Mallen Pohn Pehnmen
In the remote mountainous area called Pohn Pehnmen is an upland savannah similar to those on the Nihpit plateau, but smaller and at a much higher elevation. The meadow, reached by deviating west from the Enipein Powe trail to Nahnalaud, has a strong slope to it with a central hill and an open view of the ocean and lowlands. Most of the area is covered by low, spreading ferns and club moss, while giant tree ferns and endemic kotop palms (Clinostigma ponapensis) are clustered along the fringe.
Like Nihpit, the moderately difficult, but rarely steep, trail is dominated by groves of Atuna racemosa, which Pohnpeians call ais. This tree’s unusually hard wood, termite-resistant quality, and straightness makes it a popular choice for construction projects on the island. The fruit are also used medicinally and to create the red paint commonly used on Pohnpei canoe hulls. You’ll see bio-luminescent salengen eni (“ghost’s ear”) mushrooms, many types of bracket fungi, including one that has sadly been the target of poaching by visitors from at least one Asian nation, and a startling diversity of bryophitic growths on trees and logs. There are a number of small stream crossings. Birders will find a lot to look at both in the forests on the way up and around the meadow.
The hike begins at the end of the road near the FSM Telecom mobile phone tower, cuts through a grassy clearing, and enters the first. The 0.26 km (0.16 mi) to the first branch in the path is mostly flat; bear right. After that it climbs pretty steadily for 1.4 km (0.87 mi) at about a 17-18% slope. There’s another branch about 0.52 km (0.32 mi) from the top; again, bear right.
- Plan for 5-8 hours for this hike.
- Please visit the Local Guides & Tour Operators page for a list of experienced guides available for hikes to Mallen Pohn Pehnmen. Offer $25-50.00 for a group of five or less.