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Ski
Hiking Trail Conditions Report
Peaks
Peaks Bemis Mountain - West Peak, Bemis Mountain - East Peak, Bemis Mountain - Third Peak, Bemis Mountain - Second Peak, Bemis Mountain - First Peak, ME
Trails
Trails: Bemis Stream Trail, Appalachian Trail
Date of Hike
Date of Hike: Sunday, October 11, 2020
Parking/Access Road Notes
Parking/Access Road Notes: We parked at the AT crossing on the Bemis Road. There's room for a few cars there, but we were the only car there. 
Surface Conditions
Surface Conditions: Dry Trail, Wet Trail, Wet/Slippery Rock, Standing/Running Water on Trail, Mud - Minor/Avoidable, Leaves - Significant/Slippery 
Recommended Equipment
Recommended Equipment:  
Water Crossing Notes
Water Crossing Notes: We were able to stay dry at all crossings, but there was one bog crossing on the Bemis Stream Trail that required balancing on skinny logs. There was also a fair amount of standing and running water on various sections of trail. 
Trail Maintenance Notes
Trail Maintenance Notes: The trails are generally well maintained with just some blow downs to go over or under. 
Dog-Related Notes
Dog-Related Notes: This would be a good hike for dogs, we saw one out on the trail. 
Bugs
Bugs: none 
Lost and Found
Lost and Found:  
 
Comments
Comments: Bemis Mountain (West Peak, East Peak, Third Peak, Second Peak, & First Peak

Today, Emma and I hiked the Bemis Loop from the Bemis Road. We parked at the AT crossing and started with a ~1 mile road walk to the Bemis Stream Trail.

The Bemis Stream Trail was a gradual uphill until the last 3/4 mile when it climbs steadily to the ridgeline where it meets the AT. The Bemis Stream Trail was well marked and mostly easy to follow and we were able to stay dry at all of the stream crossings, however one crossing was pretty sketchy.

We followed the AT along the ridgeline and crossed all 5 peaks of Bemis Mountain. West Peak is the highest, but didn't have many views. East Peak and Third Peak both had some good directional views. This section of ridgeline also had a number of wet spots, but all could be crossed without too much difficulty. The section of trail near Second Peak was open ridge walking and there were beautiful views in all directions. There were just a few restricted views on First Peak before we descended steeply back to the Bemis Road. In total, the loop is about 12.5 miles and 2,900' of elevation gain.

It was a cold day, starting in the 30s and only climbing to the mid 40s and it was windy. The ridgeline was especially cold and the trees had rime ice on them. However, the sun was out which made for a few nice warm spots out of the wind.

On the drive back, we stopped at Height of Land where we were able to see almost the entire route of our hike.

It was such a great day on a mountain that doesn't see much traffic, except for AT hikers. We only saw 4 other people, one thu-hiker (heading south) and a group of three people who looked like they were out for a shorter overnight trip.  
Name
Name: Sam Shirley 
E-Mail
E-Mail: newenglandskier13@aol.com 
Date Submitted
Date Submitted: 2020-10-12 
Link
Link: https:// 
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