ATTENTION POSSIBLE IAT/SIA THRU-HIKERS-----
The section of the IAT/SIA in Maine that passes over Mars Hill Mountain is closed during the 2006 hiking season. The campsite on the south end of the mountain is also closed. The reason for the closure is the extensive construction that is taking place on the mountain. A windfarm is being developed on the mountain and in the fields along the north slopes of the mountain. Twenty-eight windmills are being erected this summer.
DETOUR---A detour is available. The directions are as follows:
From downtown Mars Hill follow Route 1A north out of town for about 0.9 miles. At that point you will encounter the East Ridge Road on the East side of Route 1A. Turn east onto the East Ridge Road and follow the East Ridge Road easterly until you reach the boundary. You will actually intersect the trail as it comes down off the north slope of Mars Hill Mountain (about one mile before you reach the boundary) and will see our blaze on several roadside telephone poles.
This detour will give hikers a good chance to see the construction-in-progress windfarm. In 2007 the trail will return to the top of the mountain and along the ridgeline, which will give hikers an opportunity to observe an operating windfarm.
While in Mars Hill you may want to overnight at the Mid-Town Motel (phone: 207-425-6241). “Nimblewill Nomad” slept there!!! The food, just across Main St. from the Mid-Town, at AL’S Diner is excellent.
With all the concern about the Border these days, please call the U S Border Patrol office
at:1-800-851-8727 before you begin your 11 mile hike on the Border. Tell them you are hiking the IAT/SIA and when you will actually be hiking on the Border.
One more note; We will be hosting an IAT/SIA thru-hikers REUNION in conjunction with this year’s ALDHA GATHERING. Dates are October 13-16. Place: Concord College, Athens, W VA.
Dick”nopack” Anderson
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