Quick trick for crossing creeks on the AT in Maine

I was hiking the 100 Mile Wilderness last September and kept having to ford these sketchy streams. Found out if you grab a sturdy stick about 5 feet long and use it as a third leg, you stay way more stable on slick rocks. Saved me from taking a dip in the West Branch of the Pleasant River near the White Cap trailhead. Anyone else use a hiking pole or stick for creek crossings up there?

2 comments

2 Comments

wren_carr14d agoMost Upvoted

Whoa, you almost ate it in the Pleasant River?

sam_wood6014d ago

@wren_carr That spot by White Cap is no joke. I did the 100 Mile in '21 and used the same trick with a big stick for the Pleasant River crossing. Felt like a total dork at first but that third point of contact saved me from going for a swim. Those rocks are like greased bowling balls when they're wet. I actually ended up keeping that stick for the rest of the hike, called it my "water friend.