Catherine Mountain facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Catherine Mountain |
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 Catherine Mountain
Location in Maine
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| Highest point | |
| Elevation | 961 ft (293 m) |
| Geography | |
| Location | Hancock County, Maine, U.S. |
| Climbing | |
| Easiest route | Hiking, class 1 |
Catherine Mountain is a mountain in Hancock County, Maine. It stands about 962 feet (293 meters) tall. People often call it Catherine's Hill. This name also refers to a part of the Black's Woods Road (Route 182) that goes up and over the mountain. This road section is between the towns of Franklin and Cherryfield. Both the mountain and the hill are named after a mysterious woman called Catherine. Many people believe her ghost still haunts the area.
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The Legend of Catherine's Ghost
People who say they have seen Catherine's ghost often describe a woman. She usually approaches travelers and asks for a ride, sometimes to Bar Harbor. Catherine is said to wear a light blue evening or ball gown. If travelers say no to her request, bad things are said to happen to them.
What Happened to Catherine?
The story goes that Catherine was traveling on the road with her husband or boyfriend. This was after their wedding or prom night in Bar Harbor. They were in some kind of accident. It is said that Catherine was terribly injured in the accident. Her partner was never found. Because of this, Catherine is believed to wander Catherine's Hill and the Black's Woods area. She is searching for something she lost and for her missing love.
It's interesting to note that the name "Catherine's Hill" was used even before cars were common. This means the accident might not have been a car crash. The legend has been around since at least the 1930s.
Other Old Stories
In the local folklore of Downeast Maine, there are other old stories about Catherine. Some tales from long ago suggest Catherine was a witch. Others say she was a local girl who got lost because of strange forces in the area. Some people think the hill was named after a landowner's wife or another person from history.
The area around Catherine Mountain has always been very rural. It's far from the main coastal roads. It's surrounded by thick forests, wet areas like bogs and marshes, and many small creeks.
A Possible Explanation
A book called Dark Woods, Chill Waters: Ghost Tales from Down East Maine shares many versions of the Catherine legend. It also suggests that the story might have come from a real person named Catherine Downing. She passed away on December 29, 1862. Her life, however, was said to be quite uneventful.
Where is Catherine Mountain?
Catherine Mountain is located in a part of Maine known as the "Downeast Outback." This area is further inland from the coast. It is next to two other large mountains: Schoodic Mountain and Black Mountain. Together, they form three big highlands in the Schoodic area of Downeast Maine.
The region is considered part of the Schoodic Foothills. Local places nearby include the Blacks Woods, Martin Ridge, Fox Pond, and Spring River Lake. There are also many beautiful spots along Route 182, which connects Franklin's Rabbittown area to the village of Cherryfield.
