| Hiking Trail Conditions Report |
 | Peaks |
Moxie Mountain, ME |
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 | Trails: |
Moxie Mountain West Trail |
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 | Date of Hike: |
Wednesday, August 4, 2021 |
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 | Parking/Access Road Notes: |
The road is was in good shape and fine for any vehicle most of the way. It should be noted that about the first 4 miles are actively being used by logging trucks, so drivers should exercise caution. However, the short road leading to the trailhead was in rough shape with numerous washouts and a damaged bridge. This required some care to navigate, but I was able to make it in my Subaru Forester without issue. If you choose not to drive this last section of road, it only adds 0.4 mile each way to your hike.
From the trailhead, the trail starts climbing steeply immediately. It climbs quite steeply for a while before flattening out on a ridge. It then enters ledgy areas and passes the short spur to Moxie's iconic West Cliffs. Although this trail sees less traffic than the trail from the south, it is well maintained, well marked, and is very easy to follow. I'd say the trail is of similar difficulty as the one from the south. |
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 | Surface Conditions: |
Dry Trail |
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 | Recommended Equipment: |
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 | Water Crossing Notes: |
No water crossings |
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 | Trail Maintenance Notes: |
Trail is very well maintained and marked! |
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 | Dog-Related Notes: |
Good hike for dogs |
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 | Bugs: |
Very few |
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 | Lost and Found: |
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|
 | Comments: |
After hiking Moxie Mountain from the south this spring, I decided to return and try the West Trailhead near Deer Bog. The road is was in good shape and fine for any vehicle most of the way. It should be noted that about the first 4 miles are actively being used by logging trucks, so drivers should exercise caution. However, the short road leading to the trailhead was in rough shape with numerous washouts and a damaged bridge. This required some care to navigate, but I was able to make it in my Subaru Forester without issue. If you choose not to drive this last section of road, it only adds 0.4 mile each way to your hike.
From the trailhead, the trail starts climbing steeply immediately. It climbs quite steeply for a while before flattening out on a ridge. It then enters ledgy areas and passes the short spur to Moxie's iconic West Cliffs. Although this trail sees less traffic than the trail from the south, it is well maintained, well marked, and is very easy to follow. I'd say the trail is of similar difficulty as the one from the south.
After the two trails join, it's a relatively steep 0.4 mile to the summit with a few brief scrambles. The summit area has a view ledge, a solar array, communication antennas, and a helipad. The views were a bit restricted due to smoke, but not too bad.
On the descent, I spent over an hour on the West Cliffs. The viewpoint is so unique and is one of my favorite views anywhere. I spotted a moose and a calf feeding in a nearby bog through my binoculars, and I watched the moose and a logging operation for a while before descending the rest of the way. On the drive out, I walked the short trail to the western Decker Pond.
Moxie is far from the tallest mountain in the state, but it remains one of my favorite hikes due to its stunning views, unique landscape, and minimal traffic! |
|
 | Name: |
Sam Shirley |
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 | E-Mail: |
newenglandskier13@aol.com |
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| Date Submitted: |
2021-08-04 |
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 | Link: |
 https://www.facebook.com/groups/MaineHiking/permalink/2340953292713718/ |
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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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