| Hiking Trail Conditions Report |
 | Peaks |
Potato Hill, ME |
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 | Trails: |
Kennison Road, woods roads, old ski trails, bushwhack, Potato Hill Trail North |
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 | Date of Hike: |
Tuesday, September 28, 2021 |
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 | Parking/Access Road Notes: |
No parking area, but enough room roadside |
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 | Surface Conditions: |
Dry Trail |
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 | Recommended Equipment: |
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 | Water Crossing Notes: |
None |
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 | Trail Maintenance Notes: |
Potato Hill Trail is in good shape for a rarely maintained trail with only a few blowdowns |
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 | Dog-Related Notes: |
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 | Bugs: |
None |
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 | Lost and Found: |
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|
 | Comments: |
Today I returned to one of my local easy hikes, but this time with a twist. On the northwest slope of Potato Hill in Temple, away from the existing hiking trails, Tater Mountain Ski Area operated in the 1960s and 70s. The ski area is still surprisingly intact, and it's fun to explore.
I parked where the trail leaves Kennison Road and walked along the road to its end. After entering the woods past the house at the end of the road, it was only a short way along an old road until I reached where the old T-bar crossed. First, I followed the old lift down to the base of the ski area where the return terminal is located. All of the lift towers are still intact, many light poles are still standing, and the haul rope is even still tensioned.
After exploring the lower part of the lift, I retraced my steps and followed the lift to the drive at the top. This lift is rather unique because it has a vault drive which is rare on ski lifts in the East. The operator's hut and storage shed were mostly collapsed, but the motor was visible underneath and many T-bars were still intact.
From here, it was a relatively easy bushwhacked to the ledges at the summit of Potato Hill. before descending, I visited the view ledges on the north side of the ridge, where there were great foliage views! This was a very interesting exploration, and it's pretty amazing how intact the ski lift still is! |
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 | Name: |
Sam Shirley |
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 | E-Mail: |
newenglandskier13@aol.com |
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| Date Submitted: |
2021-09-28 |
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 | Link: |
 https://m.facebook.com/groups/MaineHiking/permalink/2384802934995420/ |
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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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