June 25, 2024. Near Jackman, Maine.
The NPS website states: “The No. 5 Bog and Jack Pine Stand contains a large peatland that exhibits a diversity of boreal vegetation associations and well-defined, surficial glacial features. A mature stand of jack and red pine occurs adjacent to the peatland. It is the only large, intermontane peatland and one of the few expansive, virgin landscapes in the northeastern United States.”
There are no roads leading to the bog. Access is usually via boat from Moose River or Attean Pond. There is, however, a mountain where one can see the bog from the summit. I elected to view the NNL this way.
The trailhead to Number Five Mountain is two and a half hours away from where I am staying. The region is remote, and the last 17 miles are on a dirt road that logging trucks use. The very last half mile is on a rutted, steep, and narrow track that most cars should avoid. I spent a good portion of my hike worried I would get stuck somewhere on the way out.
This hike is easy to moderate by White Mountain/Maine standards. I can tell I am out of serious hiking shape because the 1250 feet of elevation gain felt more like 2500. The mileage is only 5.5 or so roundtrip, and I felt it. Katahdin is going to kick my butt next week.
I had forgotten how wonderful it feels to ascend a Northeast mountain. There’s that moment when you start to get high enough where the air suddenly feels cool and the sunlight is brighter through the trees. Then there’s the strong breeze and the granite summit…and the views! Green mountains everywhere.
Terrain was typical NH/Maine. Rocks, roots, boulders. The first few tenths take you through an overgrown section. I checked myself for ticks and didn’t see any, so I am either lucky or blind. The huge firetower is marked not safe for climbing, not that I would have climbed it anyway. Too scary.
Even saw a grouse! She did the feign-an-injury act. Did not get a photo.
