Hawk Mtn Hike Report Jan 16, 2026

Submitted by Dale Nelson

The weather turned sunny but cold for our planned hike up Hawk Mt. in Waterford, Me. on Friday, January 16, 2026. History states that an early survey crew who was working near the summit noted several hawks circling during their migration and coined the name. There has been a rough road/trail up Hawk for decades but in 2016, the 144 acre Hatch Preserve was donated to the Western Foothills Land Trust. With more land donated in 2017 and 2019, and together with town owned land, the total area preserved now stands at 219 acres. Several new trails have been recently added honoring and bearing the striking names of the Hamlin family members who settled this part of Waterford (Eleazar, Cyrus, America, Africa, Europe, and Hannibal Hamlin.).

Thirteen members of the DMH joined us including; Liz Hurd, Geneva Barker, Dale and Kitty Nelson, Paul Waterhouse, Sandy Bell, Robin Marciello, Dianne Sinclair, Laura Sullivan, Jeff Sturgis, Jacob Schor, Sheldon Ashby and Kathy Huchausen. along with Jacob’s two dogs, Ruby and Piper, suitably dressed in their winter coats.)

Ruby in black and Piper in blue. (photo Kathy Sullivan)

We left a very chilly trailhead (14 deg F) at about 9:30 AM taking the Cyrus trail to the original trail and up over gradual but very icy terrain reaching the summit at around 10 AM.

Unseasonably warm weather a few days prior to the hike must have turned the main trail into a flowing stream that was now frozen solid underfoot.

Adoption of microspke mini crampons have become essential gear for DMH members and made possible safe transit up this sheet of ice.

We enjoyed the lovely views to the southwest with glimpses of the White Mountains to the northwest through the bare trees. The winds had subsided and the skies were bright.

After our summit photo at 10:15am, It was agreed to bypass the icy trail we had encountered on the way up and descend by way of the Hannibal Trail which brought us back to the Cyrus Trail, then to the trailhead at approximately 11am where it had warmed to nearly 18 degrees. Short but enjoyable hike with great people.

Caption: Kitty Hawk

Traction devices or not, ,the route down through barely tracked snow and no ice was a relief.

Next week’s Hike:

January 23 Twin Bridges Preserve, Otisfield, ME Link

Trailhead Information

From the south, head north ME-121. At the junction of ME-121 and Bolsters Mill Road in Otisfield, take a left onto Bolsters Mill Road. Go 4.9 miles, and take a right on Plains Road just after crossing the river. Go 2.8 miles on Plains Road to ME-117 and take a right. The parking area for the preserve is 0.2 miles ahead on the right.

directions

Map link

Twin Bridges Trail system

Denmark Mountain Hikers