Friday was a good day.  I had never hiked up to Knight Nubble.   I had hiked Mansell Mountain and Bernard Mountain, but had somehow missed Knight Nubble in between them.  Today, I changed that. 

I went to the Long Pond Fire Road, which I haven’t been on in over 30 years.  Not a lot had changed.  A one lane gravel road in the woods, this isn’t the hustle and bustle of Bar Harbor and the park’s east side. I could count the number of people I saw along that road on one hand, and even fewer cars.  

After visiting some lesser known spots along the fire road, I stopped at the trailhead for the Great Notch trail.  Another first for me was that I had never hiked this trail from the fire road to where it intersects with the Great Pond trail.  The Great Notch trail is a gradual 1.5 or so mile hike up to the Great Notch: no sweeping views, but plenty to look at.  

I’ve been to the Great Notch a few times and find it to be a great spot to collect your thoughts. Today was no different, but it’s time to move again.  

I knew Knight Nubble sat between Mansell and Bernard Mountains and was the lowest of the three peaks, but that was about all.  I was in for a welcome adventure!  The scramble up Knight Nubble was fun and a welcome challenge.  Now, if the thought of hiking the Beehive or the Precipice causes your blood pressure to rise, this scramble is probably not for you.  Like I said, for me it was fun, challenging, and rewarding, despite not being very long, at least in my humble opinion. 

From Knight Nubble, it was a more leisurely hike down to the Little Notch.  I followed the Sluiceway Trail down to the other side, a lovely walk along the dirt Mill Field Road to the Cold Brook Trail.  I wanted to stop by the Reservoir, but I skipped it as every brook I have seen has been dry from our lack of rain.  The Cold Brook Trail, another reliable friend, took me to the Great Pond trail along the south and west shores of Long Pond.  The Great Pond trail is one I recommend for everyone; it is an easy trail with fantastic views.  

Just over 7 miles later, and I was back at my vehicle.  Tired but rewarded.  Thirsty but filled from all that is good from a walk in the woods.