I’ve been wanting to check out Puzzle Mountain for forever now. Everyone I know that has climbed this mountain talks about how much they love it—and now I know why. It’s easily accessible off Route 26 in Newry, just a short bit before entering Grafton Notch State Park. There’s no bathroom, so make sure you stop and use a facility or prepare to go in the woods!

It’s honestly a nice, gentle on the knees moderate kind of hike…but don’t let that moderate rating fool you. There’s still rocks and roots and an occasional boulder or 20 to maneuver around. At 3133’ in the air, this mountain still offers plenty of elevation gain (my Garmin clocked in around 2700’ total) in the 7.4 miles from trailhead to the spur loop and back. If you do the loop hike (and you should because it’s like a magical fairy land up there—I had the whole place to myself today!), be sure to go clockwise from the true summit of Puzzle—it has the best views on the walk back.

Speaking of true summits, you hit a false peak with spectacular views that is known as Little Puzzle. This is about 0.3 miles before the true summit, which has no views. But the loop connector was there, so of course I slogged down and over ribar rungs to get there. Yes, ribar rungs. Nobody told me about those!

The higher summits forecast had called for thunderstorms if conditions were favorable—and boy oh boy were they ever favorable today. I somehow managed to time it just right and had just gotten down from the slippery ledges as the skies ominously became dark. It did pour on me for the final 2 miles, but I didn’t care. I was smiling and laughing and dancing in the rain today. It was a beautiful day to be outside!!! The sun reappeared in the sky just as I was approaching the end of the trip.

It was also an excellent reminder that the weather in Maine can change quite suddenly. We have an expression here in New England: If you don’t like the weather, just wait 5 minutes. This got me thinking on the walk back (in between the laugher and dancing) about the 10 essentials. They really and truly are a necessity when you’re hiking the remote, rugged trails here in our beautiful state. I’m gearing up to do the 100 Mile Wilderness in the next few days as of this post, and despite working to reduce my weight and work toward an ultralight hiking lifestyle, the quintessential “10 Essentials” has been something that has been on my mind a lot lately.

In the backcountry…and even some of the more popular spots to frequent, always try to have the following on hand:

• Navigation: Map, compass, GPS (don’t trust the electronic GPS or your cell phone to work in all climates–know how to use an actual compass and map.)
• Sun Protection: Sunscreen, hat, sunglasses are important not only in Summer but all of the other months too! I’ve been burned from the sun after it has reflected on miles of snow!
• Lighting: Flashlight (with batteries/extra batteries) and headlamps (also with batteries/extra batteries). I have needed these more than once when climbing several larger mountains!
• Clothing: Always bring layers. Jacket, gloves, waterproof clothing, hat. Throw in a few hand or toe warmers too–you never know when you’ll need them (they stay in my pack 365 days a year because I have Raynaud’s and they help when climbing the higher peaks any time of the year).
• First Aid: Always bring a first aid kit. You can get some amazing ultralight ones pre-made at stores. For longer treks, don’t forget to throw in extra moleskin.
• Fire: Always bring matches, lighters, or other fire starters. You never know when you will need it (and hope you never have to if it’s an emergency!)!
• Tools: Knife, screw driver, multitool kits all come in handy for various reasons. I’ve used duct tape for many repairs or even blisters–wrap some around your trekking poles and save space/weight in your pack!
• Food: Always bring enough food for your trip plus another day. Trail mix packs a powerful calorie punch in a small amount and is always a great idea. I am forever over-packing food…and can say that I have only ever under-packed once (and will never, ever, ever do that again!).
• Water: Bring enough water, plan ahead for any potential water stops (but always assume that they may not be available due to drought), and bring treatment supplies for the event when you need to filter your water.
• Shelter: Carrying a tent, tarp, hammock, emergency blanket, or bivouac shelter (bivy) are super important in the event of an emergency.

We always hope for the best but plan for the worst. I could list at least 5 more tips or items that I feel are warranted on any adventure you may be taking. As I changed my socks (extra socks are one of those items I could suggest adding to that extra essential list!) and had my final snack while pulling out the rain gear from my pack just before that rain storm hit, I reflected on how fortunate I was that I always carry the items to help me ensure I’ll not only have a successful but also a safe hike…and how I wanted to share that reflection with all of you. And as I had words start flowing into my mind that would eventually become this post, I allowed myself to embrace the rain and started dancing as I made my way down the trail back to my car.

And…yes, yes I did get a strawberry rhubarb crumb pie at the Puzzle Mountain Bakery. And a few whoopie pies (best ones in the state, if you ask me!). And a couple of maple cream cookies. And yes—they DO take Venmo! When you’re on your way home after your hike, make it part of your plan to stop here and grab some of their incredible baked goods. It’s a lovely little stand on the side of the road and it is completely on the honor system. After a long day of hiking and then dancing in the rain…ending it with a delicious homemade baked good made the ride back home oh so sweet. Another epic day hiking in those beautiful Maine mountains came to a close as I chased the massive storm clouds all the way home…all the while dreaming of someday doing the entire Grafton Notch Loop hike. I’ll be sure to bring you all along with me on that adventure as well–promise. But first…I will be taking on the 100 Mile Wilderness. Stay tuned for that post.

Happy Trails, all!