| Hiking Trail Conditions Report |
 | Peaks |
East Mountain, VT |
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 | Trails: |
Radar Road |
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 | Date of Hike: |
Sunday, September 10, 2017 |
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 | Parking/Access Road Notes: |
I parked at the old base station along Radar Rd, 2.2 miles from the summit of East Mountain (according to a previous report). To get there, I drove VT 114 a couple miles north of East Burke town center and then turned right onto Victory Rd (sign: "Gallup Mills"). I drove Victory Rd about seven miles toward Granby, then turned left onto Radar Rd, which was a dirt road that led into logging territory. (Watch for logging trucks- they have the right of way here.) Stay straight on this road- don't take any of the left or right spur roads. Over halfway in, I drove over a wooden bridge (use caution in a smaller vehicle, as the wooden "tire tracks" on the bridge are a little far apart), and a little over four miles from Victory Rd, I went through an open gate, then turned right at a fork. Drove about two miles, passing through another open gate, and parked at the old base station off to the right. |
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 | Surface Conditions: |
Dry Trail, Wet Trail |
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 | Recommended Equipment: |
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 | Water Crossing Notes: |
No crossings. |
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 | Trail Maintenance Notes: |
The "trail" is a paved road that leads all the way to the summit and the abandoned air force station atop it. The road in general was in very good shape and could easily be driven all the way to the top in almost any vehicle, but near the old base station (where I parked), there is a washed out culvert with an old oil tank blocking the way. There is a way around it, but only a 4WD, high-clearance vehicle could get around it. Also, the road can be slippery when wet, so watch your step if that is the case. |
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 | Dog-Related Notes: |
There is a lot of broken glass at the trailhead and the summit, so use caution if bringing a dog here. |
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 | Bugs: |
Almost none due to temps being in the 50s. |
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 | Lost and Found: |
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 | Comments: |
From where I parked at the old base station, I walked Radar Rd, which started off as a dirt road, to the blocked-off area. Hopped the washed out culvert and continued up the road, which turned to pavement, and remained paved all the way to the summit. For being abandoned for so long, it was in very good condition, although the very edges of the road have been reclaimed by nature. The road got a bit steeper near the top, but it was easily walked, and I got to the top in about 45 minutes. The summit area looks like something out of a sci-fi movie- abandoned buildings, graffiti/vandalism, and just an overall eerie feel. Some of the bigger buildings can be entered, and some even have stairs/ladders to the very tops. Enter/climb at your own risk, as the condition of some of the floors/stairs/ladders is questionable. Very weird place, but I'm glad I went. This was #33 on the New England 50 Finest list for me. |
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 | Name: |
Spencer |
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 | E-Mail: |
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| Date Submitted: |
2017-09-10 |
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 | Link: |
 https:// |
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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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