NewEnglandTrailConditions.com
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Ski
Hiking Trail Conditions Report
Peaks
Peaks Mt. OJI, Mt. Coe, South Brother, North Brother, Fort Mountain, Mt. Katahdin - Hamlin Peak, Mt. Katahdin - Baxter Peak, ME
Trails
Trails: Mt. OJI trail, OJI Link Trail, Mt. Coe Trail, Marston Trail, herd path, bushwhack, Northwest Basin Trail, Hamlin Ridge Trail, Saddle Trail, Hunt Trail
Date of Hike
Date of Hike: Saturday, June 29, 2013
Parking/Access Road Notes
Parking/Access Road Notes: The Park roads were in great shape in spite of the recent heavy rains 
Surface Conditions
Surface Conditions: Wet Trail, Wet/Slippery Rock, Mud - Minor/Avoidable, Mud - Significant, Standing/Running Water on Trail 
Recommended Equipment
Recommended Equipment:  
Water Crossing Notes
Water Crossing Notes: Most of the crossings were easy. Wassataquoik was challenging, but offered many options for crossing.  
Trail Maintenance Notes
Trail Maintenance Notes: The trails in Baxter are much narrower with infringing branches. In the Whites these would be noted as needing maintenance. The trails have a much less travelled feel which I enjoyed despite the constant car washing.  
Dog-Related Notes
Dog-Related Notes: Not allowed in BSP 
Bugs
Bugs: Bugs were surprisingly light, though lingering for long was not a good idea 
Lost and Found
Lost and Found:  
 
Comments
Comments: Everything in BSP was wet. Ponds, puddles, streams, trails, etc. Most of the trails were in surprisingly good shape. There were a few bad ponding spots and several sections on NW Basin tr were completely under six inches of flowing water. Everywhere there were temporary cascades and falls, and all the waterways were full and exuberant. The herd path to Fort is easily followed by watching the footbed.

I realized that by bushwacking off Fort I could link onto NW Basin Tr to make a loop. The several miles on the map were much more challenging in real life, and took me hours to cover. The crossing of Wassataquouk had me nervous all morning. As I approached I could hear it roaring. Luckily it is very rocky and I was able to link up some large rocks and some blowdowns to get across it. The NW Basin trail is beautiful on its approach to Cowles Lake with cascades and falls paralleling it. Descent from Baxter Peak was made more difficult by the driving rain and hail. Half an hour of lightning kept my heart rate high.

Hunt tr was not a good choice for descending, but got me back to my bicycle spot to complete the loop. The thunderstorm moved through quickly and I got some great views back across to The Brothers et al. I will have to get back to Baxter in better weather so I can take in the views. A great hike!  
Name
Name: Wayne 
E-Mail
E-Mail: Pfwayne@hotmail.com 
Date Submitted
Date Submitted: 2013-06-30 
Link
Link: https:// 
Bookmark and Share Disclaimer: Reports are not verified - conditions may vary. Use at own risk. Always be prepared when hiking. Observe all signs. Trail conditions reports are not substitutes for weather reports or common sense.

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