NewEnglandTrailConditions.com
NewEnglandTrailConditions.com:
MA
|
ME
|
NH
|
RI/CT
|
VT
|
Ski
Hiking Trail Conditions Report
Peaks
Peaks Mt. Abraham, Spaulding Mountain, Sugarloaf Mountain, ME
Trails
Trails: Fire Warden's Trail, Mt. Abraham Side Trail, Appalachian Trail, Spaulding Side Trail, Sugarloaf Side Trail, ski trails
Date of Hike
Date of Hike: Monday, August 14, 2017
Parking/Access Road Notes
Parking/Access Road Notes: Thanks to another great trail conditions post by Brian Tausendfreund, I knew we would be able to drive directly to the Mount Abraham trailhead. Here is what he wrote: "The Rapid Stream Road is in better condition than in 2014 because it is being maintained by the logging companies. They also replaced the two bridges crossing the river just before you get to the trailhead. After crossing the two bridges turn right and it takes you right to the trailhead.... Most cars should be able to get to the trailhead if you are careful. This is an intersection with no parking lot. We were able to park without blocking the intersection." I would add one important thing. The road splits just before you get to the two bridges. Follow the curve of the road to the left. Do not go straight! If you do you, will find yourself on a very rough ATV road wondering who the hell is going to rescue you if you get stuck.  
Surface Conditions
Surface Conditions: Dry Trail, Mud - Minor/Avoidable 
Recommended Equipment
Recommended Equipment:  
Water Crossing Notes
Water Crossing Notes: The first water crossing has a large tree lying across it so we just traversed across the tree. All other water crossings on this trail are small walk overs. 
Trail Maintenance Notes
Trail Maintenance Notes: The 4000footer page http://4000footers.com/spaulding.shtml shows a similar route, but heading down the AT trail to Caribou Pond Road (AKA Caribou Valley Road) instead of hiking down the ski trails. It states the hike is only 13.2 miles. We hiked the ski trails down and calculated the entire hike to be 16.7 miles. I think the total mileage, for the trails listed on the 4000footer page, may be closer to 15 miles than 13.2. 
Dog-Related Notes
Dog-Related Notes: The rock slide up to Abraham could be very uncomfortable for a dog's foot pads. If you have ever climbed Caps Ridge to Jefferson, the rocks have a similar jagged sharpness to them. Other than that, the trail should present no problem for a dog used to hiking the distance. There was no water on the trail from Mount Abraham until just below the summit of Sugarloaf. There is a small AT water supply located on the left hand side of the trail, approximately a 1/4 mile below the summit. Bring extra water for both you and your dog!  
Bugs
Bugs: Not too bad until coming down Sugarloaf, then it became annoying. Not biting, just floating around the face.  
Lost and Found
Lost and Found: none 
 
Comments
Comments: Fire Warden's Trail, Mt. Abraham Side Trail, Appalachian Trail, Spaulding Side Trail, Sugarloaf Side Trail, Multi-use ski trail, Heavy machinery road, ski trail to Sugarloaf parking lot.

#65, #66, #67 for the finish! My NE67 are now complete :).
More details and photos in my blog link below.  
Name
Name: Solowoodlandwanderer 
E-Mail
E-Mail: bugsandthings@comcast.net 
Date Submitted
Date Submitted: 2017-08-25 
Link
Link: https://solowoodlandwanderer.blogspot.com/2017/08/abraham-65-spaulding-66-and-sugarloaf.html 
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.

Copyright 2009-2024, All Rights Reserved