Hiking Trail Conditions Report |
| Peaks |
Gulf Hagas, ME |
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| Trails: |
Appalachian Trail, Rim Trail, Pleasant Brook Tote Road Trail |
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| Date of Hike: |
Tuesday, July 16, 2019 |
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| Parking/Access Road Notes: |
Parking for 10+ cars at the designated trailhead on Katahdin Iron Works Rd. KI Road is in great shape. Nice gravel road to, and past, the KI checkpoint. This road has great signs last the checkpoint. Fee charged. $10 per adult for day use. Additional fees for camping at the awesome maintained campsites along the Pleasant River. Visit https://www.northmainewoods.org/ki-jo-mary/campsites.html for more information. |
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| Surface Conditions: |
Dry Trail, Mud - Minor/Avoidable |
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| Recommended Equipment: |
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| Water Crossing Notes: |
Ford the western branch of the Peasant River within 0.2 mi of the parking area. This was ankle deep at the time of our crossing. Rocks were slippery and hard, though. Other crossings were rock hoppable. |
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| Trail Maintenance Notes: |
Update blue blazes on the Rim Trail north of “The Jaws.†These were faded but discernible. Signs were well placed and informative. Note to newer hikers: read ALL parts of the signs. Some persons had gotten turned in the wrong direction because they read only one side of the sign post. The maps provided by the checkpoint are helpful, more so for moderate level hikers with some experience on the AT. |
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| Dog-Related Notes: |
There were no four legged creatures out today. |
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| Bugs: |
Oh yeah. This is Maine. Bugs are complimentary to every outdoor expedition in Maine woods. Many mosquitoes, deer flies, and black flies. Best of luck...
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| Lost and Found: |
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| Comments: |
The Gulf Hagas is considered the “Grand Canyon†of Maine. I now see why. It does resemble the other canyon in the west, except that there are FAR more trees and color. Of course, the Maine version is superior (wink, wink).
This trail is well maintained and worth the trek to take a look at this unique canyon and multiple waterfalls.
Of note, the kiosk at the start of the trail states that this trail is strenuous. Well, if you are not from Maine and don’t hike the mountains of western Maine, then yes, this may be a bit hard in some sections. For those that comb the rugged faces of Maine mountains; this is an easy hike.
Reward for everyone: hike the Rim Trail (from its beginning off the AT) to the Head of the Gulf on a hot day and you will be rewarded with a lovely swim in an excellent swimming hole. Totally worth it! |
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| Name: |
Remington34 |
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| E-Mail: |
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| Date Submitted: |
2019-07-17 |
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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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