and relative to the hike(s) as shown below.
Looking up the Orange Trail
Route: Orange Trail
After hiking Elephant Mountain on an increasingly hot day, I decided to check out Rumford Whitecap on the way home.
Starting on East Andover Road, I was immediately circled by deer flies. Between that annoyance and the mid to upper 80 degree temperatures, I found the ascent to be a struggle.
The first portion of the Orange Trail was essentially a woods road walk, never overly steep. Upon reaching a rocky section, a new reroute went left, using switchbacks to climb about 300 or so vertical feet. Back on the old roadbed, the surface was now solid ledge.
After going left at an unmarked intersection, the trail reached a sub-alpine area, then eventually made it to the vast ledgy summit area. After reaching the highpoint, I continued eastward a bit further, taking in excellent views in all directions, as well as enjoying a break from the deer flies, thanks to the wind.
After baking in the sun for about half an hour, I headed back down in search of a cold beverage. An amazing summit for a relatively low mountain.
| Hike Ratings |
|
Getting To Trailhead: |
Easy |
| Destination: |
Whitecap Mountain |
|
Length: |
Moderate |
|
Steepness: |
Moderate |
|
Navigation: |
Moderate |
|
Views: |
Excellent |
|
Crowds: |
Moderate |
|
| Hike Stats |
|
Date Hiked: |
Sunday, July 4, 2010 |
| Hike Commenced: |
12:18 PM |
| Parking Elevation: |
630' |
| Destination: |
Whitecap Mountain |
| Ascent Commenced: |
12:18 PM |
| Summit Reached: |
1:25 PM |
| Time Elapsed: |
01:07 |
| Trailhead Elevation: |
630' |
| Summit Elevation: |
2,214' |
| Vertical Gain: |
1,604' |
|
|
| Hike Ended: |
2:57 PM |
| Hike Time Elapsed: |
02:39 |
| Hike Vertical Gain: |
1,684' |
|
The Orange Trail trailhead on East Andover Road
Looking up the Orange Trail near the summit
Old Speck Mountain as seen from Rumford Whitecap
Directions to trailhead: Take Route 5 north from Bethel. Shortly after leaving US 2, take a right onto Andover Road, crossing over Ellis River. Shortly thereafter, take a left onto East Andover Road. The Rumford Whitecap parking area will be on the left a few seconds thereafter and the Orange Trail trailhead on the right.
Back to Whitecap Mountain Profile
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