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Ski
Hiking Trail Conditions Report
Peaks
Peaks Old Blue Mountain, ME
Trails
Trails: Appalachian Trail
Date of Hike
Date of Hike: Saturday, May 23, 2020
Parking/Access Road Notes
Parking/Access Road Notes: Only a few roadside spots near the trailhead. There is additional parking a short distance down the road. South Arm Road is nicely paved all the way to Richardson Lake. Sign with hiker symbol before trailhead. AT insignias on road at trailhead. 
Surface Conditions
Surface Conditions: Dry Trail, Wet Trail, Wet/Slippery Rock, Standing/Running Water on Trail, Mud - Significant, Snow - Spring Snow 
Recommended Equipment
Recommended Equipment:  
Water Crossing Notes
Water Crossing Notes: No significant water crossings 
Trail Maintenance Notes
Trail Maintenance Notes: Several downed trees. I cut many of the trees but some remain. A cluster of trees (one large tree) was down in the section of trail at the top of the ascent from Black Brook Notch. Trail well blazed. 
Dog-Related Notes
Dog-Related Notes: May be difficult for dogs as there are two sets of iron rung ladders and a steep cliff edge. Also, during the dry season there is probably not much water (not a problem today). 
Bugs
Bugs: Some black fly but not a real nuisance. 
Lost and Found
Lost and Found:  
 
Comments
Comments: I opted for Old Blue Mountain to avoid the holiday weekend crowds. I saw two pairs of hikers and one trio. All seven hikers turned back at the snow line. This was a good decision if you did not have the proper footwear. Today's hike up Old Blue Mountain required waterproof boots and gaiters to keep the feet dry. The trail out of Black Brook Notch was dry with good footing. The mid section of the hike was on level to a low grade pitch with lots of moose poop which required dexterity to avoid stepping in. The upper rise to the summit was on weak/soft snow often with running water beneath. There was no perceptible monorail. Frequently the snow crumbled or I ended up postholing 1 to 2 feet. Snowshoes would not have been practical as the snow stretches were frequently interrupted by running water on bare rocks or ledges. In one spot my boot was sucked in to the mud. Nearing the summit there was less snow but there was lots of running water including the ledge with the iron rung ladder and railing. The summit was dry bare rock. Great views to the south included Mt Washington, Grafton Notch peaks, Rumford Whitecap, and the Kilkenny Range. Immediately to the west was Elephant Mountain. The views to the north were obscured by the scrub. It did not appear anyone had recently ventured north on the AT from the summit.
Many wildflowers at the lower elevations included hobblebush, spring beauties, trout lilies, painted trillium, and red trillium. At the summit a songbird (warbler?) provided the soundtrack.  
Name
Name: WAUMBEK 
E-Mail
E-Mail: WAUMBEK at Roadrunner dot com 
Date Submitted
Date Submitted: 2020-05-23 
Link
Link: https:// 
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.

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