Lead Mountain (Maine) facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Lead Mountain |
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Lead Mountain and Bear Pond from the south
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| Highest point | |
| Elevation | 1479+ ft (451+ m) NAVD 88 |
| Prominence | 1,120 ft (340 m) |
| Geography | |
 Lead Mountain
Location in Maine
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| Topo map | USGS Lead Mountain |
| Climbing | |
| Easiest route | Hiking, class 1 |
Lead Mountain is a cool peak in eastern Maine, standing over 1,479 feet (451 meters) tall! You can find it north of the town of Beddington. It sits right on the border of Hancock and Washington counties in a part of Maine called Downeast. This mountain is quite isolated, meaning it's far from other tall peaks. You can easily spot Lead Mountain from miles away along Maine state routes 9 and 193.
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What Makes Lead Mountain Special?
Lead Mountain is more than just a pretty view. It's also a place where scientists do important research!
Studying the Environment
The southern slopes of Lead Mountain are home to the Bear Brook Watershed in Maine. This is a special research site where scientists have been studying the effects of acid deposition for a long time. Acid deposition is when pollution in the air makes rain, snow, or even dry particles more acidic. Scientists here learn how this affects the land and water. Bear Brook, a small stream, also flows from the southeast slopes of the mountain.
Rocks That Look Like Lead
The rocks in this area contain tiny bits of a mineral called pyrrhotite. These bits can sometimes look like lead, but they are not the same thing. It's a good reminder that not everything is what it seems!
Exploring Lead Mountain
Even though Lead Mountain is on private land, people are allowed to hike it. It's a great way to experience nature and get some exercise.
Hiking to the Top
The main way to hike Lead Mountain starts just north of a gate. This gate is at the end of a dirt road southeast of the mountain's peak. Hikers follow this dirt road past the gate. Then, they turn onto a path that goes up the southeast side of the mountain. The path continues up the east side until it reaches the very top.
Views from the Summit
When you reach the top of Lead Mountain on a clear day, the views are amazing! You can see all the way south to Acadia National Park and the huge Gulf of Maine. There are also two communication towers on the summit. These towers help with things like cell phone signals and radio broadcasts.
Nearby Ponds
South of the mountain, you'll find a small body of water called Bear Pond. To the west of the mountain is a much larger pond known as Upper Lead Mountain Pond. These ponds add to the beautiful scenery around Lead Mountain.
Gallery
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Lead Mountain from Maine 193
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Looking south from Lead Mountain
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Upper Lead Mountain Pond from S ridge of Lead Mt.
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Bear Brook on the lower slopes of Lead Mt.
