| Hiking Trail Conditions Report |
 | Peaks |
Big Moose Mountain, ME |
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 | Trails: |
Big Moose Mountain Trail |
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 | Date of Hike: |
Thursday, July 25, 2019 |
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 | Parking/Access Road Notes: |
Parking for 8-10 cars in designated lot on North Road off of ME 5/16. Well signed. Amazing signs, actually. North Road is a well maintained gravel road for any vehicle, even a Prius. :)
Lot was empty when we arrived and full when we left. On this on a Thursday... |
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 | Surface Conditions: |
Dry Trail, Mud - Minor/Avoidable |
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 | Recommended Equipment: |
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 | Water Crossing Notes: |
None |
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 | Trail Maintenance Notes: |
Beautifully maintained trail. Sparse to non-existence blazing above the old Fire Warden’s cabin, but easy to follow footpath. You should do this trail just for the rock stairs alone. My gad are those things a work of art... |
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 | Dog-Related Notes: |
A couple of beautiful labs/lab mixes out having a good time. No obstacles that would compromise their safety. |
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 | Bugs: |
Well, this is Maine. Bugs are complimentary to any outdoor expedition. Be forewarned... |
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 | Lost and Found: |
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 | Comments: |
What a lovely trail! Expect the first half to be deceiving. Excellent, well made trail to the old, dilapidated Fire Warden’s cabin. Then these gorgeous, numerous rock stairs appear. Oh my. These are worth admiring in their own right. Man, the last 100 years show such dedication to the construction of a solid trail, even if it was for other goals.
So, the summit of Big Moose (formerly Big Squaw) was the sight of the first fire tower in Maine in circa 1905. This log cabin type tower was replaced by a steel one in 1919. Now there exists a modern communications tower and cabin with solar panels (at the summit, a larger communications array is present 0.1 miles further north along the summit ridge). The remnants of the steel tower are still there at the true summit.
Of note, the last reliable water point is the brook just north of the old deteriorating cabin. After that, it is totally dry.
Excellent views of Moosehead Lake then all the way to Katahdin today. Several hikers out on the trail on this lovely moderate day. Curious to know if winter hikers use route from Squaw Ski area? The route taken today would seem unnecessarily steep and fore boarding in winter... |
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 | Name: |
Remington34 |
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 | E-Mail: |
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| Date Submitted: |
2019-07-25 |
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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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