With its enormous cliff face, it is one of the most distinctive mountains in western Maine. Viewed from a distance, it has the character of a summit in Wyoming’s Teton Mountain Range, with its three craggy, barren peaks jutting high above the surrounding landscape.

It is Tumbledown Mountain – one of Maine’s truly outstanding peaks.

With an elevation of 3,068 feet, it is not a particularly tall mountain. It has a little of something for everyone, including easy-walking trails initially and then steep hiking, and hand-over-hand rock scrambling at higher elevations. It has an extensive section of above tree-line hiking and boulder climbing that most hikers find physically challenging and mentally stimulating.

When it is clear, hikers are treated to panoramic vistas of the mountains and lakes. It even has an alpine pond, known as Tumbledown Pond, where trout fishing is possible.

Given its many attributes, Tumbledown is one of the most popular hikes in Maine. Probably only Mount Katahdin receives more visitors in the course of a year. Late summer or early fall is perhaps the best time to enjoy its benefits, as the cool autumn air can refresh while the spectacular colors of the changing seasons provide exceptional visual delights. The cooler conditions can also bring less welcome guests. It is not unusual to find patches of ice or receive a sprinkling of snow above the tree line, even in the early fall.

Most casual hikers have long functioned under the assumption that Tumbledown was a part of the nearby Mount Blue State Park or was state owned. In fact, for most of its history, it has been privately owned. As a result, there were periods when access was problematic and trail locations confusing.

Trails continue to be poorly marked, parking options are not obvious, and trail signs are conspicuously absent. As one writer wrote, “hiking Tumbledown can be a bit of a treasure hunt. But there is treasure to be found.”

In recent years, there were growing concerns that the continued private ownership of the mountain and its hiking trails could lead to restricted access, development or heavy logging. As a result, a campaign was launched in 1999 to preserve the mountain. Spearheaded by the Tumbledown Conservation Alliance, which is a coalition of organizations, local groups and individuals, vigorous efforts have been made. The state and its partners were successful in securing the summit area, the northern slopes and nearby Jackson and Blueberry Mountains.

Efforts are continuing to preserve the southern slopes, where many of the hiking trails are located. For more information, access their Web site at www.tumbledown.org.

The first trail head traveling west on the Byron Road is the Parker’s Ridge Trail. After driving about 2 miles, there is a cemetery on the right. It is three-tenths of a mile to a right turn and then about a mile to the trail head. This area is also the trail head for the Little Jackson Mountain Trail. There are a number of side roads and trails that appear to be hiking trails and, over the years, the actual trails have been rerouted.

Adding to the confusion, there are several areas that have been washed out by mountain torrents. Would-be hikers should be patient and persist until they find a small parking area and signs that indicate the beginning of the Parker’s Ridge Trail.

Access has reputedly been the source of conflict with the landowner in the past. During a recent visit, the area was open, but hikers should heed any warning signs and choose other trails, if necessary.

The trail head for the Brook Trail can be reached by continuing west on the Byron Road for a little less than 2 miles beyond the access road to Parker’s Ridge. This trail is the most direct route to Tumbledown Pond. About 1 miles further west on the Byron Road is the Loop Trail.

All three trails lead to the summit area and, ultimately, to Tumbledown Pond. The Tumbledown Ridge Trail connects the northern termini of the three trails and the East and West Peaks. The West Peak, which is the high point, can be reached by continuing west on the Tumbledown Ridge Trail for a short distance beyond the end of the Loop Trail. Nearby, there is a nesting area for the endangered Peregrine falcon. The East Peak is two-tenths of a mile east of the Loop Trail junction, and it is a short half-mile further east to the pond. There is no trail to the north peak, but on a clear day there are several obvious routes that can be seen.

Since the three trail heads are relatively close together, they lend themselves to several different loop-trip options. During a recent hike, we ascended Parker’s Ridge Trail, hiked Tumbledown Ridge Trail to West Peak and then returned and descended the Brook Trail. On previous trips, we did hikes that included the Loop Trail and bushwhacks to North Peak and the summit of Little Jackson.

Although it attracts large numbers of hikers, Tumbledown is not an easy hike. All of the ascending and descending trails are in excess of 1 miles and have sections that are quite steep and require dexterity and stamina. Caution should be exercised if conditions are wet or icy. Some sections are perilously close to steep cliffs. Even a light layer of snow can obliterate the blazes painted on the rocks and cause the unwary hiker to lose the trail. The elevation gain for all three trails approximates 1,500 feet.

Even on clear, warm days, hikers should be prepared for damp or cool conditions at higher elevations. Wind pants and jackets, headgear, mittens and good hiking boots are essential. Take plenty of water, snack food and at least one first aid kit. Each party should carry maps, compasses and emergency whistles. A GPs and cell phone should be considered. Two excellent sources of information on hiking Tumbledown Mountain are the ACM Maine Mountain Guide and Fifty Hikes in Northern Maine.

There is a special attraction to Tumbledown that is almost addictive. If the experience of my friends and I are any indication, one hike to Tumbledown will be your first of many.