Hiking Trail Conditions Report |
| Peaks |
Mt. Katahdin - Baxter Peak, Mt. Katahdin - Hamlin Peak, ME |
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| Trails: |
Chimney Pond Trail, Saddle Trail, Northwest Basin Trail, Hamlin Ridge Trail |
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| Date of Hike: |
Friday, June 25, 2021 |
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| Parking/Access Road Notes: |
Roaring Brook Road is a narrow gravel road, well-maintained, should be OK for any vehicle. Parked at Roaring Brook Campground, lots of cars but still plenty of spaces. Separate parking lots for campers and day use. |
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| Surface Conditions: |
Dry Trail |
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| Recommended Equipment: |
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| Water Crossing Notes: |
All bridged, including some that are currently dry stream beds. |
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| Trail Maintenance Notes: |
Trails are in good shape and well-marked. Signage is good, though some signs above treeline are becoming illegible due to weathering. Northwest Basin Trail has some narrow spots between the Saddle and Caribou Spring, that could use some brushing out. |
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| Dog-Related Notes: |
No dogs allowed in Baxter State Park. |
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| Bugs: |
Mosquitoes and black flies were out in the woods. I covered up and used DEET, no bites. No problem above treeline in the breeze. |
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| Lost and Found: |
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| Comments: |
This was a great hike. Katahdin is the most beautiful mountain in New England, IMO. Especially once you get above treeline, the views are stunning in all directions.
Everything is dry, no mud on the trails and not much water.
Descending the Hamlin Ridge Trail was a love/hate thing. The views from the ridge are absolutely spectacular. On the other hand, the trail itself was kind of a pain, due to constant scrambling and picking my way down through the big boulders. Nothing really scary or dangerous, but requiring constant attention, every step. Mentally exhausting, as well as physically. Really all these trails are rough and rocky. It's just part of the experience, but your pace may be slower than expected. Mine certainly was.
I camped two nights at Chimney Pond Campground. This is a hike-in campsite; you need to pack everything in 3.3 miles from Roaring Brook. Beautiful spot, well-built lean-to's, helpful rangers. It's popular, so you need to reserve months ahead. |
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| Name: |
GregM |
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| E-Mail: |
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| Date Submitted: |
2021-06-26 |
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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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