New Surficial Geologic Maps Released
New surficial geology maps for the Rome, Belgrade Lakes, Old Speck Mountain and Maine portion of the Success Pond quadrangles highlight the natural history of two very popular recreation destinations in Maine: the Belgrade Lakes and Grafton Notch State Park areas. Visitors to the Belgrade Lakes region can experience hikes over stony, glacial till-covered uplands in the Kennebec Highlands with views of the glacially sculpted landscape and lake basins. The prominent Horse Point Esker system traverses Great Pond and is visible as peninsulas and islands in the lake. Glaciomarine deposits are present in the lowlands that were covered by the late-glacial sea at the end of the last Ice Age. The Old Speck quadrangle contains Grafton Notch State Park and portions of the Mahoosuc State Public Reserved Lands, where there are wonderful examples of glacial landforms, such as the glacially carved U-shaped valley now occupied by the Bear River that is visible from overlooks like The Eyebrow. An esker ridge is visible from the Spruce Meadow Picnic Area, and landslide scars can be seen on the flank of Old Speck Mountain from Table Rock. Bedrock gorges in the Bear River Valley, such as the iconic Screw Auger Falls, were initiated by powerful, sediment-laden glacial meltwater flow. Appalachian Trail hikers can take a break and observe some classic glacial striations on Mahoosuc Arm after completing the challenging scramble through talus in Mahoosuc Notch. Be sure to check out these maps before your next visit to these areas.
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