![]() At the top of the steps, the path turns back into a wide trail and levels out. It's short, though, so it's easy overall. There are hundreds of them, so take your time and enjoy the forest and sounds of the cascading stream on your right. The trail starts at the back of the parking lot and begins going up a very long set of concrete and wood steps. Cross the bridge and park in the public lot straight ahead. Go 5.2 miles and turn right toward Mingo Falls Campground (there are signs for the falls, too). Go 1.7 miles and turn right onto Big Cove Road. (Coming from town or the casino area, it'll be right on Acquoni Rd. Go just over the Oconaluftee River bridge to the next light. At the light, US 441 goes left into the Great Smoky Mountains - but avoid that traffic and madness and keep going straight. 19 and 441 in Cherokee, NC, go down the hill into town for just over 1/2 mile. The maintenance shack for Mingo Springs Golf Course is immediately on the left park on the grass to the left of the maintenance shack and then walk the short distance back to the intersection of Alpine Way and Mingo Loop Road to access the trailhead.From the intersection of US Hwy. ![]() Continue 0.4 miles on Mingo Loop Road and turn left onto Alpine Way. The maintenance shack for Mingo Springs Golf Course is immediately on the left park on the grass to the left of the maintenance shack and then walk the short distance back to the intersection of Alpine Way and Mingo Loop Road to access the trailhead.įrom West: From the intersection of ME Routes 4 and 17 in Oquossoc Village, Rangeley, head south on ME Route 4 approximately 4.5 miles and turn right onto Mingo Loop Road (a first entrance to Mingo Loop Road will be on the right at about 1.8 miles from the intersection proceed past this to the second entrance). ![]() Continue 0.4 miles and turn left onto Alpine Way. Trail maps are available at the Rangeley Lakes Chamber of Commerce mid-October through mid-May.įrom East: From the intersection of ME Routes 4 and 16 in downtown Rangeley, head north on ME Route 4 for 2.2 miles and turn onto Mingo Loop Road. Trail maps, restrooms, food and beverages are available at the Mingo Springs Golf Course Pro Shop mid-May through mid-October. No bicycles or vehicles of any kind are allowed dogs may be brought on the trail but should be leashed. Commonly seen birds include a variety of spring warblers, vireos, woodpeckers, and owls.Īccess to the trail is free, but restricted to foot traffic. Wildlife sightings are common on the trail and may include white-tailed deer, red squirrels, chipmunks, red foxes, and snowshoe hare. ![]() During the time of full bloom, the scent of the lupine fills the air. The front nine section, which also leaves from the Mingo Loop/Alpine Way intersection, is marked with blue blazes and is equally spectacular, especially during Lupine Season as the path leads right down through that immense field of lupine. The trail reemerges onto Mingo Loop Road which can be used to return to the parking area by turning right and following it back towards the golf course. Skirting the golf course, the trail passes through a hardwood forest stand, adjacent to a cedar swamp, over pastures scattered with spruce and fir, and, finally, into a mature stand of softwoods. In the winter this section of trail is diverted over the golf course to avoid the road, allowing snowshoers and cross-country skiers to keep on their equipment. Emerging from this section of woods, the trail follows the Mingo Loop Road right, heading back into the woods just after a white farmhouse. Leaving from the intersection of Mingo Loop Road and Alpine Way and marked with red blazes, the 2-mile trail around the back nine leads back into hardwood forest and passes a vernal pool, which in the spring and early summer is a haven for amphibians. The Mingo Springs Trail and Bird Walk is designed to enhance wildlife viewing and provides a relaxing walk around the outer edge of Mingo Springs Golf Course.
0 Comments
Leave a Reply. |
AuthorWrite something about yourself. No need to be fancy, just an overview. ArchivesCategories |