| Hiking Trail Conditions Report |
 | Peaks |
Saddleback Mountain, Saddleback Mountain - The Horn, ME |
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 | Trails: |
Appalachian Trail |
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 | Date of Hike: |
Wednesday, July 15, 2020 |
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 | Parking/Access Road Notes: |
The Appalachian Trail parking lot on Route 4 had two other cars when I arrived, four when I left, on a weekday. |
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 | Surface Conditions: |
Dry Trail, Wet Trail, Wet/Slippery Rock, Standing/Running Water on Trail, Mud - Significant |
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 | Recommended Equipment: |
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 | Water Crossing Notes: |
All rock hops, but watch out for slippery rocks. In the end, my feet were so wet from the trail that the rock hops didn't make much difference. |
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 | Trail Maintenance Notes: |
A sign at the beginning said trail maintenance is suspended due to COVID-19. If so, the trail is in decent shape, considering. Some blowdowns, all negotiable. Some bog bridges need attention, especially in the area from Ethel Pond to Eddy Pond. Some sections could use brushing out. Trail is generally well marked, with the usual white blazes and cairns above treeline. There was a lot of mud, standing water and running water on the trail, but that's to be expected after recent rains. |
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 | Dog-Related Notes: |
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 | Bugs: |
Minimal. A few mosquitoes in the woods, DEET was sufficient. Some bee/wasp things at each of the summits, annoying but they didn't sting me. |
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 | Lost and Found: |
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 | Comments: |
This is a beautiful hike, especially the long stretches above treeline. This route makes for a long hike (14.6 miles RT) and a long day. I wasn't sure how to do other routes (ski trails, Berry Picker's) but then I'm easily confused. There is a fair amount of rock scrambling, both above and below treeline. Nothing really scary, but a lot of spots that require attention. The rocks generally have good traction, or would if they were dry. With so much water on the trail, the wet rocks were treacherous at times. Not to mention the constant wet feet. But still well worth it, a great day on a fabulous mountain. |
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 | Name: |
GregM |
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 | E-Mail: |
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| Date Submitted: |
2020-07-16 |
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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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