| Hiking Trail Conditions Report |
 | Peaks |
Sugarloaf Mountain, Spaulding Mountain, ME |
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 | Trails: |
Access road, various ski trails, Sugarloaf Side Trail, Appalachian Trail, Spaulding Side Trail |
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 | Date of Hike: |
Wednesday, August 16, 2017 |
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 | Parking/Access Road Notes: |
There is plenty of parking at the ski area in the summer. The base lodge complex has restaurants, shops, and bathrooms open. Some of these have free ski trail maps available. |
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 | Surface Conditions: |
Dry Trail, Wet Trail |
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 | Recommended Equipment: |
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 | Water Crossing Notes: |
Nothing of any significance, just a few puddles to avoid after rain on the AT.
Some hikers who had come up from Caribou Pond Road said that the water crossing was no problem today. |
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 | Trail Maintenance Notes: |
The AT and the side trail were very nice and easy for walking. The ski trails are steep but efficient. |
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 | Dog-Related Notes: |
BYODW. Lucy, you're a GOOD GIRL, and very talented at chasing rocks. How many other dogs can find that one rock when rocks are everywhere? |
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 | Bugs: |
Very few! |
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 | Lost and Found: |
On one of the ski trails, I found a rock with what looks like a plant fossil resembling the false dandelions, but it's probably just a mineral deposit. |
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 | Comments: |
Having a ski trails map is helpful for staying somewhat oriented. I tried to follow the route suggested by the people at the outdoors center near the base lodge and hotel, Access Road to Tote Road to summit. I fell off the route a few times, but there is no mistaking which way is uphill on ski trails so the exact route doesn't matter that much. On descent I followed Tote Road all the way down (well marked for those going downhill), and found a few parts that were steeper than the rest.
I met a lot of people on the AT, including some through hikers but more day hikers. At the viewpoint a bit beyond the summit of Spaulding, I think I saw a Bicknell's Thrush (threatened species), though it wasn't a positive id. The bird was chirping and carrying a bright red berry in its bill without dropping it. It seemed curious about me, flying from perch to perch to get closer and looking at me. |
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 | Name: |
peaksseeker |
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 | E-Mail: |
peaksseeker@yahoo.com |
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| Date Submitted: |
2017-08-19 |
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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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